Heart Rhythm Conditions – Welcome to the group

Hello @ppartrid

When you see your cardiologist on the 27th that would be a good question to ask. Did you by chance read the link that I sent to you in my earlier email?

The article said this about the complications from PVCs:

Complications:
Having frequent PVCs or certain patterns of them might increase your risk of developing heart rhythm problems (arrhythmias) or weakening of the heart muscle (cardiomyopathy). Rarely, when accompanied by heart disease, frequent premature contractions can lead to chaotic, dangerous heart rhythms and possibly sudden cardiac death.

I would encourage you to read the entire article (https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/premature-ventricular-contractions/symptoms-causes/syc-20376757). By reading this article you have a better understanding of this disorder and it might also help you to be better prepared when you discuss this with your cardiologist.

I look forward to hearing from you again!

Teresa

The only symptom I have is the flutter or flip flop feeling in my chest, sometimes making me cough. It happens every day, often on throughout the day. Sometimes it will wake me up at night. My heart rate stays pretty normal through activity and resting. Resting... mid 60's and while active, normally around 105-110. BP is also under control, taking Toprol 25 mg and Aldactone 12.5 mg. I have an appt with my Cardiologist on the 27th of this month. Has anyone been told by a Cardiologist that PVC's won't damage or weeken the heart? That is my biggest concern. I constantly worry about that.

Hello @ms_betty,

I'd like to add my welcome, and as Teresa also mentioned, I do understand how dejected you must be feeling and we are so glad you've joined this group.You are in the right group, but you may also wish to read through some other discussions about congestive heart failure CHF on Connect:

– Congestive heart failure- Overmedicated? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/congestive-heart-failure-overmedicated/
– heartbeat too fast with congestive heart failure https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/heartbeat-too-fast-with-congestive-heart-failure/
– Congestive Heart Failure in young people https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/congestive-heart-failure-in-young-people/

In these conversations you will meet members @gr82balive @bangel @daniquinn @colleen00 @bergordon @corjianne @ama233 @frande, and many others who have shared their experiences with CHF and ejection fraction issues.

SVT episodes can be draining, and beta blockers do help in controlling these, but I also wanted to mention that often, one of the side effects of these medications is fatigue. However, the benefits of taking beta blockers far outweigh such side effects; we have many Connect members who've discussed their Carvedilol experiences, and I would be happy to introduce you to a few, if you wish.

@ms_betty, I realize that this must be so stressful, and that you’re doing all that you can; I would encourage you to read through past messages in this group, feel free to tag members, and remember that the Connect community is here, listening.

@ms_betty Hi Betty. I’m so sorry to hear about your
diagnosis. So very unfortunate about the thyroid meds.
Mine was probably caused by hypertension. Either way we are stuck with a disease that we would rather do without! Mine started with Afib and that is what brought me to Mayo. I continue to watch my salt intake and try to walk 4-5 times per week. Seem to be holding my own except for reoccurring episodes of Afib. I’m on Xarelto and metoprolol and Flecainide. Scheduled for an ablation but getting second opinion at Mayo.
Good luck to you and we are here to offer you support. Keep us posted as to how you are doing.
Barbara

@ms_betty Hello Betty,

I see that this is your first post on Connect, welcome! I appreciate your sharing your experiences with Connect. I am sorry to hear that you were over prescribed a thyroid med. I understand what you mean when you say, "This was all so unnecessary."

You mention in your last paragraph that you are looking for a "support group like this to lean on both for answers to questions that come up about my conditions and for some emotional support." Connect can help you with support. As we are not medical professionals so we can only share our experiences and offer you support, however many of your questions will need to be answered by your physicians.

There are some other Members who have discussed Preserved Ejection Fraction, they include @bjanderson. Volunteer mentor, @cynaburst, has also mentioned this as well. Could you please share how Preserved Ejection Fraction was diagnosed?

I look forward to hearing from you again.

Teresa

Hi, Kanaaz,
I am 60 y/o & being treated for tachycardia and am Stage I/II CHF with Preserved Ejection Fraction (CHFpEF). 3 years ago after a night of SVT I just kept feeling exhausted, and a week later went to the ER. I thought maybe I had suffered a heart attack. That was ruled out, but they did find I was thyrotoxic. It turns out my doctor of 5 years had been over prescribing my Synthroid (I've been hypothyroid since age 16, with never a problem). This was apparently slowly damaging my heart.
I was feeling more & more exhausted, and thought I was just out of shape. The night of the SVT I was so tired, I just wanted to sleep - but I should have called 911 or gone to the hospital to get it stopped. That initiated the CHF. The beta blocker Carvedilol was finally prescribed to control the tachycardia that I was left with, even after my thyroid situation was corrected. Now I am both physically and psychologically broken-hearted. This was all so unnecessary...

I hope to find a support group like this to lean on both for answers to questions that come up about my conditions and fir some emotional support. I don't know if this group is the right one for my heart problems (tachycardia & CHF). If a different one would be better for me, please let me know.

Thank you for listening.

Betty

Hello @ppartrid, I can certainly understand your concern. While I'm not familiar with PVC problem I did find a Mayo website that gives some more information, if you click on this link you can see some of the symptoms as well as treatments available, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/premature-ventricular-contractions/symptoms-causes/syc-20376757

What is the most bothersome symptom you have? What does your cardiologist say about your questions regarding PVCs weakening your heart? Do you currently take any meds for this problem?

I look forward to hearing from you again.

Teresa

I'm not sure I qualify for this group. I'm dealing with frequent pvc's and it's quite unnerving. Everything else is okay. BP is under control...Pulse is normal range...no fatigue or chest pain. Feel just fine except for those PVC'S. Can they weekend or damage your heart? I've had them for years (23 yrs old) but never as often as I'm getting them now (63 yrs old). Scared it can effect my heart. I have no known heart problems that I'm aware of.

Hi Media. Appreciate your feedback. You have made me feel better.
Thanks for that! ☺

Hi ppartrid, I just posted a response above to Nancy. In it, I didn't mention my 4th rhythm problem which are PVC's, mainly because they are benign and do not damage your heart. They are also pretty common. After my PVA for the Afib and SVT I had many of them. The holter caught them and it was explained to me that up to 10,000 a day are of no concern! However, it would make sense to go back to your electrophysiologist and get them diagnosed. It would be important to see if there are any changes. Many times a lifestyle change can help but there are other solutions if they really bother you. Good luck, Martishka