pvc's and slow heart rate

[aj2g]

I am 47 yr old male and have been having pac's and pvc's for several years.  About 5 yrs ago saw cardiologist and had ultrasound, echo and stress test as well as 3 weeks of continous heart monitoring device.  Told all was fine and no sign of heart trouble.  Have been suffering from anxiety for over 30 yrs.  Take medication (xanax and paxil) for same.  A few months ago, skipped heart beats got really bad and I went to ER.  Had EKG, chest x-ray, and visit from cardiologists.  Results were anxiety and palpitations.  Visited cardiologist and had another echo and stress test (no ultrsound this time) and 24 hr holter monitor.  He said all was okay.  Heart is sound and PAC's and PVC's are benign.  What concerned me is that he said he did not want to put me on beta blocker because holter monitor showed that, at times, I have a slow heart rate and the medication would make it even slower.  I have noticed at times my heart rate is about 48 to 54 bpm.  This is while resting or doing very light activity.  This has me concerned.  I really don't exercise regularly (fear of dropping dead due to the heart issue).  Is this heart rate safe and normal?

[Michael J. McWilliams, M.D.]

From what you describe, it sounds like your risk is low (no one has no risk).  Bradycardia without symptoms is nothing to worry about.  The beta blockers are intended to decrease the sensation of PVCs not decrease the PVCs themself, although they are sometimes decreased by beta blockers.  He is not with holding beneficial or life saving therapy.  If you think a second opinion will help, do it give yourself peace of mind.

I hope this helps. Thanks for posting.

[aj2g]

You said Bradycardia without symptoms is nothing to worry about.  What would be the symptoms I would experience?