Holter Monitor Results - I am very worried!

[Barbara]

Some background: I am a 35 yr. old female. 3 years ago I was diagnosed as having had a silent heart attack. The only symptom I had was palpitations, which I mentioned to my Internist during a routine exam. An ekg showed abnormal results, and an echo showed a small area of damage. I subsequently had a thallium stress test and a heart catheterization, which showed the damage from a "moderate" heart attack, although I had normal coronary arteries. My EF is 50%. None of my doctors could give me any reason for the MI, and they couldn't tell me when it happened. I do not smoke, do not take drugs, drink very rarely and am otherwise healthy, although I could stand to lose 30 lbs.

I recently wore a 24-hour holter monitor to evaluate my frequent palpitations. My internist told me that the monitor showed that PVCs occurred 1% of the time over the 24 hours - she said this was ok. However, she said that there was 1 occurrance of 3 PVCs in a row during the 24 hrs. She said that this was somewhat concerning, and that she recommended I start taking beta blockers. She didn't seem too concerned, but I read somewhere that 3 or more PVCs in a row was called V-tach, and that this is a very dangerous rhythm, possibly leading to sudden cardiac death. Should I be very concerned about this? Do I really need to take beta blockers?
What are the chances that this could be a life-threatening condition?  I have an appt. with an electrophysiologist next week, and I am very worried about this.

Thank you in advance for any info you can give me.

[david]

I just found this fourm.  I'm a 37 year old male and first noticed  my heart skip a beat when I was 13 or 14 years old.  When I was about 15, I remember taking a Dimetap decongestant when you still needed a prescription for them, and my heart experienced a couple sudden onsets of very rapid heart rate, then it would click back to normal instantly.  Stopped the Dimetap, problem gone.  Since then, have had periods in my life (e.g. weeks, months) when what doctors told me were PVC's would be prevelent. Usually, they could be corralated with periods of mental and/or physical stress (i.e. college, post-grad school, and increased exercise regime.)  I'm in good shape, work-out 4-5 days per week with weight lifting,and mountain biking.  I'm 175 lbs.,and 5-11 tall.  My question for the doctors or anyone who can shed light on it is for the past year or so, my PVC's? occur in runs or salvos lasting upto a couple hours straight.  No let up, just feels like my heart rythem is totally out of whack. They occur usually right when I lay down to sleep at night (not if i lay down during the day though.)  They seem to come on more if I lay on my left side.  If I get up, they'll usually continue.  They usually occur between 12:30 am -4:30 am., then there gone.  Alcohol makes them worse a few hour after I've had a couple of beers.  Flour in food products, or starchy (pizza dough like doughs) bring them on more often than not.  Why are they more prvelant now? Why has my pattern changed?(i.e., used to get them sporadically anytime of day, now almost exclusively at bedtime?)  Is the fact that my heart just freaks-out for hours straight a a dangerous thing?  Or can PVc's, pac's or whatever they are do this and be inoccuous?  Please someone help with an answer.  Finally, other's have spoke of having 3,5, etc., PVC's in a row.  Whats that mean?  I mean mine seem to go for hours, or is my heart beating normally in between the PVC's or whatever and I just don't know it?  Thanks.  This is  a great website.

[Donna]

Like Jodie I have had 5 or more pvcs in a roll.  Its very frightening but I have had them since my early 20's and now I am 37.  I have felt like I was going to died from them but I haven't even passed out.  The doctors all say they are benign and to not worry about them so that what I try to do.  Usually its something stressful or startling that will bring the ones that come right in a roll on.  I have mvp(mitra valve prolapse) so that is what causes my pvcs but alot of people just have them and nothing will show up wrong with their hearts.  Here are some suggestions that might help with pvcs.
Drink lots and lots of water.
Cut out caffeine from your diet and food that contain caffeine, like chocolate.
Cut down or elimated sugar, this includes carbonated drinks.
Excercise(which is something I am lazy about doing) Always check with your doctor before you start a exercise program!
Watch certain foods you eat, some foods that are rich in spices can bring on pvcs.
These are some natural ways to help with pvc's, there is also medication that can help too.  Good Luck!

[CCF CARDIO MD JMF]

Dear Barbara,

These 3 beats are called a "triplet" .  We don't consider something VT untill there are 7 beats in a row.  With a normal heart and an ejection fraciton of 50% your doctor has recommended the exact right thing.  Beta blockers.  In the meantime, avoid caffeine and reduce your risk factors for developing heart disease by exercising and keeping your wight down.  I hope you are not smoking..... if you are, you should stop.

[Jodie]

I sometimes get 5 pvc's in a row.  My doctor said I should not worry about it.  I have also asked about it in this forum and have had the same comments by the doctors here.  "not to worry"
SO I DON'T!!  Get up and walk around or listen to music or call someone.  They are annoying but that is it.  I don't think we will die from these.  

[heidi]

Now I a too am worried about the possibility of 3 or more pvc's in a row being V-Tach.  I've had even longer runs show up on my monitors and was told it was nothing to worry about. Should I get a second opinion??

Heidi

[SHER]

about the 3 pvcs in a row.. I had the same thing on a holter..  This showed up 3 times on a  30 day monitor.. and when i called in my "tape", the nurse who first looked at it seemed a little freaked out and then she told  me she was calling my doctor and that i had had 3 pvcs all in a row... so I FREAKED OUT....but my cardiologist, chief of a big, high rated cardiology department said it was nothing to worry about.

My guess is that since you've had a heart attack, they just want you on the beta blockers to be on the safe side. but i'll hush now and let a doctor give you the real scoop.