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Physical work with high PAC burden?
Hi! I am a super active 46 yo woman with 2 very physical jobs. I found myself panting, lightheaded and short of breath while working a couple months ago. I don't feel right anytime anymore.
The Holter moniter (being seen at Mayo) showed a 7% PAC burden, and I definitely feel it.
My Dr didn't get back to me regarding the physical work I do. Am I hurting myself doing it? I can't push myself too hard, I get faint, shaky, weak.... That's good news in a way. (Average 6,000 PAC/24 hr)
Any insight helpful. Thank you!
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Your heart is under strain, and so are you. I would exercise caution (sorry, but those words are actually important). Any time you feel faint or unstable on your legs, you are not getting enough oxygen to your brain. A fall at your age might not be especially dangerous......but, it COULD be.
Unfortunately, unless they are accompanied by atrial flutter or fibrillation, or some other rate/rhythm condition, the medical community 'tends' not to worry too much about PACs. They are not considered to be dangerous unless the burden they impose begins to make you symptomatic. You're there. You need relief, and you should seek it assiduously. Further, these types of heart disorders 'tend' to be progressive. They're always working their way toward a further development, or to a worse situation. Again, make this a priority to someone with the skills to help you.
Thank you, I appreciate that you took the time to reply. 🙂
I did hear back from the dr today and she is not the least bit concerned. My stress test looked 'great' (it was noted that there is some mild mitral valve thickening and regurgitation but I guess it's okay so far?) and she didn't even mention the average of 6000 PAC's a day. I asked, but she said those wouldn't typically cause me to nearly pass out.
She's at the Mayo so I kinda feel at a dead end with it, and I'm sad that something "serious" will need to happen before anything else happens. My offical appt with her isn't until the 31st. I AM really healthy so I know that all the things look pretty good other than the amt of PAC's, and I understand exactly what you said about the medical community not being concerned until something Bigger happens. I have 2 physical jobs (I work on a farm, and PCA for a complex kiddo who can't walk so I carry him around, he's 6) so the opportunity will be there, I guess, for something important enough to happen?
My life is definitely affected but I guess emergencies (squeeky wheel) get the attention (grease) better.
Thanks for your response!
Nicki