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What Causes PVCs, Shortness Of Breath And Chest Discomfort While Talking?
Question: I have a history of myocarditis caused by a virus. Left me with permanent PVC's, occasional tachycardia and bradycardia. All very manageable. However, I have to stay away from alcohol, caffeine, chocolate, etc. When I have a lot of PVC's, I get chest discomfort, tightness, aching, and slight shortness of breath. Really more like air hunger, like I'm just not getting enough oxygen. I am also having a problem speaking. I can talk in a quiet tone of voice pretty well. But if I have to speak up or talk for any prolonged period of time, I get the same chest discomfort, aching, etc. Could this be related? Is there a common cause to having chest discomfort while talking?
Brief Answer:
Beta blockers should be taken regularly rather than episodically
Detailed Answer:
Hello and Welcome
I appreciate your concern
Based on the description you provided, my recommendations are as follows.
PVCs and the air hunger/ shortness of breath are most likely related to anxiety and stress. PVCs can also occur in normal individuals with no cardiac dysfunction. Beta blockers are the best drugs for PVCs but they should not be used irregularly rather should be continued at a low dose initially and then adjusted accordingly. If you were my patient I would start you on atenolol or metoprolol in combination with a benzodiazepine ( anxiolytic) and advise thyroid function tests to look for any abnormality as part of the workup. You may discuss these options with your treating physician.
Wishing you best of health
Thanks
Please consult your doctor before deciding on any further course of action.
Dr. M.S. Khalil
Beta blockers should be taken regularly rather than episodically
Detailed Answer:
Hello and Welcome
I appreciate your concern
Based on the description you provided, my recommendations are as follows.
PVCs and the air hunger/ shortness of breath are most likely related to anxiety and stress. PVCs can also occur in normal individuals with no cardiac dysfunction. Beta blockers are the best drugs for PVCs but they should not be used irregularly rather should be continued at a low dose initially and then adjusted accordingly. If you were my patient I would start you on atenolol or metoprolol in combination with a benzodiazepine ( anxiolytic) and advise thyroid function tests to look for any abnormality as part of the workup. You may discuss these options with your treating physician.
Wishing you best of health
Thanks
Please consult your doctor before deciding on any further course of action.
Dr. M.S. Khalil
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
Answered by
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