Sinus Bradycardia + PVCs = ?

[sjaantze42]

Several years ago I went in for a bunch of testing on my heart- EKG, stress echo, event monitor for a month, and a tilt table test.  I was scheduled for a sleep study next, but I moved and lost my medical insurance.  I was troubled to find out recently that the 'vasodepressor syncope' I was diagnosed with is typically associated with people who pass out in relation to stress.  I passed the stress test and the tilt table study, but my EKG came back with PVCs,   The note from the stress echo says that I have sinus tachycardia without ischemic EKG changes. The notes on the EKG state 'sinus rhythm, possible left atrial abnormality, possible anterior infarction (age undetermined), sinus bradycardia, frequent PVCs.  I don't think that the diagnosis I was given seems to fit with the other symptoms that I experience. I pass out with no warning for 20 seconds or less, when I come to, I remember where I am and feel fatigued- sometimes this happens several times in a row.  I was tested negative for metabolic disorders, hypoglycemia, and fibromyalgia.  Usually I'm sitting down when I pass out, because I experience very slow heartbeat first or heavy palpitations that cause me to become concerned.  Sometimes it happens without warning in the middle of a sentence, or once while eating a sandwich.  I was given beta blockers by my doctor, which made my condition so much worse that I was bedridden for a week.  They didn't warn me that it might make my slow heartbeat even slower, and my arrhythmia worse, which was exactly what happened.  I didn't go back after the beta blockers, because I didn't want to try any more drugs for a condition that they told me was not very serious.  Now I am looking at my charts and wondering if ignoring this situation is such a good idea, or if I need to be concerned...

[sjaantze42]

I'm not sure that I will qualify for state programs at the moment, as I live with my fiancee who makes over 20,000 a year (I think that's the accepted income in my state).  I really appreciate your advice, and will call the local medicare number after the weekend to see if there is any way to get into the program.

[GranRon]

If you are experiencing syncope, passing out for any reason, you should not let it continue without being evaluated, even if you don't have insurance, as there are state programs that are available to those in need.  Have your records forwarded and insist on a follow up.  You need to get this done ASAP.  There are some inconsistant readings in the ECG that you describe, as well as other issues that need further evaluation.  

[sjaantze42]

Thank you for your response- it adds to my suspicion that beta blockers might not be a good idea for me, and I really appreciate the support!!

[Jerry_NJ]

I think beta blockers always slow the heart rate down.  So I too am surprised that your doctor prescribed them when you suffer from a low HR, as I understand your post.

Sometime people are prescribed beta blocker to slow down a high HR and the fact that the BB also lowers blood pressure causes problems.  That's been my problem, high HR, and normal to low blood pressure.  So, when I take BB to slow down the HR, the PB can get too low.  If the dose isn't too high my lowered BP isn't a big problem.  I can take up to 100 mg of Metoprolol a day without lowering the BP too much.

Not sure any of this helps you with your post, but I provide to keep your post active for another day.