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Avatar universal

TRY THIS...............

It took a while to finally figure out that I have PVC's and after being diagnosed I have been on a warpath to determine the triggers for these nasty episodes..........I will defeat PVC's!!!!!!!!!!!!!
So.........this is what I have learned and I just thought I would share to those who are new to PVC's
#1.  NO ALCOHOL- I have found that initially a drink or two will actually help to subside the PVC's but the next day
                              be horrendous! You will pay dearly after a night of drinking and I believe that this could be from
                              contributed to several things.  The first one being the dehydration factor.  The second one being
                              dependent upon the additives that are in wine and liqour.  RED WINE is the worst and should be
                              avoided altogether.  I found that Bacardi Rum affects me the least and I always pair it with a non-
                              caffienated soda, for example Sprite.
#2.  STAY HYDRATED- I have found that drinking small amounts of water frequently throughout the day and staying
                                   hydrated has subsided my PVC's.  I do not recommend drinking large amounts of liquids.  
                                   This overstimulates the vagus nerve which is responsible for aiding in digestion and heart
                                   rhythm function.
#3.  NO CAFFEINE- Elimination of caffeine is so important with PVC's.  This also means eliminating anything that has
                              caffeine in it.....Chocolate, Soda, Caffiene Drinks, Energy Pills..............
#4.  GET SLEEP- Getting plenty of rest is vital.  I find that lying down flat is sometimes bothersome, so I prop my  
                           upper half of my body at a 45 degree angle with pillows.  Sleeping at least 8 hours continuously has
                           helped alot.  If you are not sleeping well.........look into sleep apnea.  Sometimes this will go
                           undetected by people that have it and it can put stress on the heart and increase the frequency of
                           PVC's immensely.  If you are waking up at night and gasping for air or snoring, a CPAP machine
                           could help you get a great night of sleep and eliminate your PVC's.
#5.  EAT FREQUENT SMALL MEALS- I find that if I eat a large meal, there is a 95% possiblity that I will have some
                                                         PVC epidodes.  Try small, very low carb meals throughout the day.  I find that
                                                         carbs make my PVC's worse because they induce inflammation in the body
                                                         and that makes PVC's worse as well which leads me to #6.
#6.  AVOID INFLAMMATION- This is a tricky one.....you cannot always avoid inflammation, but inflammation within
                                            the body makes PVC's significantly worse.  For example.....Sinus congestion, Chest
                                            congestion, infection, foods that we eat.  There is a great list of anti-inflammatory foods
                                            if you google "List of Anti Inflammatory foods".  Omega 3 supplements are a good way
                                            to combat inflammation within the body. You may find that this supplement decreases
                                            your epidodes of PVC's.
#7.  LIMIT STRESS- This is hard to do.  We all have stressors, but try to think of what your stress triggers are and
                              combat them.  Deep breathing, yoga, a picture that makes you happy.  Keeping stress down
                              equates to less PVC's.
#8.  AVOID PROCESSED FOOD-  Almost everything we eat is processed, containing chemicals, additives, dyes and
                                                   hormones.  These all contribute to PVC's.  Make great changes to your diet and
                                                   reap the rewards of a PVC free life! Your body will thank you too!
#9.  DO NOT SMOKE ANYTHING- No explanation needed.  
#10.  EXERCISE LIGHTLY- I recommend taking a brisk 30 minute walk in the morning.  I tend to get more PVC's
                                        when I jog rather than just walk quickly.
I hope that this list can help someone out there!  It isnt fail-proof.  I still occasionally get my PVC's, usually right before my period starts (HORMONES DO CONTRIBUTE TO PVC'S) or if I am completely exhausted.  Good luck to all!
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Avatar universal
I am sorry that my post is so difficult to read.  It looked great when I was writing it.  I apologize.  The high sodium note is a great side note.  I did not include that but adding it to the list is a must!  Also, part of the reason for the episodes when you consume alot of sodium is the fact that it dehydrates you....just a thought.  Everyone take care and just think about how much healthier us folks are that suffer from PVC's.  We actually live much healthier lives because we have so much motivation to not experience PVC's.  Hope everyone feels well
Helpful - 0
996946 tn?1503249112
I have to add high sodium content in foods to the list of things to avoid...maybe this just goes along with processed foods but i find if I eat anything with a lot of sodium, for example, seafood, I get PVC's.
Helpful - 0
1182699 tn?1297574784
Great list!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thanks for sharing this!  I agree that light exercise seem to be better than harder work out. I also has cut of all coffein, I have not had a glass of alcohol for a year, I sleep a minimum of 8 hours a night and try to reduce stress. Unfortunately I still have bigger problem than a year ago, but I really belive that theese triggers has to be taken care of. I have endometriosis which gives me recurrent inflammation in my belly when I get my period, that is a tuff one to handle. I also agree that hormones probably play a big roll. I will soon be at menopause ( I think) and that may be contributing to my problem getting worse the last six months.
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Avatar universal
Good advice!
Helpful - 0
1569985 tn?1328247482
Thanks for the input.  I am doing several of these things, but had not considered others.  I seem to have fewer irregular beats when I'm off the fish oil, so am trying to add more fish to my diet.

Avoiding processed foods is tough, so is avoiding stress.  The carbs seem to soothe me, but add to my diabetic/weight issues.  I hadn't connected them to the arrthymias.

Caffeine, sleep, small meals all super important, I agree.
Helpful - 0
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