PVC's

[philszone95]

I'm a 34 yr old male. I had only experienced small/occasional heart palpitations untill this past Monday. Since noon on Monday They have been nearly constant. Today is Thursday. I went to ER at noon today and I was monitored and EKG'd for 3-4 hours. The Dr said it was PVC's and acted as though they were absolutely nothing! The extra beats are quite strong at times and are extrememly discomforting. As I type I am experiencing them and I am in fear that they will never stop. Is it normal for these to last this long and feel so strong? Will it shorten my life by just wear and tear on my heart? I am experiencing about 5-20 per minute. Are there any doctors in the US that concentrate solely on PVC"s? Please Help

Phil

[pygmyowl]

Hey Phil:  I've had almost the same event, with a very similar background to yours, almost to the day:  Here's me:

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Heart-Disease/Frequent-PVCs/show/1049110?personal_page_id=769829  ;

Obviously, I hate to generalize from your condition to my condition, but I've also been surprised by how cavalier the doctors are about this sort of thing.  My doc seemed unconcerned, though he does want to rule out a few things.  From what I've been reading -- and believe me, I've been reading -- these phenomena can be quite common.

I know this is not what you're asking, but I'll check back on your list to hear what responses you get... and you may be interested in responses to my question.

[itdood]

Hi Phil, I'm in the same boat with you.  I've had them since my 20s, I'm now 41 and can say with no doubt that my heart has not been damaged by them in the least.

Here's what I did.  I got an appointment with a general practice family doc, in fact I chose one I know.  He's been able for the most part to try different meds and what-not.  When it got really bad, he referred me to a cardiologist.  I had many many tests done to make sure all was well, and it turned out I'm OK.

Then you can try different med strategies to help, or, what I found, was better lifestyle and trigger elimination to be the most effective thing.  Do this now, I bet you can get in to see a doc tomorrow afternoon if you already have one.