good idea to check it out
good idea to check it out
Hi Christine. I've been experiencing PVC's for years, I guess, but just got around to identifying them as such when, like you, they came on at night and just wouldn't settle down. I couldn't sleep. My GP caught them on an EKG and sent me to the cardio. We did an echo for my peace of mind (it had been 6 months anyway) and everything else was fine, but they did show up. She said they were of no concern. She put me on Atenolol. I am on Diovan 80mg for blood pressure control, and now the Atenolol 25mg for the PVC's. Both of these meds, I'm told by the pharmacist work to help reduce blood pressure, but by different means. Pharmacist also said that in Europe they tend to try several different kinds of meds simultaneously, directing each at a different element of the problem, rather than just increase the dosage on one kind of blood pressure med. My BP has never really been over 140/80, but with the AS she wanted it down. The Atenolol is a beta blocker. I LOVE the Atenolol. It has calmed me right down.
One thing my cardio said was that she doesn't know why, but the most her patients complain about PVCs is during November through March. She wonders if it doesn't have something to do with stress and chocolates over the holidays!! My husband had finally convinced me that red wine was a good idea so I started having a glass several times a week. My PVC's came back with a vengeance. No more red wine for me. I also noticed that chocolate is a definite instigator. No more chocolates or decaf mochas unless I don't mind feeling all jumpy and thumpy. Coffee and caffeine have given me the shakes for years so I rarely drink anything but decaf (but I do have 2 cups of decaf a day). Even green tea gets me rolling in arythmias now and I just adore those Arizona green iced teas!!
See what the doctor says. Then stop your caffeine. If you are prescribed a beta blocker, see how that fares for you (read the labels because they are a pretty serious med. Can't just decide to stop them on your own, etc.) And just for me, would you ask the doctor why it is, if the heart is all screwy and jumping all catty-whampus and missing beats or starting up before it's supposed to -- how come that isn't a concern? I don't get it!!
Good luck and get back to us!
Marguerite