Aa
what do you suggest?
I'm a 47 yr old female, RN background and I been suffering from PVC/PACs for the last 2 months. Had stress echo and echo done everything looks good. At age 21 was dx with MVP now they state that it is not that way anylonger. In the last two months I've missed work, have everyday PVCs around 3 to 15 per day, on stressful days 30 on up. I've tried Topral which made me weak and non functional, they suggested Beta Pace and Cartazam. Xanax has been given to me for anxiety. I'm not a big pill taker. Even afraid to take because I've seen what it has done in the past to others. Currently, taking Calcium/Mag which helps with the anxiety. B/P fluctuates from 120/80 to 130/90. Glucose was considered prediabetic 111-125. Not able to function when I get these because they cause great anxiety. I need to be focused in my job. I know they are benign but what do you suggest? No where to turn.
Thank you so much for posting this. Maybe now this anxiety about how many PVC's in the row can kill you (if you have a healthy heart) will stop for the people who read it. That sent me into total panic until a Cardiologist calmed me down. I've been having frequent PVC's off and on for the last 40 yrs and I am still here. Of course people need to have it checked out like I did, then trust what your doctor tells you.
When I get my ectopics I can get them every 3rd or 4th beat for hours at a time. I can sympathise though because it is very alarming - when I was first diagnosed I was paralysed with fear, I could barely leave the house and was on the verge of panic attacks almost all the time. Deedles's post sums it up, though - in a heart that is structurally sound, pvc's are harmless (albeit terrifying). I was expecting to drop dead any minute. I can only say that what has helped me is no caffeine (tea, coffee, cola), smaller meals, try not to get hungry or over-tired. I felt like I couldn't do much directly about the ectopics, so I worked on the anxiety (books 'Self Help for Your Nerves', Claire Weekes, and 'Feeling Good' by Dr David Burns helped). On another site I visit, a doctor said that in 40 years he had never known a person with benign pvc's suffer a serious cardiac incident.
Meredith - your doctor may want to discuss your options and ask if you want beta blockers, though these are prescribed as much for the anxiety that pvc's cause as the pvc's themselves. He may even suggest further tests, just to put your mind at rest. Good luck.
Meredith - your doctor may want to discuss your options and ask if you want beta blockers, though these are prescribed as much for the anxiety that pvc's cause as the pvc's themselves. He may even suggest further tests, just to put your mind at rest. Good luck.
I thought this study might be helpful to anyone who hasn't read it before and is anxious about their PVCs.
Basically they followed a bunch of people for seven years who had very frequent PVCs. The average number of PVCs on holter monitoring was 566 PER HOUR, 60% of them had couplets and 26% of them had v tach. Despite all this the survival rate was the same as that of average population and their was no risk of death as a result of very frequent PVCs.
Long-term follow-up of asymptomatic healthy subjects with frequent and complex ventricular ectopy.
From 1973 to 1983 we followed 73 asymptomatic healthy subjects who were discovered to have frequent and complex ventricular ectopy. Ventricular ectopy in these subjects was measured by 24-hour ambulatory electrocardiography, which showed a mean frequency of 566 ventricular ectopic beats per hour (range, 78 to 1994), with multiform ventricular ectopic beats in 63 per cent, ventricular couplets in 60 per cent, and ventricular tachycardia in 26 per cent. Asymptomatic healthy status was confirmed by extensive noninvasive cardiologic examination, although cardiac catheterization of a subsample of subjects disclosed serious coronary artery disease in 19 per cent. Follow-up for 3.0 to 9.5 years (mean, 6.5) was accomplished in 70 subjects (96 per cent) and documented one sudden death and one death from cancer. Calculation of a standardized mortality ratio (Monson's U.S. data, 8th revision) for 448 person-years of follow-up indicated that 7.4 deaths were expected, whereas 2 occurred (standardized mortality ratio, 27; P less than 0.05). A comparison of survival of the study cohort with that of persons without coronary artery disease or with mild disease, patients with moderate disease, and men with unrecognized myocardial infarction showed a favorable prognosis for the study cohort over 10 years. We conclude that the long-term prognosis in asymptomatic healthy subjects with frequent and complex ventricular ectopy is similar to that of the healthy U.S. population and suggests no increased risk of death.
Basically they followed a bunch of people for seven years who had very frequent PVCs. The average number of PVCs on holter monitoring was 566 PER HOUR, 60% of them had couplets and 26% of them had v tach. Despite all this the survival rate was the same as that of average population and their was no risk of death as a result of very frequent PVCs.
Long-term follow-up of asymptomatic healthy subjects with frequent and complex ventricular ectopy.
From 1973 to 1983 we followed 73 asymptomatic healthy subjects who were discovered to have frequent and complex ventricular ectopy. Ventricular ectopy in these subjects was measured by 24-hour ambulatory electrocardiography, which showed a mean frequency of 566 ventricular ectopic beats per hour (range, 78 to 1994), with multiform ventricular ectopic beats in 63 per cent, ventricular couplets in 60 per cent, and ventricular tachycardia in 26 per cent. Asymptomatic healthy status was confirmed by extensive noninvasive cardiologic examination, although cardiac catheterization of a subsample of subjects disclosed serious coronary artery disease in 19 per cent. Follow-up for 3.0 to 9.5 years (mean, 6.5) was accomplished in 70 subjects (96 per cent) and documented one sudden death and one death from cancer. Calculation of a standardized mortality ratio (Monson's U.S. data, 8th revision) for 448 person-years of follow-up indicated that 7.4 deaths were expected, whereas 2 occurred (standardized mortality ratio, 27; P less than 0.05). A comparison of survival of the study cohort with that of persons without coronary artery disease or with mild disease, patients with moderate disease, and men with unrecognized myocardial infarction showed a favorable prognosis for the study cohort over 10 years. We conclude that the long-term prognosis in asymptomatic healthy subjects with frequent and complex ventricular ectopy is similar to that of the healthy U.S. population and suggests no increased risk of death.
Hello-
Mereidth, I can completely understand your frustrations and pain. I have bombarded people on this board about my PVC's and I just keep asking the same questions beacause they are so darn scary!!! Mine started almost 7 months ago and I think I can count the days on one hand where I PVC free. Most of the time I get the ones you can ALMOST ignore, but then the "ugly" ones come out of closet-oh boy.....I am a complete basket case and I am not exaggerating. I read any and everything realted to the heart and get my self more worked up-it's quite awful. At first I just thought it was my anxiety that started it, but now I'm not sure if the PVC's didn't very well START my anxiety. It's the "unknown" that is scary you know? When you don't feel well you want to know the diagnoses or what can you do to make yourself heal/feel better? Well with these PVC's it's like nobody can really tell you why they happen, "could be stress, maybe not, it could just be an electrical problem with your heart, maybe not, oh, but they are beningn, even though they don't feel like it, just take my word for it!" :-) I am making light of this to ease my OWN mind also. When it's dealing with our heart we have a right to be concerened; however, everyone who has posted on here is soooooooooooo right. When you become obsessed with it and constantly think about it, and "what if...... "what if I".......the anxiety becomes so debilitating that you don't know what to do and the PVC's become worse!!!
This summer when it first started for me I was in such a depressed state. I had a lot of health issues that I was dealing with all at one time...just a lot of stuff was going on in my life and I have three kids also-how about that :-) Anyway, my oldest daughter became the mom when my husband was at work because I could barely function. My kids noticed that "mommy was sick" and they prayed for me everyday. All I could think was "Lord, please let me live to see my kids grow up." So I know, it is a booger to say the least.
Try to hang in there and trust your doctor. Make sure you ask as many questions as you want, but also make sure you listen carefully to what he/she says. A lot of times I would forget the questions I wanted to ask and then forget what my cardio said to boot. I would be so mad at myself.
I hope and pray everyone is PVC free this Thanksgiving weekend!
Be blessed!
Mereidth, I can completely understand your frustrations and pain. I have bombarded people on this board about my PVC's and I just keep asking the same questions beacause they are so darn scary!!! Mine started almost 7 months ago and I think I can count the days on one hand where I PVC free. Most of the time I get the ones you can ALMOST ignore, but then the "ugly" ones come out of closet-oh boy.....I am a complete basket case and I am not exaggerating. I read any and everything realted to the heart and get my self more worked up-it's quite awful. At first I just thought it was my anxiety that started it, but now I'm not sure if the PVC's didn't very well START my anxiety. It's the "unknown" that is scary you know? When you don't feel well you want to know the diagnoses or what can you do to make yourself heal/feel better? Well with these PVC's it's like nobody can really tell you why they happen, "could be stress, maybe not, it could just be an electrical problem with your heart, maybe not, oh, but they are beningn, even though they don't feel like it, just take my word for it!" :-) I am making light of this to ease my OWN mind also. When it's dealing with our heart we have a right to be concerened; however, everyone who has posted on here is soooooooooooo right. When you become obsessed with it and constantly think about it, and "what if...... "what if I".......the anxiety becomes so debilitating that you don't know what to do and the PVC's become worse!!!
This summer when it first started for me I was in such a depressed state. I had a lot of health issues that I was dealing with all at one time...just a lot of stuff was going on in my life and I have three kids also-how about that :-) Anyway, my oldest daughter became the mom when my husband was at work because I could barely function. My kids noticed that "mommy was sick" and they prayed for me everyday. All I could think was "Lord, please let me live to see my kids grow up." So I know, it is a booger to say the least.
Try to hang in there and trust your doctor. Make sure you ask as many questions as you want, but also make sure you listen carefully to what he/she says. A lot of times I would forget the questions I wanted to ask and then forget what my cardio said to boot. I would be so mad at myself.
I hope and pray everyone is PVC free this Thanksgiving weekend!
Be blessed!
Wow!!!!! Olney, MD!!! I am in Sykeville, MD!!!! And I also have three boys under 6!!! And I am miserable with PACS and PVCS!!! Glad to meet you and maybe we will be able to be some support to each other!! Did you notice when your PVCs started? Mine were definitely related to my last pregnancy. I went through everything you are describing over the last 18 months. When my symptoms first started, it was all I could do to make them dinner and to bathe them. I was consumed with reading as much as I could about my new "condition". You will get better soon!! As soon as your anxiety level about it all starts to level off, so will the PVCs. Hope to hear from you soon.
You're welcome!
Feel free to visit here any time....There's usually someone around to help.
Three kids 6 and under sounds like fun to me!! I'm also a mom to 3! My kids are all grown now, but they're still a lot of fun!
Barbarella gave you great advice -- don't let this things rule you! You rule them! : )
Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Feel free to visit here any time....There's usually someone around to help.
Three kids 6 and under sounds like fun to me!! I'm also a mom to 3! My kids are all grown now, but they're still a lot of fun!
Barbarella gave you great advice -- don't let this things rule you! You rule them! : )
Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
When my PVC's kick in in full force I'd give anything if I only would get 30 or more a day. I get these numbers in minutes at times. Have been getting these episodes off and on for the last 40 yrs. My heart is healthy was checked out more than once. I can go PVC free for months up to a year, and then bingo they come back and stay for weeks to no end, every day. I still hate them, but don't let them ruin my life anymore.
If your Cardiologist tells you that they are benign you have to trust him/her, they know what they are talking about. Otherwise you will drive yourself nuts with "what if" and worry, and you will go from doctor to doctor only to hear the same all over again, and the more you concentrate and worry about these PVC's the longer they will stay.
I cannot take Beta Blockers, even a low dose sends my heart to about 30 bpm, my normal resting heart rate without Beta Blockers always has been between 54-60. Tranquelizers made the PVC's worst so I tough it out when they hit me.
If your Cardiologist tells you that they are benign you have to trust him/her, they know what they are talking about. Otherwise you will drive yourself nuts with "what if" and worry, and you will go from doctor to doctor only to hear the same all over again, and the more you concentrate and worry about these PVC's the longer they will stay.
I cannot take Beta Blockers, even a low dose sends my heart to about 30 bpm, my normal resting heart rate without Beta Blockers always has been between 54-60. Tranquelizers made the PVC's worst so I tough it out when they hit me.
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you... I have been upset all afternoon. I have these 3 little kids 6 and under I could barely make them dinner. I"m completely distracted. I actually don't have the echo back yet it was just the holter results. This board has been so helpful. I always feel better after I hear back from everyone.
Hi Meredity_jrsj,
Great news on the echo report! HOORAY!
I completely agree with deedle. In all likelihood, the doctor will talk with you about the results of the monitor and offer beta blockers (or a change in the dose) for symptomatic relief. The BB's are not medically necessary, but they are often used to decrease the sensation of the pvcs. Sometimes, they actually reduce the frequency.
I know it's sounds crazy, but 1900 really is OK as long as you have a structurally normal heart. I had about 22,000 on one holter exam and I was the ONLY person who was concerned. The doctor understood my frustration, and I was able to "manage" the pvcs with beta blockers. Though, I went on and off of them several times over the course of many years.
Try not to worry that the pvcs are a precursor to anything. That said, I know they are baffling and annoying and irritating and frustrating and scary. Learning to accept them as one of your unique "quirks" is best. It's not easy, but we're here to help.
Great news on the echo report! HOORAY!
I completely agree with deedle. In all likelihood, the doctor will talk with you about the results of the monitor and offer beta blockers (or a change in the dose) for symptomatic relief. The BB's are not medically necessary, but they are often used to decrease the sensation of the pvcs. Sometimes, they actually reduce the frequency.
I know it's sounds crazy, but 1900 really is OK as long as you have a structurally normal heart. I had about 22,000 on one holter exam and I was the ONLY person who was concerned. The doctor understood my frustration, and I was able to "manage" the pvcs with beta blockers. Though, I went on and off of them several times over the course of many years.
Try not to worry that the pvcs are a precursor to anything. That said, I know they are baffling and annoying and irritating and frustrating and scary. Learning to accept them as one of your unique "quirks" is best. It's not easy, but we're here to help.
1900 is more than usual but it's still pretty common. Like I said, I had 1786ish on a holter and I convinced myself I wasn't going to live until my appointment so I understand how you are feeling. The docs all just said it was normal and they see it all the time though.
Deedle - Thanks for the explantions. I have been feeling the exact opposite all afternoon since the nurse called. She says the holter looks good but he wants you to come in ?!?!?! How am I supposed to feel about that? and I don't know 1900 sounds like a ton of PVCs. Now I'm probably having more.
He probably just wants to give you an explanation for what you have been feeling and put your mind at ease by explaining the results of the holter...except it's kind of had the opposite effect.
I'm confused about all of this?!?!?!?!?! The nurse called today and said the halter was normal then I asked about the number that's the only reason I know what it was. I think 1900 is A LOT!!! My doctor does want me to come in. This is my next worry... why???? If the halter is ok why the follow up so soon. He obviously wants to discuss something. I'm starting to feel VERY anxious over this and I'm just not getting enough answers.. I guess that's why he wants to see me. I'm so worried I'm not sure if I'm going to able to sleep with all this on my mind. Sorry rnlisa if I'm not being of much help.
PVCs aren't harmful in themselves so they only give meds if the sensation of them is affecting your quality of life or causing anxiety. This is why you haven't been prescribed anything.
They have prescribed medication but I'm having such bad side effects on beta blockers. Typically I'm not a pill taker and would like to use other methods to help. They have mentioned that I go see an electric MD to see if they are cardiac in nature or if it caused by hormones, thyroid etc. The side effects on the meds make me feel worse than the PVCs themself. My initial holitor had a great number of PVCs on them and than they sent me to cardiologist for additional testing. I guess my concern is why I can't control this with out medication? What have you heard.
Hi mlisa,
3 to 15 PVCs per day is a very normal amount...probably no more than an average person.
Studies have shown 21% of the population getting more than 24 per day, 5% getting more than 300, 4% getting more than 500 per day, and 3% getting more than a thousand. So just think to yourself when you look at your friends and colleagues that half of them are having more PVCs than you but just don't feel them or don't pay any attention to them. Hopefully that thought can help you feel a little better. I had 1786 and no medication deemed necessary although I did go on a beta blocker as they were really driving me mad after 6 months of constant palps.
3 to 15 PVCs per day is a very normal amount...probably no more than an average person.
Studies have shown 21% of the population getting more than 24 per day, 5% getting more than 300, 4% getting more than 500 per day, and 3% getting more than a thousand. So just think to yourself when you look at your friends and colleagues that half of them are having more PVCs than you but just don't feel them or don't pay any attention to them. Hopefully that thought can help you feel a little better. I had 1786 and no medication deemed necessary although I did go on a beta blocker as they were really driving me mad after 6 months of constant palps.
do you have symptoms with your PVCs. On my halter monitor I just got back I had around 1900 and no one seems to alarmed. I just posted that my doctor does want me to come in for a visit. He isn't suggesting medication at the time. If you only have 3-15 per day and I have 1900. Why aren't they prescribing medicine.
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