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

[Momto3]

Hi Hank!

When I had NSVT, my Holters always recorded an average HR in the 60's and 70's, but I never heard the term AIVR?  My HR rarely went high, but it was still termed NSVT....Is it just a matter of terminology?  Just curious, not concerned : )

connie

[Sondra Elmore]

Just wanted to say thank you for your contributions to this board.  I look forward to your comments as much as the doctors :)

[hankstar]

NSVT(non sustained ventricular tachycardia) is usually defined as 3 or more PVCs in row , usually at a rate of over 100bpm, anything under a 100bpm , usually is defined as AIVR(accelerated idioventricular rhythm). Usually if no structural heart abnormalities is found it is considered a"benign" finding.

Usually in a 24 hour holter monitoring period it is believed about 5% of the population would present with this finding.

My understanding only!

Hope you had a Merry Christmas and all the best for 2005.

[Jackie5910]

What is NVST?????

[Carol L]

I also want to add that get isolated and couplet PVCs throughout my cycle, not just the one long run.  But they fluctuate off an on for the duration of my cycle, the run occurs the same day of my cycle every month.