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Managing and Living With PACs and PVCs

Heart Rhythm Conditions | Last Active: 1 day ago | Replies (187)
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@rr1967

Hello! I have posted here several times and I appreciate all the feedback and support.
Recently, my PACs seemed to become worse, again. I can just sit in a chair and just feel the extra heartbeat 6-10 times every minute. My electrophysiologist has reviewed all of my labs, tests, etc and simply states that I have PACs and need to learn to live with them as they are benign, but worrisome.
We tried Diltiazem and that did nothing. Now we are trying Verapamil.
I know that PACs will never go away, but I am simply trying to find way to reduce their frequency or impact. Even as I type this out, I am feeling them. I ran to the ER last week and of course, all results were normal.
I am not sure what else to do and I feel like I am losing hope.

Thank you,
RR

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Replies to "Hello! I have posted here several times and I appreciate all the feedback and support. Recently,..."
rr1967 | @rr1967 | Oct 26, 2023

Hello,
I just met with my EP. From all the tests they have done, I simply have occasional PACs and very few PVCs. At this point, my EP stated they cannot do anything else. According to my EP and cardiologist, my heart is healthy and I need to deal with the mental health part of the problem (anxiety, depression, PTSD) to help reduce the impact of PACs. I am going to see a psychiatrist in the next month or so and discuss an anti anxiety medication that will calm my nerves which would in turn reduce my anxiety over the PACs and maybe even help them subside a bit. I think it is matter of working through the emotional/mental issues and attempt to quit worrying about every PAC that I have. The EP and cardio have assured me that PACs do no damage to my heart and will not lead to any other cardiac issues.
He did one more EKG today and stated everything was okay. I have a slower heart rate than most people, but my cardio says it is because I am good health. Finally, my EP did suggest that I could try something called Solatol that might reduce the PACs. I am not ready to try another medicine when the others have failed. He also stated I could try a low dose magnesium supplement and see if that helps..again it may or may not.
My blood pressure was again good today and I will continue the treatment with Losartan and Amlodopine each morning. They work and I have no side effects from them.
I think daily local and global events of the past few years and now have also taken their mental health toll on me with constant worry, fear, and anxiety. I have all but shut myself off from society in general with the rare exception of groceries, a few restaurant meals (either on a outdoor patio or in my car), and some shopping. I need to simply start living life again....this would make my amazing and long suffering wife very happy.
Thank you and I really appreciate your comments and support and look forward to reading more.
RR1967

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