PVC's and GERD

[dbranden]

I have frequent PVC's (often with bigeminy) and I also have lots of reflux problems. I have been getting a lot more PVC's the past couple of weeks. I switched from Toprol XL to generic Metoprolol, and I I don't know if that has had any affect. I have also had increased reflux issues during this time. I am getting more PVC's and bigeminy than normal and am noticing it most when I lean forward, especailly while eating. Does this sound like the PVC's are coming from reflux? I feel kike my heart is irritated and ready to skip at any moment. I even wonder if the pollen outside is somehow affecting it. Any ideas?

[bgrimes86]

Yes, I know that Toprol XL is the brand name extended release version of metoprolol. However, there is a generic equivalent called metoprolol er, which I assume his doctor gave him. I have read many posts on this forum where users indicate that switching from Toprol XL to metoprolol er still report having problems. The generics are not always as good as the brand name ones. For example, I took the TEVA's generic version of Tenormin (atenolol), but when I switched to MYLAN's generic Tenormin, I had the most vivid dreams ever. The generic drugs are not always as good.

[finetilthree]

The difference is that Toprol XL is extended release so you get a steady slow release of metroprolol in your system throughout the day.  Generic metoprolol is not extended release so it enters your system and then gradually disappears.

[bgrimes86]

P.S. Many people report an increase in heart palpitations after switching from Toprol XL to its generic version, Metoprolol. My guess is that the generic version is ****, which is the case with many generics, despite what the FDA tells consumers.

[bgrimes86]

Actually, cardiac arrhythmias like PVC's have been linked to GERD. I posted this in the forum a week ago, but nobody really seemed to care. I'm trying to spread the word. If you really want to indulge in your cyberchondria (like myself), you can find the full report, along with related reports linking arrhythmias and GERD at www.pubmed.gov. To access the report, use the PMID number at the bottom of the page. God Bless!

Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2006 Jul 15;24(2):361-70.

Oesophageal acid exposure and altered neurocardiac function in patients with GERD and idiopathic cardiac dysrhythmias.

Cuomo R, DE Giorgi F, Adinolfi L, Sarnelli G, Loffredo F, Efficie E, Verde C, Savarese MF, Usai P, Budillon G.

Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Gastroenterology, University 'Federico II', Naples, Italy.

Oesophageal sensory stimuli alter neurocardiac function through autonomic reflexes. To evaluate in patients with idiopathic supraventricular cardiac dysrhythmias and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) whether GE reflux alters neurocardiac function and the effect of acid suppression on cardiac symptoms. Thirty-two patients (13 females and 19 males; age: 20-69 years) with dysrhythmias plus GERD, and nine patients (five females and four males; age: 43-58 years) with GERD only, underwent simultaneous 24-h pH-metry and ECG monitoring. Power spectrum analysis of heart rate variability (PSHRV) was obtained with both its low frequency (LF, sympathetic modulation) and high frequency (HF, vagal modulation) components. Hourly mean oesophageal pH and LF/HF ratio were correlated. A 3 months full-dosage PPI therapy (esomeprazole 40 mg/day) was prescribed. In 18 (56%) of the 32 patients with dysrhythmia and in none with GERD only, a significant (P < 0.05) correlation between oesophageal pH and LF/HF ratio (oesophagus-heart correlation) was observed. A significant reduction of cardiac symptoms after PPI therapy was observed only in these patients (13/16 vs. 4/11, P < 0.01). This study has identified a subgroup of dysrhythmic patients in whom the oesophageal acid stimulus elicited cardiac autonomic reflexes. In these patients acid suppression seems to improve GERD and cardiac symptoms.

PMID: 16842463

[Jerzeegal]

Hi there,

There hasn't been any scientific proof linking pvcs to GERD or reflux BUT many of us here experience increased PVCs after eating. I have GERD and a hiatal hernia and have noticed when my stomach is full and/or irritated my pvcs definately increase.

Jerz