A quick review of my situation and why I don’t worry:
I have both 4% PVC’s and occasional NSVT lasting a few seconds at about 140 beats per minute. Over the course of two years, my EP recommended the following and I complied;
Wearable heart monitor for two weeks, documenting PVC’s.
Had an ablation to bring PVC’s down to a harmless 4%.
During that procedure, I had a link monitor implanted to continually monitor the PVC’s.
Non-sustained ventricular tachycardia(NSVT) began within months picked up by the monitor.
Next up: I had an ICD defibrillator implanted to give me 99.9% protection from a tachycardia which would cause sudden death. I take one long acting capsule a day of Verapamil to lower my heart rate.
I have never fainted and the ICD has never been activated. After exhaustive testing before the ICD procedure, it was determined that my heart is otherwise healthy with normal functioning and no blockages or structural defects.
I have a healthy heart as proven by recent testing and I am protected with the ICD.
Aided by all that information and protection, I am able to have a positive outlook, recognizing how fortunate I am to live during a time when so much can be done medically to help those of us with arrhythmias. I am free to do anything I wish with no physical limitations. I am 77. Already, some of my friends are suffering from health problems which include issues that limit their ability to function normally. My husband died at 72 from a terminal illness for which there was NO treatment. We are the lucky ones!
For me, I have found that knowledge is freedom from worry. A lack of understanding leads directly to frightening speculation. We can learn about what our hearts are doing in great detail. I feel every PVC in bed at night before falling asleep, but there is no need to worry about it.
I see an EP who is extremely respected within the Philadelphia medical community who has vast experience. I trust him- very important for your peace of mind!
We all need to try our best to approach life as the glass being half full, while also taking advantage of every available medical advancement with the best EP you can find to assess your individual condition and provide appropriate treatment.
Best of luck to you in your journey to the thorough and excellent care you deserve and for the peace of mind you’re working toward.