I am a 61 year-old woman who first noticed "skipped beats" (pvc's) when I was about 10 years old. I developed bouts of tachycardia (which triggered some agoraphobic symptoms) after my first pregnancy about 40 years ago. The arrythmia has increased with age, and I no longer seem to have periods of being free of pvc's for more than a day or two, and only occasionally. Right now, I experience them daily, and quite frequently, about 5-8 per minute. About 17 years ago, I had a bad case of bronchitis/pneumonia, and that is when my arrythmia took a turn for the worse. I ended up in the emergency room with tachycardia, pvc's, and bouts of bigeminy. The workup included an echo, holter, and blood work. I was placed on Propranalol, which I still take (20 mg. 4 X a day). I don't experience dizziness or shortness of breath. However, they get much worse when I lie on my left side, when I am ill or stressed, or after a rich, fatty meal. I am able to go about my daily routine, and I continue to work, but I would love to be free of this condition that has plagued me for most of my life. Strangely, taking a Bufferin sometimes diminishes them for a while. My father also had this condition, and ended up with atrial fib in his 60's. As a result he died of a stroke at 71. My two daughters also have frequent pvc's.Questions: (1) Propranalol seems to have lost its effectiveness, and I am wondering what might be a more helpful medication. (2) Can having pvc's, bigeminy, etc. for so many years lead to heart failure? (3) Is there any research that has been done on a hereditary connection? (4) How successful is ablation, and at what point should it be considered? (5) Are there any supplements that may help? Thank you.