SOME PVC QUESTIONS

[Dave2923]

  So I have had palpitations that come in waves through the years. Right now I am in one of those "waves" where I get a lot of them over the course of a couple weeks. I have recently undergone a series of testing to finally figure out what causes these things. I have found out that my heart is structurally good (no valve problems, no ischemia, no other abnormalities like dilated or hypertropic cardiomyopothy, etc). My EKG's and Holters also showed no major electrical issues. The QRS, PR, and QT/QTc intervals are all normal, and there are no other signs of any channelopathies. The Holter showed 13 PAC's, and 2 PVC's, although I felt nothing that day. The 30 event monitor showed a few more ectopics, and some sinus pauses and extreme bradycardia while sleeping. I know that most of my problems are PAC's and PVC's, although they have never been able to catch any of the 5-15 second prolonged flutters I have from time to time, which I guess would have to be some form of SVT or NSVT.
- Anyways, my question is, given that I am 21, have no family history of cardiac arrest, am physically active (run 40-60 miles per week), am a normal weight (was measured at 6'1, 173lbs), and do not have structural or electrical issues with my heart, would PVC's, PAC's, and any suspected SVT, NSVT generally be benign?
- I was also wondering if autonomic dysfunction could cause PAC's/PVC's, SVT/NSVT, because my family does have a history of autoimmune disorders (PCOS, Graves, Type 2 Diabetes, Rheumatoid Arthritis, etc), and if such were the case would it still be benign? I just wonder about autonomic dysfunction because I have a weird metabolism, low body temperature, postural hypotension, bradycardia at rest (usually 20's and 30's during sleep, with sinus pauses), extreme tachycardia (213BPM) with hard exertion
-Finally, does anyone else who has PAC's/PVC's relate to any of the following symptoms/sensations: heart drops through stomach, electric shock feeling through arms, heart pause, sudden jolt, vibration, slight "pain" with palpitation, head rush post palpitation, hiccup in the heart?
I guess I'm just looking to make sure this is normal and fairly benign. It has always had me pretty worried, and during times like this where they sometimes wake me up at night and stuff I can get a little nervous. I am currently seeing an internist who ordered some hormonal blood work since a cardiologist and two electrophysiologists have ruled out primary heart problems as the cause. Btw, I don't eat a lot of salt or drink a lot of caffeine or eat a lot of chocolate, and I do take a multivitamin, CoQ10, and Vitamin D, and will be starting Omega 3 soon.

[Dave2923]

   Yea, I have heard of the palpitations being more frequent post exertion for athletes because I guess our vagal tone is higher (so our HR recovers faster post exercise) and the spread between adrenaline and HR becomes too large, creating more palpitations. However, I have not heard anything about athletes in general having more palpitations even while at rest, so I would definetely be interested in the link to the article about athletes and benign arrhythmias if you happen to have it.
       I do know that the reason a lot of people tend to get more palpitations at night, and especially at night after days when they had a lot of physical and emotional activity has something to do with that adrenaline to HR ratio. Left over adrenaline from the day causes the ectopic beats. I'm not sure if in my case this might have something to do with systemic inflammation, as that can cause over-stimulation of sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves in combination with each other (as some nerves may become inflamed). I'll probably know more about that after the blood results from today come back since they are looking at my CRP and ERS amongst other things.

[dolphin8808]

I have PVCs as well and was told they are benign as long as the "runs" Last under 30 seconds and do not cause symptoms. And of course as long as your echo /stress test etc came back normal. I have not been able to catch my "runs" on a monitor either which is very frustrating! I am not sure if I am having NSVT or SVT etc either but given that I get mostly PVCs I am thinking that is what it is.

I have found that our lives can revolve around these things. They are so scary and make us doubt the docs. Yes they say they are benign but they can offer no real guaranty that these will not develop into something more. That is what scares me the most, what does the future hold.

But you are young, your heart is strong, treat your heart well, take care of it and it will take care of you :) Besides, hopefully they will have a cure sooner rather then later :)

[msalisaa]

I read an article about athletes and runners having regular heart palpitations. I guess you just have to make sure you have sufficient time warming up before you run and take time to cool down. I have ventricular ectopic beats myself which comes in waves too. I'm 20 and having the second wave now and it irritates me! Went to a doctor to have it checked and she said it's benign but i'm still pretty worried about it sometimes. Earlier today i experience shortness of breath and fast heartbeats for a minute or two... not sure if that is normal :(