Weird PVC issue here

[Rambo2016]

Hi all,

Recently went to the E.R. recently with a strange, successive PVC event (had what felt like 5-6 skipped beats in a row) and it scared me to death. Last year, I had an echocardiogram and a stress test.....both of which came back normal. Also wore a 2 week Holter monitor at that time also. ALL came back normal.

Question....my blood pressure (at the ER) was 117/63....my oxygen level hovered around 98-100 consistently.....but my heart rate once got as low as 47 beats per minute....very low.  I experienced really uncomfortable PVCs, and the ER doc told me my Potassium levels were 2.8. So I took some Potassium chloride, seemed to help, been drinking milk more often (high in potassium) and now the PVCs are back, not as bad as before, but they mainly occur when I try to sleep.

I find I sleep on my right side and they arent as prevalent. Seems like most of my discomfort is while laying down.
Anyone else experience this? I just worry that perhaps my heart is weakening, which might explain my slow heart rate and what appears to be "healthy" blood pressure.

Any help would be appreciated

[MichelleP_3811]

In an otherwise healthy heart the premature beats are not a concern.  I think for some reason when our heart slows the premature beats can jump in.  It could be related to a safety precaution that is going off when it need not.  I am not sure the doctors know for sure why but avoiding things that upset the stomach may help.  Avoid caffeine and drink lots of water.  I get them when I go to sleep as well.  The worst is when I lay on my left side.  I just ignore them but try a different sleep position to see if it helps.  Since your heart is healthy it's best to try and ignore them.  They aren't a danger to you.  Take care.

[kaylamt]

Your heart will only weaken with PVCs if you are having 20% or more of your daily beats as PVCs. Roughly 20k PVCs..... Since your heart is structurally sound... That many PVCs in a row won't harm you . I suggest you have a holter done to see how many you are actually having. I highly doubt you are having so many that you should be concerned! I have about 200 on my worst days and it feels like thousands because I feel every single beat.