PVCs and NVST

[Carol L]

Hi Doctor,
I am a 42 year old woman with noticeable PVCs during PMS and the first few days of my cycle during the last year.  My cardiologist firmly believes this is hormonally related as he treats many women for the same thing.  My PVCs occur only during this time and I have noted them regularly for a year.  My question to you is I have had all tests including a nuclear scan three months ago that showed NO heart disease.  But like clockwork during the second day of my cycle for an entire year and at the same time of day I get a run of PVCs, no more than 10, once as few as 5.  But my pulse was only in the 60s, so is this NVST?  My doctor insists it is, but with no heart disease says not to worry?  I have read about sudden death?  If my heart beats normally with no hormone fluctuation but gets PVCs when there is evident hormone fluctuation how can that not negatively affect my heart?  Almost like thyroid problems in women that are treated with meds?  But all my blood work is normal, no deficiencies except perimenopause. No caffiene, no stress, they just pop up during this time.  My cycle is also not normal as in a time span, so when I am caught off guard by PVCs I wait a few days and sure enough my cycle is early or late. But I am concerned about NVST even with 25mg of Atenolol I get them, do I even need the beta blocker if I am structurally normal?
Thanks, Carol

[Carol L]

Thanks for the quick replies.  I know people get PVCs everyday and don't feel them, it's those of us that do that are living with the fear.  Thanks Hank for the info, my doc has not told me about the AVIR thing, it's not any more risky with a low heart rate? Thanks

[hankstar]

Hi,(Connie & Carol)

AIVR(accelerated idioventricular rhythm) is often referred to as slow VT also,anything below 100 bpm that is a run of 3 or PVCs in row for under 30 seconds, would be called non sustained AIVR , usually because of the rate of bpm. Maybe you could ask your doctor for clarification.Some would still called NSVT.

To: all4buggie, Thanks for your kind words, all the best to all for 2005.

[Momto3]

Thanks!  I have copies of my reports, etc and they say NSVT.   Maybe during the NSVT, the HR was higher. Oh well.  Thanks again!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

[Linda123]

I had dreadful palpitations when I was in peri-menopause and HRT helped enormously (and still is helping..).  You could try a light dose of HRT and see if it helps.

[Jackie5910]

What is HRT?

[hankstar]

(HRT)Hormone Replacement Therapy