HomeAnswersCardiologypremature ventricular contractionsWhy are my PVC (premature ventricular contractions) getting worse?

I have an increase in PVCs. What triggers it?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

Dr. K. Shobana

Published At March 15, 2021
Reviewed AtJuly 26, 2023

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

There is an increase in PVCs over the past week. They happen in chunks of time for an hour or 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 echo stress in my early twenties. My BP is normal, and when these happen, my HR is normal and below 85 beats per minute, and resting HR is about 65 beats per minute. Anxiety has been up, but I am scared something more sinister is at work.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

There are few extrasystoles, but not sure whether these are PAC (premature atrial contractions) or PVC (premature ventricular contractions) as complexes are small. A 12-lead ECG (electrocardiogram) is recommended. If you have frequent PVCs, then Holter will tell how much is a load of PVCs and the location of 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 these disappear with exercise. Please send me your echocardiography, 12-lead ECG, and previous blood work if done. Also, tell are you taking any medicine to control PVCs?

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

I am not taking anything as this is a new increase for me. Prior to this, I only had them randomly. I took echocardiography fifteen years back. 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.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Muhammad Zohaib Siddiq
Dr. Muhammad Zohaib Siddiq

Cardiology

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