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Avatar universal

PVC's

Doctor,
I have had PVC's all my life and no treatment was ever deemed necessary.  

In 1998, I had to have a mitral valve replacement and at that time, the doctor decided to put me on Toprol to regulate the hearbeats.  As Toprol also reduces blood pressure and I have low blood pressure as it is, I started having dizziness and nausea.  He then put me on Digitek, which has since been recalled and I  havebeen on 0.25 mg of digoxin for about 2 months.  I recently started to have cramps, abnormal bowel movements and I feel very exhausted.  The doctor reduced the dosage to .125 mg and on the first day I felt better until about 6PM and then the cramps started again.

My question is, is it absolutely necessary to take medication for the PVC's since I have an artificial mitral valve?  I feel so exhausted with the medication and conversely, if I take it at night, I can't sleep until 3AM.  Also (and this may seem trivial to you) I have been seriously trying to lose weight (I exercise 6 days a week for about 2 hours a day) and when I don't take the medication I lose about 1/2 pound per day but when I am on the medication I either don't lose anything or I gain it back

thansk in advance
3 Responses
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469720 tn?1388146349
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
It sounds like you have a good point. Why were you started on the toprol and digitek What was your heart rate? How have they explained the symptoms of cramps and abnormal bowel movements. Im not sure what the relationship is between the valve and requiring control of your heart rate provided you are not in atrial fibrillation or suffering from frequent PVC's

Its all very dependent upon your heart rate. what exactly is it? What does your doctor say about your need.

I would make an appt to have a discussion about your concerns and to see what your doctor's impression of your abdominal symptoms are? The side affects of all medications are always weighed against the benefits
Helpful - 1
469720 tn?1388146349
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
I agree with your question. I am a big fan of prompt communication with patients. I understand the need for intermediaries in this day and age of medicine, but the intermediaries should be able to answer the questions satisfactorily. Keep me posted on what happens. I wonder what your untreated heart rate is? Good luck
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thank you, Dr. Kirksey,
I believe I was started on the Digitek because of my "skipped heartbeat" which I've had all of my life, but I think it was a precaution because now I have an artificial mitral valve, but I do have the PVC's regularly.  My heartbeat ranges from 64 when I am at  home and totally relaxed to about 76 if I'm doing errands, etc.

From what I've read oon drug sites, the abdominal reaction is one side effect for some patients.

I do have an appointment with my doctor (cardiologist) in October.  When I call, I have to speak to his assistant who relays the questions to the doctor and then she calls me back with the response because he is so busy, something which I dislike but he is rated by his peers in town as one of the best cardiologists in town (Louisville, Ky).

Thanks for your help.
Helpful - 0

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