Thought my heart was healthy

[strongheart778]

I'm a 48 year old male in fair shape.  I have been a runner since I was 13.  I jogged 1-3 times a week for 3 miles.  I thought I ate reasonably healthy, and didn't worry about heart disease.

Two months ago, I had a 5 hour episode of PVCs and thought I was having a heart attack.  The reason I'm posting here is because I've read many accounts of people experiencing similar things and I know how stressful it can be.  By giving my background and test results, perhaps some new people here will read this and be able to relax a bit.

The PVCs went away that night, but returned three days later.  I went to see my PCP, who referred me to a cardiologist, who said PVCs were common, and not to worry, but ran some tests.  I had an EKG, echo, and stress test.  The EKG showed the PVCs.  The echo showed a chamber that didn't appear to be compressing, and the stress test showed a small area of concern.  Nothing obvious, so a cardiac cath was setup.

Other background:  I haven't had any chest pain, but have suffered a panic attack 3 years ago, and lifelong sleep apnea, that improved with jaw surgery ten years ago.  I got up to level 5 on the stress test.  It took 13 minutes before I hit my target heart rate of 171bpm.  Normally, my pulse is 50-60bpm,  Good/low blood pressure, and cholesterol around 220.

In the last two months, I've noticed my heart feels good during exercise, but I get bad PVCs for a few hours afterwards.  I started reading a book called reversing heart disease, by Ornish and was convinced I had partially blocked arteries.  I started his diet ten days ago and lost ten pounds.  I now weigh 210lbs at 6'2" tall.

I had the cardiac catheterization done earlier this week.  I was amazed to find no blockage, and very healthy arteries.  But, i still have the PVCs.  Not all the time, but enough to be concerned about.

So, where do I stand now?  I have a follow up visit next week, where I expect the doctor will want to perform more tests.  However, in reading various posts in this forum, I have a reasonable expectation that my problem is caused from dimished production of Co-Q10.  I plan to buy some later today.  With any luck, the PVCs will be gone by my follow up visit and I can put this to rest.

I am glad I did all of the tests because they put my mind at ease that there is no obvious physical flaw.  Heart issues naturally cause anxiety.  If you have concerns you should explore them.  But, unless you are in imminent danger, I recommend you read, educate yourself, and try to stay calm.  Being pro-active helps.  Most of us can stand to eat better too.

I will post again after I try the Co-Q10.

[DeltaDawn23]

Good point Tom -- I was told 1/3 to 1/2 of all afib is believed to be caused by sleep apnea.  It is very hard on your heart.   I woke up with one of my last episodes when I was stuffed up and unable to breathe well on the CPAP -- it is now under control and no Afib.

[tom_h]

Are you sure your sleep apnea is corrected?  I use to get bouts of PVC's after a particularly bad night.  I'm on CPAP now.

[spade22]

Good on you for taking such good care of your health!

PVCs are typically benign in a structurally normal heart but can cause a lot of anxiety in those of us unlikely enough to "feel" them.  There are many conditions (besides heart-disease) that can trigger or worsen PVCs:  stress, thyroid disorder, electrolyte imbalances, stimulants (caffeine etc), certain medications, alcohol,  etc.   Unfortunately, some people experience PVCs for no known reason.  

I hope you are able to resolve your PVCs soon!