tests results...PVC's, meds

[blan3556]

I have PVC's and other flutters.I just had 3tests.The ecg states"normal sinus rythm with sinus arrythmia".The 24h holtor says"133,215 QRS complexes, minimum HR of 60bpm, average of 93, and 168 maximum.There were no significant ventricular events or supraventricular events.Clinical correlation is needed"echo stated" all atrial/ventricular size within normal limits,left ventricular systolic function normal with estimated EF of 55%-60%, no significant wall abnormality noted.Aortic root normal.Mitral/tricuspid/pulmonic valves morphilogically normal. Mild mitral regurg/mild tricucpid regurg and trace pulmonic insuffiency noted.Estimated pulmonary artery pressure is 33." I did not have my runs of PVC's with the holtor.
1.Does all tests sound normal? Is my heart structurally normal?What is the regurg and insuffiency mean? What is clinical correlation?
2.My nurse practitioner put me on beta blockers b/c she said my heart rate went up to much but I excercised aerobically for 45 min while wearing the holtor, so why the beta blockers?Should I start taking them?
3.They didn't catch all my flutters and PVC's or whatever on the holtor, with my heart being the way it is with the echo, is there really any danger of any other types of arrythmias that they may not have caught? or with a structurally normal heart could it handle really any type of arrythmia b/c I have no insurance and can not afford an event monitor so please unless absolutly neccasary don't suggest it.
5.I have been having PVC's while excrcising and quite a few in a row, should I be concerned? Are there any limitations?
6. Is a fatal arrythmia or SCD of any concern to me seeing the above tests?
7. Is there any thing else I should do or test needed and is there any type of heart beat that I should know to go to the hospital?
I am a 35 year old female,no HTN,don't smoke or drink, about 20 pounds at most overweight, excercise 5 days a week weights and eliptical trainer. Aunt has pace maker,noother family hx. Colesterol 157I have 6 kids,need reassurance or the truth.

[triplets]

Have you considered treatment for your anxiety?  Given that all of your cardiac tests have been normal and you admit to obsessively focusing on your "heart rythm"  I wonder if anyone has ever suggested that you get evaluted for an anxiety disorder and then possibly receive treatment so that you aren't continuing to suffer so much.  I feel badly for you if this has not been suggested.  Also, you say that you are overweight and inactive.  Perhaps your time could be better spent   engaging the services of a good nutritionist and personal trainer.  I think your doctor could recommend both.  You would be shocked and I mean SHOCKED to see how good you feel in 6 months if you exercise every single day and get to your normal weight.  You will also be able to give up taking many of your medications.  You are much too young to be having these unecessary health issues, many of which are self-induced and treatable.  Good luck to you and I hope that you know I am saying this as one woman to another and not to be harsh but to be helpful.

[Runman]

I can relate to all of you....I'm 61 and been having these since around 21.  They still freak me out at times....I'm in excellent health, a marathon runner, eat right, etc., but still have these....had all the tests and same result - nothing wrong.  Not on any particular medicine...can't take a Beta-blocker because my resting heart rate is around 42 bpm because of all the running....Actually, my cardiologist indicated that you're more prone to skipped beats with a lower heart rate but the lower heart rate is healthier (strange)....I go weeks without one problem and then they return with no rhyme or reason....try to ignore them but at times it's difficult.....only significant thing I've learned about these over the years is that if your electrolyte levels get screwed up, the PVC's etc., can start....so I try to drink a lot of water and gatorade to keep those levels stabil....hope some of this info helps....I also appreciate these posts and often turn to them for comfort.....all of you take care.

[Carey01]

I know exactly how you feel!  I have never gone into V-Tach that I know of but I have terrible bouts with PVC/PAC's that come in runs and can last for 2-4 hours.  Last night my husband took me to the ER because I almost fainted because they were coming one right after another. I couldn't get a breath.  It was the worst I have ever had them.
I too am very concerned that the Dr's ALWAYS says if your heart is structurally fine these skips are "normal" or benign.  Well, why then are you experiencing V-Tach.  It makes me think one does lead to the other but the Dr's keep saying that is not true.   Can anyone answer this definitively?  I get conflicting explanations depending on the website.  

[blan3556]

I know how you feel but yet I am not letting these palps rule my life as much anymore.  You can't do this to yourself!  You said these started at 18 and now your 56 and still here?  Trust me , be happy you are here.  If the doctors thought more tests were necassary they would give them to you.  Someone here on this forum gave me a quote that has helped me "It is better to die once, than fear death a thousand times" Ceaser, that is so true.  We can't live our lives in fear, or that is not living.  I will pray for you.  God Bless.

[woogie]

Hi  YALL... I am scared.  Am not able to POST a new question...

I have hAD PVCS since i was 18. now i am 56.(female, overweight, and not very active at all) I have let heart beats rule me most of my life. Recently ( 4 days ago, I got a new rythm.. so went to ER. Diagnosed as A-fib.  Followed up with card next day..He took me off the toprol and cartia that i had been taking for yrs...He put me on Avalide for BP and Rthymol for the A-fib. (which converted on it's own in about 5-6 hrs.)


Three days later  I had a follow up appointment with my cardiologist...He did an ekg and said it was normal...he increaSED rythmol from 150 mg 2x a day to 225 2x aday. He also got a low BP reading of  85/58 took again ad it was 106/70, n told me not to taKE the Bp med.( BP has been erratic.. from low to high (84/58 to 224/111) I started the new schedule of meds today. Mostly my BP gets too high, so this one time low reading seems like not enough reason for me to stop meds for BP??
My BP a few mins ago was 157/83... not bad, but it will probablu get really high later without the BP med.

I have, over the years ,had every heart test imaginable.. even 3 angiagrams when i was younger. 10-15 yrs ago..IEchos, holters, evet monitor...Calcium score... I have very slight mitro valve prolapse... all other test show normal. Had a stress thalium test in Jan '07 that was normal.

All these years I spent stressing over pvcs, bigyminy, etc...& was told not to worry, it was benigne NOW this.. I am now so scared.. I want more tests..... the doc has not ordered any. I wonder why not? I am afraid to do ANYTHING. I do not work outside the home, and NOW not inside either, MY FAmily doc wrote me a script for Paxil (my suggestion) The cardiologist gave me a script for xanax. (also my suggestion)I have not taken either of these as yet. I am afraid of side effects, especially with the Rythmol..aM afraid to take the other meds until I see how I react to the Rythmol.....
I am a basket case...... I have foud some comfort in reading here ad would appreciate Any suggestions or comments....

Blessings to you all!


woog

[woogie]

What you wrote is so true. I appreciate your prayer SO much! I have just got to  somehow get a grip and get on with LIFE...... I feel  weak and ashamed of all the times I let those beats keep me in fear. I feel every one of them, and it is impossible to ignore at times. I have had bouts of bigyminy (sp) for 8 hrs at a time... PVCS PACS, all day and many nights plus I physically feel horrible when they are in full force. and at times have chest pain from time time... It is times like that it is impossible to ignore, at least it has been for me. It is just very frightening to think ones heart is hurting or beating wrong or both....... IT causes anxiety and adrenaline that in turn makes the palps worse... vicious circle .I am in awe of people that can overcome the fear and anxiety.
I am proud of you for gettig better about it!!

I also said a prayer of thanks for your words of encouragement and for your continued healing.... Thank you :))

woog

[hbp702]

Those BP fluctuations are crazy.

Be checked for autonomic neuropathy (diabetes and many other things can cause this) and for PHEOCHROMOCYTOMA. Get an endo and get tested, ASAP.

[Forum-M.D.-MJM]

Hi Blan,

1.Does all tests sound normal?

Yes

Is my heart structurally normal?

Yes

What is the regurg and insuffiency mean?

Means it leaks a little bit.  Almost everyone has some insuff. or regurg on an echo.  The test is too sensitive.

What is clinical correlation?

They are asking of the test results make sense given the clinical situation.

2.My nurse practitioner put me on beta blockers b/c she said my heart rate went up to much but I excercised aerobically for 45 min while wearing the holtor, so why the beta blockers?

If your heart rate increase was during exercise you do not need the beta blocker.

Should I start taking them?

That is up to you and your doctor.  If your heart rate only increased during exercise it is probably not necessary.

3.They didn't catch all my flutters and PVC's or whatever on the holtor, with my heart being the way it is with the echo, is there really any danger of any other types of arrythmias that they may not have caught?

It might have missed something if they don't happen every day.  There are other tests designed to pick that up -- you need to wear them longer.


or with a structurally normal heart could it handle really any type of arrythmia b/c I have no insurance and can not afford an event monitor so please unless absolutly neccasary don't suggest it.

Based on the above tests, it is very, very unlikely that anything is wrong.  Additional tests could be ordered, but only if they will make you feel better.  They don't have to be done -- unless there is a component of your history that is not mentioned above.


5.I have been having PVC's while excrcising and quite a few in a row, should I be concerned?

probably not but would need to see them on a monitor to say for sure.

Are there any limitations?

Not based on the above information.

6. Is a fatal arrythmia or SCD of any concern to me seeing the above tests?

Your risk is very low, but remember that we are all at risk. No ones risk is zero.

7. Is there any thing else I should do or test needed and is there any type of heart beat that I should know to go to the hospital?

Not based on what is written above.  Clearly if you feel sick, you need to talk to your doctor, but not for single extra beats.

There is nothing alarming about what you have told me above.  I hope you feel better and thanks for posting.