How to manage premature ventricular contractions?

Question

Hi doctor,

I am a 24-year-old male, 5 feet 9 inches tall, and I weigh 160 pounds. I have been experiencing unusual heart flutters and skipped beats, which mostly occur when I am lifting weights at the gym and taking a deep breath. I have always exercised without experiencing these sensations before, and they are quite annoying and concerning. I hope you can help.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and understand your concerns.

You are likely experiencing PVCs (premature ventricular contractions), which are extra beats that are usually benign and not a cause for concern. Another possibility is atrial fibrillation, especially if you have episodes of rapid heartbeat. At your young age, these conditions are often idiopathic, meaning there is no known cause. They can be triggered by smoking, stimulant drugs, excessive alcohol consumption, thyroid problems, structural heart disease, and more.

At this moment, we need to confirm the diagnosis, for which you will require an electrocardiogram (ECG). You can have this done by a local doctor, particularly when you are symptomatic. If the ECG does not capture the issue, you may need 24-hour Holter monitoring. Additionally, you will need a thyroid test. Once we confirm the diagnosis, we can recommend beta blockers. In the meantime, please avoid smoking, alcohol, and any drugs.

Overall, this is not a serious issue, but it does need to be evaluated.

I hope this information is helpful, and feel free to reach out if you have any questions.

Regards.