What is an average interval between PVC 'attacks'?

[GordonM]

Hi,
I wonder if forum members can help me with something I haven't found an answer to on the net. And that is - what an average interval is between bouts of PVCs. My own experience is as follows.  I'm 61, male, and reasonably fit and 2 years ago I went through about two weeks of getting worryingly high kevels of PVCs - I'm guessing a couple of thousand a day. I did some research, bought some magnesium supplements and they went away on their own. In between times, I've had the odd fluttery session but nothing to cause me major stress. So far so good.

Then last week the PVCs came back with a vengeance. This time I was referred to a cardiologist and am currently undergoing tests - EKG - normal, stress test - normal, the holter monitor goes on tomorrow - if it had been on today it would have had a field day...but now, at the time of writing the PVCs have stopped. There was a 3 hour sessiom this morning, a  semi-break through the afternoon, and then earlier this evening they were up to about 12 -15 a minute for more than an hour. But now - nothing - it's like the movie Zulu. ''Yes, sergeant, what is it?' 'It's the Zulus sir. They've gone!' But you just sense they're going to be back again  -with reinforcements...

So my question is -what is an average interval between 'episodes' of PVCs, and within those episodes, what are the interval between 'bouts'. As I say, my episodic interval has been 2 years, and then on average in this episode it's been every couple of days, about 3 to 4 'bad' sessions a day.
Thans for taking the trouble to read...

[matt_ks]

I'm no expert, but I have a similar PVC experience to you.  I'm 57.  I've had all the tests over the past few years and everything is OK.  In my case it seems like PVC attacks are a result of cumulative stress.  The frequency and duration of episodes varies accordingly. But to answer your question, over the past 2 years I get 3-4 days of 1000's per day and then nothing for a couple months and then they return.  

[2210485]

Theres no normal intervals, nor is a few thousand necessarily worrisome.

PVC's are expressed in terms of percentage of total heartbeats, also known as "burden". When evaluating PVC, generally less then 15% is a low risk burden, 15%-25% Moderate and 25%+ is a more severe case.

Additional concerns we have is with regards to PVC'S that exhibit certain distrinctive patterns, PVC that come along with other diseases such as congestive heart failure or Coronary Artery Disease and PVC's that occur with or are attributed to certain inhereted genetic disorders.

The only way to be certain you don't have any of these patterns or conditions is to go to the cardiologist. He will order an Echocardiogram (Ultrasound) to screen for things like coronary artery disease, some genetic conditions, and CHF. Additional testing would include a 24 Hour Holter monitor to get an accurate reading on your "burden".

Some if these tests it sounds like you are already recieving. With this in mind all you can do is Wait results.

The vast majority of PVCs Re isolated and under 15%, so thankfully, the odds are you will get a clean bill of health.

It is not uncommon for your doctor to prescribe some medication to control the amount of PVC's and the severetity of symptoms. This will likely help, but it is imperitive that you commit to taking it exactly as prescribed due to potential "withdrawls" aka "Rebounds" that may occur if you stop then without a doctors supervision.