Sigh. PVC’s have me desperate. How to cope?

@mattb4295
Been a long time sufferer of PVCs. Had one ablation for PVC on RV and fixed it. The LV got worse and worse. I was asked to take magnesium proactively not reactively. I was already taking a mixture of magnesium, calcicum and zinc. Read not to take calcium with magnesium (note, not from my doctors but my research).

I started taking a mixture of different type magnesium forms. It comes in many forms but most important is how well it is absorbed. I kept trying different ones (including heart calm) and the combinations worked. I wish I knew if it a specific one or just all but has worked and drastic reduction in PVCs so don't want to mess with it. You will read a lot on MCC on which form is best but it really depends on what works for you.

I am also a new medication called Mexiletine which was prescribed to reduce tachacardia, and did, along with PVCs.

I read you are having a lot of anxiety and stress. Both of those will cause (again my EP at Mayo not my opinion) PVCs. Important to relax and reduce stress. Mys suggestion find a hobby or physical exercise you like doing and take your mind off anxiety over PVCs. Stress and anxiety do not go well with PVCs sufferers. How is your weight?

I had succes in reducing mine with the above. I was having PVCs every 3-4 beats. I can go now 30 beats now with out them. My suggestion work with your EP and if you don't have a EP then suggest you find a experienced one. Also if your PCP and EP feel you would benefit try seeing a Psychiatric Specialist on medications and have them work with your EP. I say this because the Psychiatric Specialist will need to work with your EP and PCP to make sure any medications prescribed do not cause any side affects detrimental to any medical condition.

I have been taking a medication called Esciltiopram (spell?) prescribed by Psychiatric Medication Specialist at Mayo Clinic and it did help. But I am a firm believer in reducting stress and axniety through not only medications but life style changes including doing things that you like to do and enjoy them!

Also talk to your EP about Taurine. It is mentioned here a lot and I take it also.
Good Luck!!

I posted a week or so ago about my sudden onset PVCs that came out of nowhere and mentioned that several posters here had given me things to think about. What I did not mention was that I have suffered with severe digestive issues for 55 years because I did not think it was germane to this discussion. My cardiologist says these PVCs are not often enough to be concerned, although he reads the Kardiamobile scans and accepts that they are happening. It’s still of concern to me because I am going through it, so I started looking at medicine interactions and side effects to see if I could correlate anything, I had recently changed to Ozempic from Victoza which had actually raised my glucose levels. Starting with the lowest level of Ozempic, I gradually went up monthly until I got to 2mg doses. From the day I started the 2mg weekly dose, I had annoying but not severe digestive issues and, yes, the PVCs started on day 1 of the 2mg dose. Both the PVCs and the digestive issues continued through weeks 2, 3, and 4 at the 2mg level. My primary suggested holding the Ozempic for two weeks to see if anything resolved. Day 6 of the fourth week of Ozempic at 2mg resulted in fewer PVCs and almost no digestive issues. Day 7 of the fourth week of Ozempic resulted in no problems. Now, off the Ozempic, PVCs and digestive issues have completely resolved, No problems.

PVCs can be a side effect of Ozempic at the higher dose according to the manufacturer. Digestive issues can be a side effect of most of the injectable diabetes medicines. With my primary doctor’s agreement, I am staying off Ozempic for a couple of weeks. If the PVCs do not return, then we have pretty good evidence that I am one of the people who get cardiac issues from Ozempic.

It’s hard to believe this whole thing has potentially been so simple to resolve.

Same problem! Just spent July 1 in emergency with PVCs! They sent me home, I'm terrified. Started ozempic for weight loss, not diabetic. 0.25mg worked should have stayed there. But at 1 mg for 5 weeks and all hell broke loose. The anxiety with this med is uncontrollable. How long does it take to wear off?

I was just taken off Flecainide after having an ablation procedure April 16, 2024. Within a day and a half I started experiencing a lot of PVC’s. Every 2/3/4 or 5 beats. Tried to get my electrophysiology office staff to call me back, but it was Friday afternoon so no one returned my call. Short of going to the ER I’m stuck waiting until Monday hoping someone returns my call.
Never had PVC’s like this in my life. Scary actually. Left an email an email for my regular cardiologist but the chances of getting an early appointment with him is probably slim to none. So much of the time patients are pushed into an expensive, time consuming ER visit, because searching out an available cardiologist within a short period of time is near impossible.

Hi, I am a bit surprised there was no after hours contact. I could myself always get a call back from the on call doctor. Maybe if you call the office a after hour doctor can help.

Unfortunately there is no one to call. If you call their office the reply is: The office is closed. If this is an emergency dial 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. When we lived in California we always had easy after hour access to medical staff. We now live in Idaho, and it’s a different world.

Oh I feel for you so much !!!
If it’s that bad please go to a good ER . Esp since you already had ablation . Maybe something is going off w/ it .
Did you try to go back on Flecinine to see if it helps slow it down ?

Update - it took 3 weeks to get Ozempic out of my system. Anxiety over arrythmias was horrible. I still have brady and tachy arrythmias but after learning that many people live with them has been educational for me. But no help from cardiologist, my "non-urgent" appointment is Aug 30! Had to stop Metoprolol due to bradycardia. Thankfully I have a wonderful GP who probably knows everything I need to know.
The problem I need help with now is my chronic insomnia. Haven't slept in 50 years, wish I was exaggerating! I know being chronically tired has affected all aspects of my life, but now I'd like to know just how much it might also contribute to arrythmias. Anyone have some info on this?

Thank you for this group, I have calmed down a lot from what I'm learning here.

No, I did not go back to Flecainide. Afraid, at this point to do anything on my own without professional guidance. I did read that 11 to 17 % of people new to PVC’s will get them after an ablation procedure for atrial fibrillation. There is a chance that the PVC’s may go away in a few months. My cardiologist is having me come in to day for a ECG today. Of course, this is the first day I’m not having PVC’s. I’m glad I don’t have the issue today, but the doctor will have a difficult time diagnosing the problem with a clean ECG.

Have them do an Echocardiogram not just 1 min ekg or have them put you in halter monitor for 7 -14 days .
Do you have Apple Watch ?
You can record ECG and email to them if they are showing .
I’ve done that .
I just had a 2 hr Afib incident, in middle of night last week .
I caught it 7 x while in Afib .
I’ve only had that happen 4 -5 x in 2 years!!
Mostly I get pvcs if I get anything.
I know how scary this all is .
It’s horrible.
Let us know which tests he runs .
Explain in detail what’s going on .
Best regards