PVC, pulse & ultrasound - Heart Disorders Message Board

makingitright · 05-26-2005, 02:54 PM

Just a few questions if anyone could help me with them.

I've posted here before because of my high pulse rate. It usually never runs under 90, even first thing in the morning. So I finally was sent to a cardiologist today. He wants to put me on a 30 day heart monitor as he susupects PVC's. They do not come all that often and that is why he wants me on for 30 days to try and catch a few. Also I'm getting an ultrasound of my heart done. Can anyone tell me what these both of these involve? I know I have to wear the monitor but how is it put on? Also he said that there is a button to hit when I feel a PVC, does this mean that a wire will be hanging from me? Does anyone know what exactly they do for the ultrasound? What the process is? I know I should have asked him more questions, but I was quite shocked that he wanted to do all of this. My bp was only 100 over 72. An hour later at another doctors appointment it was 122 over 75. I've heard that low blood pressure can be a reason for a pulse rate to go up, but since it was fine at the second appointment I don't understand my high pulse rate. I don't drink caffiene at all. I do smoke about 1/2 pack a day. One more thing, and I'm sorry for being scattered. I've read that aniexty can contribute to PVC's but is there actual prof of this? Does anyone else normally run around 100 pulse, and have been told they are fine? Thanks to anyone who can answer my questions.

Silver2sea · 05-26-2005, 07:06 PM

I can't address your issues about a fast pulse, I'd like to get mine above 50! However, I have had several heart ultrasounds and did wear a home monitor once for 24-hours.

The heart ultrasound is painless. A technician places you on a table and takes a sensor about the size of a computer mouse and moves it across your skin in the area of your heart. Sound waves bounce off of your heart and a picture appears on a monitor screen. The worst part of the ultrasound is the cold gel used to ease movement across your body.

My doctors order an ultrasound annually to see if there are any changes in my condition. It is a non-invasive procedure that will better help the doctors determine how they should proceed with testing and treatment if it is necessary.

The heart monitor that I wore had quarter-sized adhesive sensors that were placed in 5 or 6 areas on my chest and sides. Wires are then attached to those sensors and the wires are connected to a small monitor that fits in a pocket or hooks on a belt. It sounds like the button he wants you to push is on the monitor and he may be wanting you to "mark" a PVC when you detect one.

Neither of these two tests are painful and they give the doctor valuable information.

Good luck to you; I know how frightening unfamiliar tests can be.

makingitright · 05-27-2005, 08:10 AM

Thank you both very much!

I'm hoping that everything comes out OK, and that it is just anxiety. I've had a major disruption in my life since January, that has put me in a state of constant panic. Hopefully that should all be resolved by the end of June or mid July. The more I've read about anxiety and what it can do to you (heart palps included) I'm hoping that's the case. I've never really had any major health problems (knock on wood). I'm 29, 5 foot 5 inches at 107 lbs. Both of my grandmothers are alive and 88 & 90. My maternal grandmother who is 90 was born with 2 holes in her heart, has a leaky valve, high blood pressure and high cholesterol, but was doing hopscotch last week. My mother and 2 of my aunts are fine. My mother has been a smoker for 40 years, and all of her testing comes back fine as of now. The last aunt just recently learned that she also has congestive heart faliure. She's smoked for 50 years, she's obese and 65 years old. Yes, I know I need to quit smoking but hopefully my history will help me here. My paternal grandmother has smoke for over 70 years and is just now starting to tire, but still with an "OK" heart. However, both of my grandfathers are dead one from emphazima (sp?) and the other from lung cancer. Smart for me to still be smoking huh? They were both in their 70's when they passed.

As far as the heart monitor, since I have to wear it for 30 days, and if it's just held on with adhesive how does that work? How do I shower and things? The whole thing is just unnerving. I'm afraid that my heart will just stop, and that will be that.

Thanks again!

makingitright · 05-27-2005, 08:15 AM

Oh, my father's heart, bp, cholesterol are fine. He's a little overweight, but in good health. No problems with my sisters either.

Silver2sea · 05-27-2005, 09:50 AM

Makingitright,

Wow, you have a great family history, which is certainly in your favor!

I don't know about the showering issue with the adhesive sensors. When I had my monitor on they told me to sponge bath but that was for only a day and one can get away with missing one shower. I imagine that they have a solution--perhaps teaching you how to take the sensors off and reapply?

One word of advice: you're 29 and you still have many years ahead of you. Stop smoking now and let your body heal it's self from the effects. I've smoked for 33-years and have severe vascular disease, CAD, CHF and Hypertension. I'm fighting now to quit and trust me, it is a harder fight at 56 than it is at 29. You have the great family history but don't rely on that and damage your body in the meantime with cigarettes. I know, I hate the stop smoking lectures too!

Good luck and let us know how your tests turn out. I'll keep you in my prayers.