Should I have asked for more testing for my pvcs?

[krystaldawn771]

So, I was diagnosed with having pvcs and pacs about 2 months ago. I never seen a cardiologist and it was diagnosed by my primary doctor. But my concern is that she did zero testing or workups to see if there was any underlying condition or cause for my pvcs and pacs. This worries me because heart disease runs in my family. My mother, my grandma, and my aunt all died in their 50's from heart attacks. I was prescribed metoprolol and I take it occassionally, but I can't help but to be worried that there is something wrong. Should my doctor had done a stress test? Should I have seen a cardiologist? Or am I just being paranoid?

[jeff1971]

Yes, you should be evaluated by a cardiologist and no you are not paranoid. I have PVC, PAC, very rare SVT. Also have family history (premature heart disease, cardiomyopathy, sudden death) and so was referred for in depth studies straight away. Had these for 20 years (I am in my forties) and am still around, but they are gradually getting worse. Next step is DNA sequencing for sodium channel mutations - for me and my daughter.

[aabmtreasures]

Pvc's came one day out of the blue when I was 30. I'm now 41, and been around since. @itdood what have you found helps minimize?

[PamOJ]

Yes, Yes, Yes! You have to be in charge of your own health. Most doctors don't go into details or know you very well!

[krystaldawn771]

Thank you for your reply itdood. Do you suggest I ask for a referral to a cardiologist? I would feel much better if I had testing done showing my heart was healthy but not knowing is what worries me. I am only 32 but my mom had her first heart attack by my age.

[itdood]

Usually family history is a strong indicator for more tests.  I have the same situation as you, my father had a heart blockage at age 42 and ended up with a heart transplant.  

They didn't mess around and gave me all sorts of tests.  But I was also getting 6,000 PVCs per day.    I had 14 day holter, many EKgs, a nuclear stress test, + cardiac MRI.