Hey guys, I have a brother that's in Iraq. Lately his usually brief palpitations have become something that's interfering with his morning runs and PT. He says it feels like his heart "stops" 3-5 times, it lasts for 20-30 seconds and he feels like he's going to die.
It's pretty obvious to me that he's getting PVC's or PAC's. To me, I'm a little worried that it happens when he runs, he gets a feeling of impending doom, and they're increasing in frequency/severity.
So my question; is this something that he should be aggressive in seeking an echocardiogram for if he has no known valvular issue and no previous echo? The first thing I thought of was an echo to rule out any valvular issues because our family has a history of problems with mitral and aortic valves.
What are your thoughts?
It's pretty obvious to me that he's getting PVC's or PAC's. To me, I'm a little worried that it happens when he runs, he gets a feeling of impending doom, and they're increasing in frequency/severity.
So my question; is this something that he should be aggressive in seeking an echocardiogram for if he has no known valvular issue and no previous echo? The first thing I thought of was an echo to rule out any valvular issues because our family has a history of problems with mitral and aortic valves.
What are your thoughts?