New to ventricular arrhythmias

Hiya @patclem its Dave from Pa. I’ve been thru this process of getting EKG’s not catching arrhythmia. Very frustrating. My cardiologist hooked me up with a halter monitor which recorded the heart functions 24/7. It gave him the info he needed to correctly diagnose the issue and after an echo, prescribe the appropriate treatment. That was in 2014! I would recommend that you talk to the cardiologist about a 24/7 monitor. Best of luck to you !

@dave56pa I agree that the cardiologist should order a Holter monitor to be worn for a week or more. Probably not going to need a whole week judging by the asker's description of what he's going through.

Sometimes a rate control medicine like metoprolol or diltiazem, bisoprolol, etc, put the heart's natural rhythm, when it isn't having the arrhythmia, into what is called 'bradycardia', or a heart rate slower than 60 beats per minute. Most patients needn't worry if their heart rate falls into the low 50's, especially when they're calm, seated, not experiencing any hardship or strong emotions. But if the heart is forced under 50 BPM, say down to 35-40 BPM, and this is because the rate control medication (calcium channel or beta blockers) is actively suppressing the normal speed, then the patient may experience light-headedness, dizziness, shortness of breath, narrowing field of vision, maybe even passing out. So, to our OP, please keep an eye on your heart rate when you are experiencing the symptoms you mentioned. Also, if this persists, you should contact your cardiologist and mention to that person that you don't seem to be doing well at times with the medication.

@patclem
You did not mentioned your age, if you had a holter monitor test, your weight, stress and anxiety you were under before your symptoms. They holter test gives a location of where PVCs are coming from and a good record of how many, when, etc.

Do you have access to a EP (electrophysiologist). They are specialist in electrical fuctions of heart.

How is your weight? Weight per my EP can affect having PACs and PVCs (stress on heart). You mentioned added stress with the PVCs but how was your stress prior to going to ER. That too will add to getting PACs and PVCs again not from me but my EP.

Has your cardioloigist recommeneded supplements like Magnesium? My EP has me on 400 mg of magnesium that has (per my EP) shown to help many with PACs and PVCs. A EP can also find a working medication to help lower your PVCs. A medication for one may not work for another and your EP or cardiologist should keep trying to fine one that works. However give them time to get into body and start to work.

Try to find a hobby you like doing to bring some joy to you. You mentioned afraid to exercise and I was going to recommend that to reduce your stress but if it causes you to worry might need to talk to your doctors about an exercise like slow walking or water walking, etc. Exercise and hobbies will promote endorphins (a feel good hormone).

Reducing your stress and anxiety will go a long way to helping your doctors treat your arrymias. Please consider seeing or asking to be referred to a EP.

Check out something called
Allostatic Load. (effect of stressors on the body)

I had them for 10 years and without knowing your particular types its hard to say what works. Medication is always first but I went thru procedures like Ablations to try and stop them, Pacemakers and the list is endless as to options. But also if its truly Ventricular that's the lower part of the heart and very important to have a EP Cardiologist also. But first it has to be determined if you truly have them so the Halter may be the first step.

Who told you they were Ventricular ?? usually that area is more urgent than other rhythm problems. If you ever get the feeling your heart is going really fast and don't feel a pulse you should call for help. like in an ambulance. I afraid I might scare you as anxiety does make it worse but Im concerned that they can't seem to determine if you really are having them.

Google the side effects of the meds you took or are taking. My pea brained advice is, do not swallow any med that you have not read the side effects. Then you decide.

Examine your diet and eliminate all garbage which is unprocessed foods etc.. Especially eliminate all stimulants which can effect irregular heart beats. Anything containing caffeine . coffee, colas, chocolate, Mountain Dew, energy drinks.

Most health problems and problems in general are caused by bad self destructive decisions, whether intentional or not. A lack of knowledge or doing what others are doing. Which is why the hospitals, doc offices and pharmacies are full. The consequences are not necessarily immediate, but can develop over time. I had severe AFIB beginning age 14 to 21. I learned through reading that some people are extremely sensitive to caffeine. I decreased greatly my consumption, but had effects at even one half cup of coffee made in the US which is different from where I now live. Now 77 a diets and rarely a tiny tiny problem of a few seconds. They used to last for hours. I know 34 people that have died that had lousy diet, almost all 10 to 20 yrs younger than me.