Connect
High PVC-30% can these cause depression.
I was diagnosed with irregular heartbeat during general office visit. They thought the pulse oxygen reader on my finger was broken as they were only reading 38 beats a minute. Refered to Cardiologist and tests showed a high load of PVC. Around the time this was all discovered, I had been feeling really depressed and have been this way since April.
I feel fatigued easily, and have no “ get up and go” as well as little interest in anything. Not one to like staying home, I have to force myself to get out.
I am not depressed or anxious about having PVCS. I feel my heart beating hard at times but my Dr. Told me they are harmless and he has me set for ablation mid October. Oh, my oxygen level gets down to 80 frequently as well.
I’m just wondering if anyone else found a low oxygen level due to the frequency of these erratic beats causing weakness and shortness of breath, AND if anyone suffered from depressive symptoms not necessarily from worry or concern of the erratic beats ( I’ve been thru so much it’s not worrying me)I’m hoping once the ablation I will feel like a new person and would love others stories.
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Heart Rhythm Conditions Support Group.
Connect
Dear tallej01 - it could be your low pulse rate and O2 levels are causing physical exhaustion and subsequent inability to do the activities you’re used to doing. I would think that would be a cause for depression.
I had a mild case of COVID in Feb 2023. Since then, I’ve been short of breath. In May, I was diagnosed with complete heart block and have had 2 pacemaker procedures. The latest implant in Aug. triggered atrial fib and subsequent heart failure. I know I’m depressed as I mourn the loss of the active person I used to be and don’t hold too much hope of getting her back.
I truly hope your ablation procedure goes well and return you to your previous state of health. Good luck!
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionThank you, yes, I seem to be wearing down and have no desire to do even basic things at home, let alone doing enjoyable things. The depression does not necessarily stem from fear of the heart issue. I just wondered if there could be a correlation as both seemed to start the same time. Appt for Embolation the 18th of Oct. wish it was sooner. I feel like a slug and just want to be alone all day. I also have been having mild vertigo. Have a feeling it’s taking a lot out of me
If you are chronically anxious, and maybe somewhat in fight-or-flight mode, yes, your mood can suffer. Even if you think you're not unduly affected, and don't appear to have obvious signs of depression or anxiety, your mood can't lie. It's a sign that your subconscious mind is working overtime in an attempt to grapple with this new reality. A PVC burden approaching 30% is quite high, according to my inexpert understanding based on some internet searches and readings.
"...Although there is no clear single threshold cutoff, studies have suggested that optimal test characteristics for a PVC-induced cardiomyopathy occur at PVC burdens of 16% to 24%24,66 and that most cases of PVC-induced cardiomyopathy occur at burdens >10%.24,66–6..."
Quoted from: https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.119.042434
Thank you for getting me this information! That makes sense! I’m looking forward to my procedure to get rid of this. I’m hoping I will feel a difference as soon as it’s done. I never though of it that way but I’m sure your right!
tallej01,
I am sorry to hear you are struggling with PVCs and low oxygen to 80's!! My cardiologist and EP doctor have told me to keep my oxygen level over 90% at all times. Please get a referral ASAP to a Pulmonologist or Sleep Medicine doctor to be evaluated for home oxygen. The Pulmonologist can order an Oxygen Titration study where you walk on a treadmill and they record your oxygen level. This can qualify you for home oxygen. It is critical for the heart to have an adequate supply of oxygen.
My sitting oxygen level in the doctor's office is 96%, but at home with activity it can drop into the 80's. I feel fatigued, dizzy , short of breath, and I see arrhythmias on my Lookee Tech ECG. I immediately feel better when my oxygen level returns to 95-98%.
The Lookee Tech Sleep Pro Oximeter was invaluable to me. It provided me with reports to show my doctors how low my oxygen was at home with light activity. The oximeter continuously records your oxygen level, alerts you when you oxygen levels are too low, and uploads a detailed report to an app on your phone or PC. I use it overnight, during exercise, and whenever I feel poorly.
Link to Lookee Tech Oximeter:
https://www.lookeetech.com/products/lookee-ring-pro-sleep-monitor-w-pc-software-pro-report?two-Monitors-Search-Campaign&msclkid=3cb01626206a1825859c733f5c9da15b&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=CTC%20-%20Sleep%20Oxygen%20Monitor%20-%20Search&utm_term=pulse%20oximeter&utm_content=Pulse%20Oximeter
I am better now, and I only need oxygen under certain conditions. The quality of my life has improved. I can do more things I enjoy, be active, and engaged in life. The hopeless, depressed feeling is gone. I have accepted that my heart is damaged, and I need to adapt, rest, make lifestyle changes, exercise, and focus on the things I can do.
My recent annual Mayo follow up visit and visit to my local EP showed my heart issues - PAC,PVC, AFib, incomplete right bundle branch block, mild heart failure, pulmonary hypertension- state 1, and ascending aortic aneurysm are all stable. I attribute this to having home oxygen concentrators, one for use with CPAP and one for travel. and making lifestyle changes.
I hope your procedure goes well , you are able to be evaluated for home oxygen, and you feel better soon.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 Reactions