Yet another question about PVCS and such...

[heartcare]

Hi Iam a 32 year old female.  I have two children.  My problems started after the birth of my son.  I finally caught something on tape (Holter moniter).  I have had fluid around my heart last year.  The doctor said that I had 9,967 PvCs.  I was put on Toprol 25mg then raised it to 50mg.  Unfortunately, I can still feel them, not as bad though...  1.  Is there anything else, I can do to stop them?  2.  And is that many beats okay??  I tried the Magnesium but had to quit, it gave me nightmares.  I really can't think of anything else to try.  I have alot of chest pain at times, and this morning it is from my left arm into my neck...  I hate to go to the doctor for nothing so I am also 3. wondering can PVCS make your chest hurt also... Thank you

[pains]

In June of this year I had a stent placed in right coronary artery. My symptoms were sweating very tired and pains radiating into jaw upon exertion. All stress and other tests showed normal  and the need for stent was determined by the angiogram. When I came home from the hospital I felt pretty fair but soon began having chest and arm pain and when walking in my back near shoulder blades and up into jaw. Then had to have the stent reopened and another placed adjacent to it, this time using brachy therapy or radiation. Since I've been home (this almost 3 weeks) I've been coughing almost continuously and a sticky but clear mucous. Last night might left chest area hurt badly and still does this morning. I feel kind of breathless also but can't really tell if its heart or related to all the coughing. I take 100 mgs topral xl, 40mgs plavix, 5mg prinivil, and a 325 aspirin per day. I was on 10 of prinivil and it was cut back because of cough. Also have rapid heartbeat and experience fluttering. Do not sleep well at all. Does anyone else have these problems? I would feel grateful for any help. Thank You!

[Julissa]

I have had PVCs for the past eight months anywhere from 2,000 to 5,000 extra beats within a 10-12 hour day.  I have tried Magnesium, several beta blockers and nothing seemed to work.  Not until recently, I began eating bananas (at least one a day) and within a week or two - the PVCs stopped.  I also had started an anti-depressant within the past three months which helped with the depression that was setting in from the beta blockers and from trying to deal with these annoying and frightening extra beats.  There is hope - even when it doesn't feel like it.  Prayer is at the top of my list of things to do along with the rest of the footwork I can do.  Good Luck!

[pnew122]

Hello
For anyone interested, here is my site for anyone looking for information about Heart Disease and EECP. P

http://sites.netscape.net/myeecp/index.html

[A_Orta]

I have had PVC's and PAC's for years. My holter and personal counts indicate I'm in the 2000 per day range. My cardiologist feels that they are related to a heart valve problem I have. I'll likely need surgery one day.

Some of My PVC's cause me mild discomfort. I wouldn't call it pain, sort of a "full feeling" in my heart. Sometimes they keep me awake as they can be quite strong and I can feel them in my throat. Sometimes my heart will stop for a second or so and come back with a big "bang." It's very disturbing.

Being tired makes my PVC's MUCH worse ! Alcohol seems to be a factor also. I recently tried a product called "Cal-Max," because someone told me it would help me sleep. It's a calcium/magnesium powder that you mix with water and juice. I know you've had problems with Magnesium but I do think that this stuff helps a bit. My cardiologist says that Magnesium "calms the heart." Info about the product is at http://www.drpinkus.com .

PVC's are a plague. They are exhausting and depressing. I'd love to be free of them. I sympathize with you and wish you relief.

[CCF-M.D.-CRC]

Dear heart,

There are many different lifestyle changes that may help with decreasing PVCs including avoiding caffeine and smoking.  You can read about other things that helped people on this site.  You may also discuss with your doctor increasing your Toprol dosage.  There is not a 'limit' on the number of PVCs that an individual may have although 10,000 beats in one day is quite a few.  The most I have seen was nearly 20,000 in a 24 hour period.  Some people do complain of chest pain with PVCs but other causes of chest pain such as heart blockages and gastric reflux should also be excluded.