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Frequent PVCs
Hello! I started having very frquent PVCs about 4 years ago (several thousand/day). Went through all the diagnostics, everything was OK. Last holter showed 200+ bigeminal episodes. My question is.. Just recently, for about 2 months now, I am in at least trigeminy most of the time. Frequently I'm in bigeminy (I also couldn't miss one short run of v-tach). Most of the time I don't really notice them. Trigeminy would be a third of all my heart beats! Is it OK to have them that frequently 24 hrs a day? Is it safe to assume this is probably just a "spell"of frequent beats? My next follow up is in June. Scheduled for a stress test and another 48hr holter then. Any info would be greatly appreciated.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
momto,
I know this can be quite stressful. If you've had a change in your symptoms then a holter could tell if there is truly a change in your rhythm. Either way, if youve had a negative cardiac workup the prognosis is benign. It is unlikely that the new one reveals too much. I would think that your going to be just fine and hopefully your new battery of test will be reassuring.
good luck
I know this can be quite stressful. If you've had a change in your symptoms then a holter could tell if there is truly a change in your rhythm. Either way, if youve had a negative cardiac workup the prognosis is benign. It is unlikely that the new one reveals too much. I would think that your going to be just fine and hopefully your new battery of test will be reassuring.
good luck
You should let the Doc know if you have tried or are currently taking any meds to adress the problem.
Hi everyone, This is the 5th week that i have been in bigeminy it's really getting me down, sometimes it beats normal for awhile but when i'm walking it starts off again. taking bb sotolol 120mg twice a day although it has calmed down a bit enough for me to sleep at nights but it still is affecting my life.I know that there are people that have bigeminy rhythm all the time and even the doctors say you can live with them but mine is causing me pain when i walk. Now i'm waiting for hospital to do another RF Ablation first one was not 100%sucessful this would be the best time to do it as i'm getting them often.this site is a god send it's nice to know i'm not alone.Just one more thing, does anyone else get pain and shortness of breath when they are in bigeminy rhythm?
tictock, of course you're not alone. This forum is wonderful. Last night I went to the ER because I was in constant bigeminy for hours and the betablocker that usually works great didn't help at all. So it got very scary, but above all, it was impossible for me to sleep. I know there are many people like you who are in this sort of rhythm for weeks. Now my rhythm is back to regular - I mean many PVCs but with pauses of regular heartbeat inbetween which are easy to bear. I think if I had weeks of bigeminy I would certainly go for ablation, although the idea really scares me.
Is ablation painful? What are the risks?
Thank you and hang on in there!
Fran
Is ablation painful? What are the risks?
Thank you and hang on in there!
Fran
Are PACs more rare than PVCs? Seem to read more about PVCs than PACs on here.
I think PACs are generally more tolerable as they cause less noticeable symptoms, so maybe that's why there's more complaint about PVCs.
No kidding? Man -- my GREAT sympathies to y'all with PVCs, then, because the PACs can scare the heck out of me. A couple days after meeting with my cardiologist on the event monitor results and learning that what I was feeling was PACs, that they're benign, and so on, I got a day just getting pummeled with them ... like I was being tested of my ability to accept they are benign!
Though I'll say that I've seen example ECG strips of a PAC and PVC, and the PVC just plain LOOKS worse.
Thanks, Fran :)
Though I'll say that I've seen example ECG strips of a PAC and PVC, and the PVC just plain LOOKS worse.
Thanks, Fran :)
Tweek, then I may be wrong! I thought I had read it somewhere. But I guess anyone's perception is different. My friend was telling me just now that she was feeling her pulse and she had a pause every 3 beats, so that was quadrigeminy of PACs or PVCs, she doesn't know. She only realized it by feeling her pulse, the extrabeats don't give her any other odd sensation. Lucky gal!!!
Though both types of extrasystoles are benign, PACs are even more so because atrial fibrillation is generally not life threatening, whereas ventricular fibrillation is. Of course, it's virtually impossible that a PVC triggers VF in a normal heart, so even those of us with PVCs can rest assured, but you are even luckier! :-)
Smiles
Fran
Though both types of extrasystoles are benign, PACs are even more so because atrial fibrillation is generally not life threatening, whereas ventricular fibrillation is. Of course, it's virtually impossible that a PVC triggers VF in a normal heart, so even those of us with PVCs can rest assured, but you are even luckier! :-)
Smiles
Fran
Hello Calico (and everyone else),
I can relate to your episode in the grocery store Calico. I have been diagnosed with multiple types of arrhythmias including NSVT. They are nearly always very short - from a few seconds to maybe 30 seconds at the most. Although I have had some bigeminy that has lasted a few minutes. One time though I nearly passed out from a 60-second tachycardia but I was not wearing a monitor at the time so I have no idea what it was. That was the only time that I nearly passed out so I too have wondered and worried ever since if that could have been v-tach. I am trying to reassure myself that out of the thousands of tachy's I have had over the past several years, that there was only that one time that I nearly passed out. But, as you know, self-reassurance only helps so much.
-Mr. J.
I can relate to your episode in the grocery store Calico. I have been diagnosed with multiple types of arrhythmias including NSVT. They are nearly always very short - from a few seconds to maybe 30 seconds at the most. Although I have had some bigeminy that has lasted a few minutes. One time though I nearly passed out from a 60-second tachycardia but I was not wearing a monitor at the time so I have no idea what it was. That was the only time that I nearly passed out so I too have wondered and worried ever since if that could have been v-tach. I am trying to reassure myself that out of the thousands of tachy's I have had over the past several years, that there was only that one time that I nearly passed out. But, as you know, self-reassurance only helps so much.
-Mr. J.
I am 31 and have had "benign" palpitations since I was 18. I have wore a 24hr holter 3 times..I have had a rhythym strip done and 3 EKG's. They tell me they are harmless but I am having such a hard time understanding that this is "normal." It is causing me GREAT anxiety and affecting my daily life. I think about it non stop everyday. I just started cosmetology school last night and I started having them in class and I almost ran out! I also have a 2 year old son and I am married. I don't know what else to do or how to live like this. Anyone out there with advice or comforting words..
Fran -- Like I said, I saw pictures of PVC strips and PAC strips, and the PVC just looked ugly: www.icufaqs.org/ArrhythmiaReview.doc The PAC is just a lump on the p wave and at least resembles a normal beat, whereas the PVC is just ugly by comparison, so frankly it wouldn't surprise me if the PVC packed more punch. Again, my sincerest empathy to you PVCers!
I was taking my pulse after getting back from the gym last night and sure enough, PAC! Don't think I would have felt it had my fingers not been on my pulse. Some are worse than others, for sure.
My best to you.
I was taking my pulse after getting back from the gym last night and sure enough, PAC! Don't think I would have felt it had my fingers not been on my pulse. Some are worse than others, for sure.
My best to you.
Hi momto2 and everyone in the post,
I've been taking beta-blocker for mild HTN and palpitations. I actually have one episode in a grocery store. There was this sudden onset of fatigue and SOB, and things around me started to dim. I thought I was going to collapse. I was consciously fighting to keep myself steady and was about to call help. It gradually disappeared after a few minutes.
How does one knows if he's having a v-tach if it's noticeable? Is it possible that what I just had was caused by arrhytmia like NSVT?
I've been taking beta-blocker for mild HTN and palpitations. I actually have one episode in a grocery store. There was this sudden onset of fatigue and SOB, and things around me started to dim. I thought I was going to collapse. I was consciously fighting to keep myself steady and was about to call help. It gradually disappeared after a few minutes.
How does one knows if he's having a v-tach if it's noticeable? Is it possible that what I just had was caused by arrhytmia like NSVT?
Your symptoms are just like mine. Went to the cardio last wk only to tell me that the PVC's are in "good company". Meaning within a normal setting you are ok and wont drop dead. My cardio has pvc's as well and is not bothered by them i wish i had his problem.
take care and probably not an issue but more a nuissance.
take care and probably not an issue but more a nuissance.
My benign palps have been called PVC's and PAC's. No matter what they are called they are VERY frightening. How do we live with them? Advice anyone?
For me, it's mind over matter. Some days, I feel a number of them. Other times, I'll go a week or so without feeling any -- so it sounds like I've got it pretty easy compared with a lot of folks here.
I too suffer from PVCs. I've had all the tests, and since my cardio says they are benign I have to believe him. I get from just a few a day, to thousands of them a day. Sometimes every third beat is a PVC. They drive me crazy at times, but most of the time, as long as I keep busy, I can ignore them. The best thing that I can do for myself is to not check my pulse all day long and keep busy. The worst is at night, when I can really feel them. I don't go to bed until I am really tired so that I know I can fall asleep and not have to lie their concentrating on them. I have had them for about 30 years now (I am now in my fifties) But for the last 2 years they have gotten worse. I am confident that this too shall pass. Physically it does not stop me from doing anything but mentally it does at times keep me from driving long distances and going to isolated area. Hope this helps, just try not to obsess about them as much.
Here's an article I came across while researching PVCs, when that's what I thought I had before I was told they're PACs:
http://www.aafp.org/afp/20020615/2491.html
It's from the journal of the American Academy of Family Physicians, so I'd like to think it's on the up-and-up.
http://www.aafp.org/afp/20020615/2491.html
It's from the journal of the American Academy of Family Physicians, so I'd like to think it's on the up-and-up.
I would like to thank everyone for their posts. Like you I have been told not to worry. It makes it easier though to have a place to go and be reasurred now and then. I go for weeks or months without a problem then BAM! I know that sometimes the palps are brought on by stress. The other night I had a stressful day and woke up from a nightmare with racing heart and extra beats. Other times I get them during or following exercise. I think it is those times that they hit me off guard that frightens me the most. I think the NSVT is what makes me most nervous, at least I think that is what's going on. It feels like my heart is irratic and I feel a sort of rush and dizziness. Hang in there everyone.
Thanks for all your wonderful posts. Fortunately, after 4 years of very frequent PVCs I have come to term with them fairly well. The bigeminy affects me most,but only when I'm walking or moving. I guess I was kind of concerned about a couple of posts that I've read where very frequent PVCs actually caused cardiomyopathy over time. I guess I'll just hang out and cross that bridge if I come to it. Thanks again everyone!
Hi Mom,
I had bigemy for over 3years, Was having over 30,000 PVCs a day. They did cause me to be short of breath and very tired. I was also lightheaded. I did not have chest pain tho. My problem was that my heart rate was 36-44 most of the time. My last ablation I had raised my heart rate and slowed the PVCs. At times I still have Bigemy but rate of heart in 80's which helps alot. I do not feel the PVC unless I have couplet or tripletts.They just make me tired. Hope you feel better and your next ablation helps alot.
I had bigemy for over 3years, Was having over 30,000 PVCs a day. They did cause me to be short of breath and very tired. I was also lightheaded. I did not have chest pain tho. My problem was that my heart rate was 36-44 most of the time. My last ablation I had raised my heart rate and slowed the PVCs. At times I still have Bigemy but rate of heart in 80's which helps alot. I do not feel the PVC unless I have couplet or tripletts.They just make me tired. Hope you feel better and your next ablation helps alot.
Hope you are having some relief of the bigeminy, or at least feel better about it. There is another gal on here--momto3 who had high frequency PVCs for 25 years and did develop a cardiomyopathy, but this is a very rare occurence.
Momto3, Connie, if you're around you might want to fill in the detail.
I also have high frequency PVCs, currently I am in constant trigeminy and have been that way for weeks, maybe a couple of months now. In the summer it was bigeminy, and I will take trigeminy over bigeminy any time!
Anyhow, developing a cardiomyopathy had me worried too, but like I said, it's supposed to be a very rare occurence of high frequency. Connie had PVCs for 25 years, I've had 'em for 22, gee I hope that doesn't mean I have three years to go, *just kidding*. But after finding this sight I realize now I have to keep a better watch on things. It was 12 years between my last holter and stress test. I think an echo every year or two might be in order, you should talk to your doctor about what is your best schedule.
Momto3, Connie, if you're around you might want to fill in the detail.
I also have high frequency PVCs, currently I am in constant trigeminy and have been that way for weeks, maybe a couple of months now. In the summer it was bigeminy, and I will take trigeminy over bigeminy any time!
Anyhow, developing a cardiomyopathy had me worried too, but like I said, it's supposed to be a very rare occurence of high frequency. Connie had PVCs for 25 years, I've had 'em for 22, gee I hope that doesn't mean I have three years to go, *just kidding*. But after finding this sight I realize now I have to keep a better watch on things. It was 12 years between my last holter and stress test. I think an echo every year or two might be in order, you should talk to your doctor about what is your best schedule.
Does anyone that has frequent pvcs and had a cardio workup with a "normal" ekg been told by the Cardio that it shows 'diffuse t-wave changes" and been told that that is essentially nornal and nothing to worry about?
Hi Mom!!
Welcome!
Yep, I have had PVC's for about 25 years (that I know of...lol). I've taken Inderal since 1982, sometimes daily, sometimes only during bad episodes, and sometimes not at all. In 2003, I had 2 ablations to reduce the number of pvcs I was getting. Today, I still get some pvcs, but nothing like they had been prior to the procedures.
A Holter monitor in 2001 or 2002 (can't remember anymore) recorded over 20,000 PVC's. Despite the number of pvcs, they were still considered benign. Because I also have mitral regurgitation, I have routine echos. An echo in December 2002 revealed a significant drop in my ejection fraction (40%). Statistics and medical expertise suggested the valve had become worse. However, tests proved otherwise. Long story short...My very compassionate and thorough physician searched high and low for an answer. In my case, very frequent PVC's (24%) resulted in a cardiomyopathy. It's rare, but it does occur. About a year or so prior to the CM, I had been pretty short of breath, but nothing turned up, and it eventually went away. At the time of the diagnosis, I had NO symptoms. I was absolutely shocked! Like the doctor said, just be aware of changes in your symptoms, etc. I'd be willing to bet you're gonna be just fine, but it never hurts to stay on top of our own health. Take care!
Upbeat,
Who would have thought trigeminy would be a welcome rhythm? LOL...Too funny! I still can't figure out why the CM developed when it did. I had Holters as far back as the early 80's, but have not idea what the reports said, other than "benign pvcs." Maybe quadrigeminy is around the cornder for ya : )
Take care!
Connie
Welcome!
Yep, I have had PVC's for about 25 years (that I know of...lol). I've taken Inderal since 1982, sometimes daily, sometimes only during bad episodes, and sometimes not at all. In 2003, I had 2 ablations to reduce the number of pvcs I was getting. Today, I still get some pvcs, but nothing like they had been prior to the procedures.
A Holter monitor in 2001 or 2002 (can't remember anymore) recorded over 20,000 PVC's. Despite the number of pvcs, they were still considered benign. Because I also have mitral regurgitation, I have routine echos. An echo in December 2002 revealed a significant drop in my ejection fraction (40%). Statistics and medical expertise suggested the valve had become worse. However, tests proved otherwise. Long story short...My very compassionate and thorough physician searched high and low for an answer. In my case, very frequent PVC's (24%) resulted in a cardiomyopathy. It's rare, but it does occur. About a year or so prior to the CM, I had been pretty short of breath, but nothing turned up, and it eventually went away. At the time of the diagnosis, I had NO symptoms. I was absolutely shocked! Like the doctor said, just be aware of changes in your symptoms, etc. I'd be willing to bet you're gonna be just fine, but it never hurts to stay on top of our own health. Take care!
Upbeat,
Who would have thought trigeminy would be a welcome rhythm? LOL...Too funny! I still can't figure out why the CM developed when it did. I had Holters as far back as the early 80's, but have not idea what the reports said, other than "benign pvcs." Maybe quadrigeminy is around the cornder for ya : )
Take care!
Connie
Hi! I have had my arrythmia (pvcs,pacs,and a little of everything else so it seems!)for 10yrs. and I have a inverted t-wave which I found out for the last 7yrs. And yes cardio and other Dr.s have said that it is my new finger print of my heart. It used to really bother me that my tests would come back with this abnormal t-wave that is suppose to be ok and normal for me. All my cardio test have come back normal. One thing I have to do is make sure I have a copy of a ekg if I ever go to the ER, or they want to run a bunch of cardiac tests on me again.
~momof6
~momof6
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