I have an increase in PVCs. What triggers it?
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
There has been an increase in PVCs over the past week. They happen in chunks of time for an hour or a few times a day. There are no other symptoms, and it happens at rest, especially after I eat food, and it goes away with movement. I bought the Kardia device to catch an episode.
I have attached it, and please review it. I had normal echocardiographic stress in my early twenties. My BP is normal, and when these happen, my HR is normal and below 85 beats per minute, and my resting HR is about 65 beats per minute. Anxiety has been up, but I am scared something more sinister is at work.
Please advise.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I understand your concern.
There are a few extrasystoles, but it is not clear whether these are PAC (premature atrial contractions) or PVC (premature ventricular contractions), as the complexes are small. A 12-lead ECG (electrocardiogram) is recommended. If you have frequent PVCs, then a Holter will tell how many PVCs are in a load and the location of the PVCs.
If your echocardiography is normal, then PVCs are not an issue of concern. In most cases, PVCs occur without any structural heart disease, and these are benign, especially if they disappear with exercise. Please send me your echocardiography, 12-lead ECG, and previous blood work if done. Also, are you taking any medicine to control PVCs?
Kind regards.
Patient's Query
Thank you, doctor, for the reply.
I am not taking anything as this is a new increase for me. Prior to this, I only had them randomly. I took an echocardiography fifteen years ago.
Should I ask my doctor for a new one? Right now, I am scheduled for ECG, Halter, and bloodwork to start.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
Yes, echocardiography should be repeated as your premature ventricular contractions are of recent onset. ECG (electrocardiogram), Holter monitoring, exercise ECG, echocardiography, serum electrolytes, thyroid function tests are also needed.
These tests are basic to determine the cause of PVCs, and if normal, it means PVCs are idiopathic and not a serious issue. These can be left without any medicine. But if bothersome or more than 10000 per 24 hours, then medicines should be started to control.
Kind regards.
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
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