PVC's

[JamieS22]

I am 26 and just recently have been to the er and cardiologist in the past three days.  PVCs they say it is.  What can cause this? i have been so scared to do anything at all.  I have been taking accutane for severe nodular acne for the past five months. I wonder if this could be a factor????

[cathyw911]

Hi, Jamie.  I'm so sorry you are going through this.  I just recently found this forum because I started having PVC's constantly last week, although I've had them on and off for about 30 years now (and they still haven't stopped, so, this is the 12th day straight that I'm having them - ugh!)  I was concerned because they were happening so frequently and for so long, so, I found this forum.  I keep hoping someone will come up with a definite cause so that then there will be a definite treatment.  The anxiety is so bad and it's a vicious cycle because the more you worry, the worse it can get!  I was interested in your quetion about the accutane.  I'm not in the medical field, so, I can't comment on how that medicine may affect you, but I have had acne since I was 16 years old, I'm 51 now.  When I am on birth control pills, it seems to really help the PVC's as well as my acne.  I went off birth control pills this past February--even at 51 years old, my face is starting to break out again and I'm having more and more PVC's.  So, at least in my case, I'd like to think that a hormonal imbalance has a lot to do with the PVC's.  Maybe the same for you(?)  I hope you are feeling better soon.

[Brooke_38]

Hello...

I don't think I'd worry about becoming dependant on medication to relieve your symptoms. These types of medications do not have addictive properties. I know it can be upsetting to have no answers or understanding to your new onset PVC's. At least your labs were normal, you've had the Echo which will rule in or out some structural defect. Many times if there is some significant finding your Dr is notified immediately. Since you were allowed to leave and haven't heard anything regarding it, I would bet that it showed a young, healthy heart:)

Please keep us posted with your progress or any news you hear from the Dr. We are all here to help you through this and will be happy to answer any questions you have. As for me, my rhythm issues are a little more complex. Short of me getting into it here, if you're interested you can read under my profile my history:)

[JamieS22]

Yes... when i was in the er they did blood testing and ekg. everything was absolutely normal except my ekg.  it just showed that i was having pvcs.  no explanation for why.  so i went home and worried as i took these beta blockers they prescribed me.  I only took it once, just because i don't really want to become medicine dependent already. so today i went and had an ecko done and i am wearing a heart monitor until tomorrow morning?  i am so thankful for your reply.  i am so confused and upset. do you have the same thing or similiar?

[Brooke_38]

Hello...

Sorry to hear that you were in the ER. If you are scared, you've come to the right place to be reassured and supported while your Dr tries to figure this out:) This forum is chalk full of wonderful people who will help you every step of the way!

PVCs are a very common form of arrhythmia, and can occur in both individuals with and without heart disease. They can also occur in otherwise healthy athletes (ie in the days following a major effort such as a marathon.)

Causes
Some possible causes of PVC in adults include the use of cocaine, amphetamines, alcohol, and tobacco. Medicines including digoxin, sympathomimetics, tricyclic antidepressants, and aminophylline have also been known to trigger attacks of PVC. Increased levels of adrenaline are thought to play a role, often caused by caffeine, exercise or anxiety.

Heart conditions or a previous history of heart attack, ischemia, myocarditis, dilated or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, myocardial contusion, atrial fibrillation and mitral valve prolapse may cause PVC. People with low magnesium, low potassium, and low calcium may also present with PVC's.


People who are otherwise healthy, PVCs can often be resolved with continuous rehydration and by repleting the balance of magnesium, calcium and potassium within the body.


Possible triggers
Anxiety/Stress
Chocolate
Caffeine
Calcium/magnesium imbalance
Dehydration
Alcohol
Exercise
Hormonal imbalance
Hypercapnia (CO2 poisoning)
Hyperstimulation of the Vagus nerve
Lack of sleep/exhaustion
Overeating
Low copper
MSG

I don't believe that Accutane is related to your symptoms. Have you been through any cardiac testing yet? EKG, Echocardiogram etc.