Can NSVT be benign?

[poohbear2026]

Hi,

I have suffered with PVCs/PACs for over 15 years.  And in the last few years NSVT.  I am a 35 year old female, I have had ekgs, echo's, 2 nuclear stress tests, 30 day monitors and halter monitors, and also a cardiac MRI.  I had a 4 beat run of NSVT on one 30 day monitor and then about 6 months later caught a  5 beat run on a monitor.  The monitor company of course said they had to notify the dr. This is when my regular cardio sent me to Duke for the MRI.  MRI came back normal they said no scar tissue.  They did not recommend ablation or EP study unless I start to pass out or if the episodes start lasting longer then 30 seconds.  Can NSVT really be benign or am I in danger of sudden death. I can tell when I get a run of NSVT because I can feel it and then I feel really nauseous and then usually will have diarrhea.  I sometimes wish I could by my own defibrillator to have at home.  I also suffer from anxiety and have been on SSRIs for about 15 years.  Do you think I should push for an EP study or do you think I will be fine like they say? I also sometimes get a really fast heartrate but this has never been caught. They have given me a beta blocker to take as needed but I am scared to take those too.  Thanks in advance for your answer.

Anita

[poohbear2026]

Thanks so much for the quick response.  I'm glad you seem to agree with my other doctors, now if I can only get myself to believe it.

Thank you,
Anita

[CCFCardio MD2]

NSVT as you describe it can be benign.  It is not uncommon in the general population.  If structural heart disease is ruled out, as it appears it has in your case, the prognosis of having 3-4 beat runs of NSVT is usually very good.  Please keep in close discussion with your cardiologist as it appears your workup and treatment so far has been appropriate.  If you begin to have symptoms of lightheadedness or chest pain please call 911.

Best of luck.