confused

[jackie9566]

In 2001 I experienced my first episode of Vtach.  I was given a holter monitor.  Which showed I was having V-Tach.  4 extra beats.  during  sleep  up to 378 beats a min.  I had a stress test which showing sustained vtach.   Also an echo  showed I had an openning between two of my chambers and mild mitral valve.  Next a cath  showed good blood flow no blockages.  I did have some weakness of the left side.  I was given Lopressor.  This did help , I didnt like the way it made me feel.    2 years later some chest pains.   nuclear stress test showed some v tach  nothing serious.  Also my blood flow was good but it looked like miocardio infarction but this could just be breast tissue becouse I am a woman.  I have not been seeing a doctor in quite awhile but recently I started noticing some palpitations at night.    I tried to contact my old cariologist it seems he has moved.  I went to a  cardiologist he wanted my old records  I dont have .  He put me on a holter but wouldnt you know no symptoms  he said it  showed some skipped heart beats.  I get the feeling he doesnt beleive me.  Since my visit to him the palpitations have gotten  worse and they actually hurt.   feels like something inside is punching out.    sometimes my chest feels like I have just ran a sprint.  I have thought about going to the emergency room when I am experiencing the sensation.  maybe they can see exactly what is going on.  The doctor said there is no need .  I am scheduled for an echo and a stress on the first.   I feel like the problem is getting worse by the day.  What should I do?

[Darcy Green Conaway, MD]

If you truly had sustained vetnricular tachycardia then you definitely need the records and the details; then we can discuss further. You should definitely see a cardiologist in your area to decide whether or not you warrant further evaluation by an electrophysiologist.

[jackie9566]

it was not pvc it was sustained ventricular tachycardia with 4 extra beats and 378 beats a minute that lasted all night. I have sent for my old records and they should be here with in the week.

[Darcy Green Conaway, MD]

First, a question: when you say V Tach, do you mean premature ventricular contractions or sustained ventricular tachycardia?
If your heart is otherwise healthy premature ventricular beats (PVCs) are not a bad prognostic sign-- however, sustained runs of ventricular tachycardia are different.
I think you are describing palpable PVC's. If that is the case, we often will use beta blockers (like Lopressor) to make people feel better and calm them down.
A few other questions: how much caffeine do you drink? Any over the counter supplements/herbs?
If you didn't have any on the Holter, you could either wear a 30 day event monitor or even consider an implantable loop recorder.
It may be reasonable to consider an EP consult (electrophysiology)-- these are cardiologists that specialize in the conduction system. You can very easily request your old records from your hospital by signing a release and just carry them with you to your appointment.