Q. What are the possible effects of increased premature ventricular contractions (PVCs)?
Hello doctor,
I have experienced a significant increase in the number of ventricular ectopic beats (PVCs) over the past 2 weeks. I started recording them with my ECG recorder and noticed today that PVCs sometimes occur in three to four sequences. I have heard this may be problematic and would like an opinion. Please help.
Hi,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I understand your concern. PVCs (premature ventricular contractions) are generally present in healthy people. Anxiety and caffeine intake increase PVCs. I suggest having 12 leads ECG (electrocardiogram) and 24 hours of Holter monitoring to count PVCs in 24 hours. The echo was normal. It would be best to get serum potassium and magnesium levels done. Also, is there any family history of sudden death or heart attack? Have you ever experienced a loss of consciousness? Kind regards.
Hi doctor,
There is no family history of sudden death or early heart attack, but my brother and father had issues with PVCs during their middle age. However, I have never experienced the loss of consciousness. The only episode I had that felt dangerous was three years ago when I woke up in the night and could not catch my breath, and my heart rate was remarkably fast (300 beats per minute). A little more information for you: My PVCs start when I stand up, sit down, or lie on my stomach or left side. I have had left-sided chest pain for a few years that hurt to the touch. The main reason I wrote to you is that my PVCs are beginning to happen in sequences that I had heard are called ventricular tachycardia. So I am only trying to stay on top of this and not ignore anything potentially fatal. I will consult my general physician about having the tests you mentioned. Thank you.
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
When PVCs are frequent, three or more can occur consecutively, but this is not a severe issue if there is no structural heart disease. Your echocardiography was normal, and you had no structural illness, so your PVCs are probably the most idiopathic. If you have symptoms daily, have Holter monitoring, which is continuous ambulatory ECG recording and catches if some abnormal activity occurs in the heart. If it records frequent PVCs, then the next step is echocardiography. Electrolyte abnormalities also cause PVCs. It is best to take beta blocker medicine such as Metoprolol or Bisoprolol to suppress PVCs. Please consult your specialist doctor, discuss with them and take medicines with their consent. Thank you.
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