PVC's

[sheplu]

I'm new to this board and glad I found it.  I am a woman of 67 and last week started having missed heart beats and heart rate was between 90 and 100.  I've had palpitations before but these seemed a little different and I did get very nervous.  I went to the ER and they said I had PVC's and after a few hours released me and gave me a prescription for a halter monitor.  The doctor put on my paper that he thought my PVC's were benign and not serious.  I wore the halter monitor and it showed PAC's and PVC's and I have an appointment with a cardiologist in about 2 weeks.  I am very nervous about this and wish I could get in sooner to see the doctor.  I have no symptoms of these palpitations and feel good otherwise.  No chest pain, shortness of breath, etc.  I am on medication for hbp and was put on extra atenolol to help with the palpitations.  I do have to mention that I have been in counseling the last few months for depression and wonder how much of this I am bringing on myself.  Thanks you for listening to me.

[sheplu]

Thanks for your good thoughts and I'm trying to be optimistic about this.  I think if I can control my anxiety, it would help the situation.  It's just that the palpitations can be very nerve wracking and I'll have to try to learn to ignore them.  Thanks again.

[Jerzeegal]

Yep I have both... The PACs at this point are happening more frequently then the PVC's  at least according the the holter and my cardiologist. I also have mitral valve prolapse which I understand can contribute to palpitations.

Try not to stress too much before you get the cardiologist :-) and don't be surprised if the cardio tells you your heart is perfectly healthy.

Jerz

[Barbarella]

Don't know about the PAC's.  But I do have the PVC's.  

I know when you are in suspense even a few days seem like eternity.

Good luck!  You will be fine!

[sheplu]

I did tell the Cardiology dept. to call me if there is a cancellation but I will call them, if not every day, every other day.  I know a week and a half isn't long to wait but it seems like forever.  My friend had to wait over one month for her appointment.  I keep telling myself that if it was an emergency I would have had the appointment already.  Thanks again and I'll let you know what happens.  :)

[sheplu]

Do you get both Pacs and PVSs?  I just know it scared me when they said I had both but I guess it's more common than I knew.  I will keep you posted and thanks.

[Barbarella]

If the two weeks waiting time for your appointment seems unbearable you can call them every day to see if there is a cancellation.

[Jerzeegal]

PACs and PVCs can be very disconcerting to say the least. I have been living with mine for awhile and try not to let them take control so to speak. Sometimes I feel them and other times I don't even tho I'm sure they are still there.

Complete cardiac work up showed that my heart is healthy so I try not to focus on the palpitations. Stress and anxiety make them worse.

Good luck and keep us posted.

[sheplu]

Thanks for answering me.  I really do appreciate it.  When I went to the E.R. they did all that blood work and chest x-rays and all was fine there.  I was so nervous that my BP did go over the top and took a while to come down.  I think I got more upset when I found out that the halter monitor showed that I not only had PVC's but PAC's also.  I don't know if this makes it worse or not but I didn't like hearing that.  I know I'm going to be a basket case until I see the Cardiologist in 2 weeks and wish I could get in sooner.  I'm glad they told you that you have a healthy heart and hopefully they'll tell me the same.  I'll let you know.  :)

[Barbarella]

In my case stress and anxiety bring on PVC's.  I would not be surprised if depression can also bring them on.  

Don't worry I'm sure you will be o.k.  but I do know how you feel.  I was a basket case when I went to see the Cardiologist.  Besides an EKG he might will do an echo, blood tests etc.  Sometimes to little potassium or to much potassium can also bring on palpitations and PVC's.  and so can many other things.

Don't do like I do and work yourself up that your BP will go over the top.  That was the case with me and my BP was the major attention and the PVC's the Cardiologists waved with his arm saying "I'm not worried at all about your PVC's, you've a healthy heart but we do need to do something about your BP" :)