How many consecutive PVCs are dangerous or when should you seek medical advice? I am currently under a cardiologist's care. Three years ago, after complaining to my doctor about pain in my chest and having a sinking feeling, I was fitted with a 24 hour halter monitor. The monitor showed 1 episode of ventricular tachycardia. I was then sent to a cardiologist who did a nuclear stress test and echo cardigram. Everything checked out. I was put on different beta blockers and finally settled with Bystolic (not many side affects). A year later I wore a monitor for 1 week because I was continuing to have strange feelings in my chest. I was told everything checked out. Not until another appt. with my cardiologist and me complaining did he tell me I was experiencing PVCs and they were not dangerous and not to worry.
The past 6 months my PVCs have drastically increased. They occur when I am resting, they occur when I'm playing tennis (never experienced PVCs before when playing), and just about every day. I will have episodes for 3-4 hours a day. Some come back to back (within seconds of each other). I just counted 14 in a 10 minute period. My blood pressure is good - runs between 100/60 - 115-70 and my pulse is running around 78-80.
Should this increase be of any concern? Is this normal? I guess I worry because of the 1 episode I had of ventricular tachycardia which I understand can be very dangerous.
Dear Mish,
You should always contact your cardiologist if you are experiencing multiple PVC's. I have been dealing with PVC's for 3 years now. I first noticed them when I went of birth control pills. (I am a 42 year old woman and an avid runner). I tend to feel every single one. They are so bothersome. I have been back and forth to the cardiologist. My last holter showed 875 in 1 day.. which, they say, is not astronomical, but uncomfortable, nonetheless. Most of the Drs seem to dismiss my PVC's since I am healthy and active. One of the cardiologists suggested Fish Oil. Simple as that. For 2 months I have been taking 1 500mg Fish Oil Gelcap everyday and the PVC's have improved dramatically. I no longer feel them everyday. When I Do experience them, I may feel 4 in a day, mostly after a long run. I don't know if Fish Oil is the answer, but for me, it seems to be working and I welcome that! Good luck!
Thanks....I do take fish oil, but not on a regular basis. I will definitely try to take regularly and see what happens.
Funny......I play tennis 2-3 days per week and my cardiologist tells me basically the same thing--not to worry since I'm active and can get out on the courts and play.
Isn't it frustrating that PVC's are often "dismissed"? My blood pressure is on the low-side 90/60 and since my cardiologist didn't feel 800 a day is an impressive amount, he felt beta blockers would cause more harm than good. Another cardiologist mentioned the Fish Oil, so I gave it a try. One other thing that may coincide with my improvement... I was diagnosed with hypothyroidsim (underactive thyroid) in February and went on synthroid. When I was experiencing the PVC's with great frequency, they would usually come at rest, when my heart rate was low or after a run. On the synthroid, I think my heart rate is a little higher.. so perhaps its a combination of the synthroid and Fish Oil. I do know that they have definitely improved. I hope the fish oil helps!
Re: PVCs - How many consecutive are dangerous? 
