can pvc's cause harmful arrythmia?

[dreamboat]

Hello
I was told by a friend that her cardiologist told her if pvc's get bad they can possibly lead to a fatal arythmia,is this true?Also how common is it for pvc's to lead to cardiomyopathy?I have them alot meaning at times several a minute.I quit having them for 3 years then they started again in August of 2004. I had an echo 7 years ago,they said it was normal, should I have another one?Thank you so much,these things have crippled my life because of this fear.
Dreama

[Momto3]

It seems to me that if the doctors and/or administrators were concerned about the nature of the questions, they would post some type of statement or comment.  I am so glad that my cariologist never tires of answering my questions, regardless of how many other patients have asked the same questions, day after day, week after week, year after year. If all I get is reassurance, that's nature's best medicine.  

Until it becomes a problem for the doctors and/or administrators why not just read, participate and learn? I usually refrain from getting into these discussions, but it's getting old.

[Momto3]

Good point regarding the fluctuations in echo measurements and interpretations.  I know I can be one of those patients who sometimes gets caught up in the numbers, so thanks for the reminder.  It is so important to consider the results in context of one's overall health rather than as a simple number.  

In my case, my EF had always been in the normal range,  But, in late 2002/early 2003, I had 2 echos, one month apart, EF 40% and 45%. I remember asking the doctor if it was a fluke, and she said "No, not with two nearly identical results."  Then, three months after the first ablation, my EF was nearly normal.  About six months after that (after the 2nd ablation), EF was back to normal.  Two echos since, EF still normal.  Keeping my fingers crossed for 6 month check up next month.  

Hey, 13 METS is AWESOME!!  WOW!  My stress echo 2 years before I had the drop in EF, was at 10 METS.  When I had the two echos with diminishing EF, I also had 2 stress tests, both of which measured 8.5 METS.  Now that my EF is back to normal, I am back at 10 METS.  Seems to support your theory.

[Bromley]

My cardiologist simply told me to "Live my life".  With regard to the various annoyances, as well as some fairly low level issues, for me, this was very good therapy.

[pms_barbie]

I dont know what to think of your post.  According to my ep almost everybody at some point in time has pvcs.  So it doesnt seem unreasonable to me that their are so many questions regarding this issue.  If your post is implying that ones of us has multiple names and keeps posting about pvcs then I agree that is wrong.  However if that isnt the case your comments could be very offensive.  Unless you have proof its someone with multiple names its best not to open a can of worms like that dont you think?  Im sure the drs get tired of questions about pvcs however if they are as common as I have been told they are then no wonder there are so many questions.  This board is meant as a learning tool. Also keep in mind the go red for womens heart issues.  A lot more people take these things to concern now and you can realy blame them we only have one heart.

[Jeff67]

Regarding EF, you have to take into account measurement error and lot of other factors.  I have had two echos many years apart, the first showing an EF of 80% and the last an RF of 51%, now I do want to ask a doctor about this variation, but on the recent stress test I did I achieved over 13 METS which is a pretty high capacity and I suspect contradicts an EF of 51%.

[Konopka1955]

I think its amazing that there are sooooo many PVC questions !!!   Its hard to believe there are that many people with the same problem "thats able to post so often".  I wonder if 'someone' isn't paranoid about their situation.  If so, I would recommend they seek medical care in 'person' rather than over the internet.  Their situation is too serious to seek over the internet..  I would suggetst you get some help for your 'own' peace of mind and for your heart.  

I'm sure CCF is more than happy to assist you in your quest for an answer concerning your arrhythmia by giving you an appointment - in PERSON..

Please be kind and let others ask questions..  

Marilyn (runner)