I have a Medtronic Virtuoso set at 60 bpm but have recently started suffering from frequent PVC's that give me a bp monitor heart rate of 45-50 and I feel awful. I had open heart surgery in May of 2007 -- a full maze procedure (cutting and cryo), an MV repair and LAA resection. It was very successful. Now my drs tell me my heart is being paced at 60 but because of the PVC's I can't feel it and it doesn't register on my monitor. In fact, it FEELS like 45 bpm and I have no stamina. For years I suffered from severe MVP, HCM, had V-Tachs, and finally developed Afib. MY EF was always somewhat normal.
My first ICD was put in in 2003 and, with Amiodarone, produced three years of great results until the Amiodarone attacked my thyroid (AIT) in 2005 and the Afib went out of control.
Prior to the surgery, I had frequent Afib and had to be cardioverted because my heart couldn't tolerate it and I wouldn't self-convert. After the surgery, I continued on Atenolol and a small amount of Lisinopril to keep me out of Aflutter, but am virtually Afib-free. In general, the surgery was successful... only suddenly the PVC's have become very frequent, persistent and are causing much discomfort, tiredness, etc. I have an elongated Q curve so most anti-arrhythmic drugs are contraindicated and I can no longer take the Amiodarone.
Are these PVC's (as many as 360 an hour in tri- and bi-geminals) dangerous and are they effecting my EF? Is there a medication, herbal supplement, or another procedure I should undergo?
I feel worse than I did before I had the ICD in 2003 which made me feel normal -- because my heart rate stayed at 60 bpm or above! My doctors are dismissive of my distress now. We're both worn out and I'm feeling pretty hopeless of late. I've been through a lot and feel like I'm becoming an invalid again.
Thanks for any advice you can give me. - Julia