What Causes Heart Palpitations And PVCs When Treating CHF?

Posted on Sat, 21 Feb 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 21 Feb 2015 Answered on

Tue, 17 Mar 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I am 60 years old. Sometimes I can hear my heart beating in my throat! I have CHF, three blockages PVVs that just started. Can you tell me what is wrong?

Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (30 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Palpitations and PVCs are normal in CHF, but if you were my patient i would change diltiazem to nebivolol..

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you for asking!
I read your query and understood your concerns.

You are saying you have heart failure and you are taking diltiazem. As a rule diltiazem is contraindicated in heart failure. Also you are reporting to have palpitations and PVCs, which are a common finding and the most common arrhythmia in patient with heart failure.

If you were my patient i would change diltiazem with nebivolol (a B1 selective betablocker). This will help on treating HF and arrhythmia and relieve your concerns. Since it is a prescription drug, I would suggest you discuss it with your cardiologist and then only change the drugs.

Wish you health!
Dr. Benard

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

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Pradeep Vitta