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What Causes Infrequent Premature Ventricular Contractions?

Posted on Mon, 16 Mar 2015

Question: Hi doc! So, I have PVC;s infrequently. I can have multiple in a day, maybe only a few a week or once or twice a month. At times, they happen like 4 times in a 10 minute time frame and it scares me badly....throws me into a panic attack sometimes. I also experience PVC's when I bend over, put my arms above my head, and lift heavy objects. During intercourse or masturbation, they have been bothersome. I've been told several times not to worry by medical professionals, but I am so afraid that they aren't listening or maybe misdiagnosing. Actually, sitting here typing, I just felt one. Please help me in this matter.

Answered by Dr. Praveen (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Need some more information

Detailed Answer:
Hi dear.Thanks for your query.

PVC's are normally seen and absolutely there is no need to worry.
However I would like to know some more information-
Do you have any stressors(work pressure etc)?
Do you have caffeinated substances(coffee, tea?Tobacco?
Do you have any symptoms like Chest pain ,syncope, lightheadedness or chest/neck discomfort?
Are you on any medications currently?

Await your reply soon.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Praveen (14 hours later)

Thank you Dr. XXXXXXX for your quick response. Now to answer your questions. So I have lots of stressors. I am a single mother of 4 children, ages 14, 10, 7 and 1. I am a waitress, which I enjoy a lot. My 7 year old son experiences behavior problems at school and I have been under a lot of stress because of that. So stress level is high I will say. As far as caffeine, I really try to stay away from it as much as possible. I will have the occasional iced tea from time to time. I am a non-smoker and do not use/take any drugs (legal or illegal). When experiencing PVC's I never have chest pain, lightheadedness or chest/neck discomfort. I have been to the ER a few times before with chest discomfort, but the physicians have stated this is not cardiac related. The most recent time being about 2 weeks ago. 4 years ago, I had a full work up done. Stress test, echo, ekg and everything presented as normal.
I would also like to add that I've noticed that I will have a PVC when I bend over, lift my arms above my head (but not every time) or lift heavy objects.

Answered by Dr. Praveen (9 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Avoid stressors.Practice yoga/meditation

Detailed Answer:
Hi dear.Thanks for writing me back.

I am glad that your reports are absolutely perfectu.This reinforces the fact that you need not panic about the occasional increase in heart beat.Since you donot have any symptoms you donot need any kind of treatment.Only symptomatic PVC's are medically managed.

It is good that you have identified the stressors(physical-like lifting weights and mental). These are major triggers for PVC's and I would recommend to avoid them.I appreciate that you totally enjoy your work.Practice yoga, meditation daily so that it keeps your mind calm and peaceful(helpful in fighting anxiety/panic); keeps you fit and healthy.Both improve your inner strength.Wish you and your family all the best.Good luck to all of you.Nothing to worry.

Keep me posted about your health after you incorporate these few suggestions.Get well soon.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Praveen (54 minutes later)

Thank you Dr. XXXXXXX I really appreciate your compassion and advice. Thank you for making me feel at ease and for truly listening to me.

Answered by Dr. Praveen (46 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Welcome and thankyou

Detailed Answer:
Most welcome mam.
Please feel free to reach me in case you may have any further queries.
All the best.

Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar