Supraventricular beats

[tom]

I am a 35yom with no past history, and I have been diagnosed with supraventricular beats. When the premature beats occur I can feel it in my throat. A 24 hour monitor test shows no ST deviation and no signicant arrhythmias, but shows PSVC. They tell me not to worry. All blood work comes back normal. Family Hx of cardiac, HTN, and Thyroid.  Where and why does this occur? I am concerned. Should I be?

[Renee]

Thanks for your reply.  It just seems that doctors are always quick to give you medication instead of instructing you on how to change your lifestyle.

[CCF CARDIO MD - DLB]

The importance (or lack of importance) of supraventricular beats does not really change in the 40s and 50s. However, cardiac testing at an older age is more likely to turn up abnormalities, which in most cases are unrelated to the extra beats. The frequency in a 24 hour period does not increase their importance.

[Diane]

What happens when you are 40 and 50 and as we all know still get tthem? Does the plan of action change? Does it matter how many one gets in a 24 hour period??? Thanks

[CCF CARDIO MD - DLB]

Wilt was not a young man, so his situation does not apply to you. Similarly, the high school football player likely had a condition that he was born with that led to his premature death. Healthy people in their 30s with PVCs and PACs generally have nothing wrong with their hearts.

[marie]

I too have been diagnosed with the same thing.  I am 32 yrs old and have had these for years, but only recently have I been experiencing the sensation in my throat. I am a long distance runner, but am becoming afraid of exercising with these skipped beats.  Just recently Wilt Chamberlin died om a heart condition and he was in good shape,I'm assuming.  All they've said so far is that he was hospitalized with an irregular heart beat.  That's what they call what my heart does sometimes too.  There was also a young football player, 16, that just died suddendly from an irregular heart beat.  These 2 people died within the last week and it scares me to death.  Maybe they are missing something with my test results.  I'm so afraid that my skipped beats are going to eventually kill me.  I hate it when they say most times these are benign.  

Marie

[CCF CARDIO MD - DLB]

Sounds like a good approach.

[tom]

To Renee and DLB. Thank you for your comments. My PCP said the side effects of medications (sex) would be worse than the original problem. I have cut out the coffee and the stress I will just have to deal with it. Thank you again

[CCF CARDIO MD - DLB]

I agree with your doctors. Stress, lack of sleep, excessive alcohol and caffeine, and lack of exercise can contribute greatly to extra beats. I favor lifestyle changes as the first measure. Only if this does not work do I consider medications.

[Renee]

I would like to comment on this.  I have the same problem.  I feel the beats in my throat.  I had all the blood work.  Stress test, EKGs, EEGs, Xrays.  Everything.  All normal.  My Cardio said it was stress and lack of sleep.  Apparently lack of sleep throws your body rhythms off???  Have you heard of this.  Also he put me on Toprol XL 50mg.  The more I read the more I feel as though I don't need to be on any medication.  But he's telling me indefinite for now.  I feel tire and run down I am wondering if this is a side effect.  I'm 35yof but feel 100.  I hear exercise, no caffeine, and alcohol will help.  I drink decaffinated coffee but I understand there is still some caffeine in that.  I don't exercise at all (I know I need to but am scared) scared heart can't take it eventhough Doc gave me the ok to exercise-no restrictions.  Psychological this thing is really messed me up eventhough all doctors say don't worry.  Thanks for listening.

[CCF CARDIO MD - DLB]

I am assuming your thyroid tests were normal also. In a young healthy individual, premature atrial beats do not usually signify any anything serious. Caffeine, stress and alcohol can contribute to the problem in some people, so it is best to avoid these things. If the symptoms bother you greatly, there are medications that can help decrease the frequency of premature beats, but I would not recommend this unless you find the symptoms very distressing.