Can Propranolol taken for PVC cause a strong squeeze and pressure feeling in the chest?

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With normal ECG (electrocardiogram), echo (echocardiogram), CMR (cardiovascular magnetic resonance ), and stress test, these are likely to be idiopathic PVCs (premature ventricular contractions) only. Having undergone so many tests, it is unlikely to miss any major cardiac illness. PVCs can be symptomatic and troublesome and are likely responsible for your symptoms. Now, in my opinion, some treatment modifications should be done in order to keep them suppressed. As current Propranolol is not helping, the dose of Propranolol can be increased if pulse rate or blood pressure permits. Also, if you are not taking it on a regular basis, then you should have Propranolol on a regular basis (long-acting formulation of Propranolol). If propranolol or beta blockers are not helping, then calcium channel blockers or other antiarrhythmics should be tried as you are quite symptomatic. Controlling PVCs with medicines will help in the resolution of your symptoms, and later medications may be tapered off. You can also observe precipitating factors like caffeinated drinks, coffee, or any addiction, if any. So, in a nutshell, they are probably not missing anything, and these are likely idiopathic PVCs. Optimization of medicine appears to be the next most appropriate option in your case. These PVCs can go away with time. These PVCs certainly must be giving you anxiety, so reassurance and antianxiety meditation and yoga should also be tried. Hope this helps you, and get back if you have any more doubts or more information to share.

Hello,

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Usually, PVCs are symptomatic when they occur. However, aches can persist after that as well. So, it is rare to get symptoms that long, but possible. Secondly, over a period of time, you have probably developed a heightened sensitivity and increased awareness as well, so few PVCs may be troublesome. Another cause for such squeezing pains is acid reflux, which can cause esophageal spasms, which can cause similar symptoms. So, it's worth having an antacid trial as well, along with a healthy lifestyle like avoiding spicy oily meals, having light meals, especially dinner, and having some walk after each meal, etc. You can request your treating doctor to change medications to calcium channel blockers, which can be helpful in PVCs and also esophageal spasms (if they are there).