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

Read Responses (5+)

27 Responses

Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest

lak

I just read the answer from the doctor. My case must be rare for the EF to gain percentage, ya think?

Helpful - 0

lak

I take it to mean that the heart muscle was weakening but it has gotten stronger now. EF is in normal range so wouldn't the cardiomypathy be gone??????

Helpful - 0

Momto3

GREAT news on the EF! HOORAY!! Doesn't that mean that the CM is improving?

Helpful - 0

lak

My ejection fraction has gotten better. Two years ago when first diagnosed 47% which I believe to be considered low normal. And as of last July it has gone up to 54%. So the medications must be helping. Thanks for the comments.

Helpful - 0

Momto3

When my EF dropped, as a result of very frequent pvcs, the doctor's diagnosis was cardiomyopathy. EF went from 55% to 40% in a year.

Helpful - 0

Momto3

When I asked the same question in 2003, the doctor responded as follows:

"PVCs can lead to a real drop in EF if they are so frequent as to cause a fast heart rate, or they can cause a "pseudo-drop" in EF if the echo clips all contain PVC beats and not normal beats."

I'm always interested in this type of question. Thanks for asking.

Helpful - 0