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What Is The Treatment For Premature Ventricular Contractions With Indigestion?

Posted on Sat, 28 Dec 2013

Question: Hello, I have been suffering from PVCS for several years now. Last year I went to the ER and was hooked up to an EKG while I was getting a PVC every 4-5 seconds. They did blood work and an xray. The doctor said they were benign. My family doctor looked at the EKG print out and also said they were benign. I worry about them so much and they make me feel horrible. (thumping in the chest.) Sometimes I notice they are accompanied by indigestion. I am on Toprol xl 50 mg. The beta blocker has not lessened the PVCS but maybe has made them a little less noticable. Please help me.

Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (1 hour later)

Brief Answer: Please follow the answer below. Detailed Answer: Hi, I read your concerns very carefully, which I think is most probably related to arrhythmia and your anxiety disorder. The PVC causes are numerous; they can be derived from cardiac problems, hormonal disorders (hyperthyroidism), energy drink, drugs, anxiety disorders etc. To exclude the possible causes of PVC I recommend: 1. Cardiac examination (including ECHO, Holter monitoring, stress test TMT). 2. Endocrinologist consultation (including thyroid hormone analysis) 3. Avoid consuming alcohol, energy drink, cocaine, spicy food ect. If all this thing are done (cardiac and hormonal are within normal range) and the symptoms still persist, than your arrhythmia most probably is related to anxiety disorder. Also the contrary is true arrhythmia can worsening the anxiety leading in a circus vicious. So I strongly suggest talking with your psychologist to cope with your anxiety disorder, in order to relief some of your concerns. Hope i respond to your query. p.s: If you have more concern don't hesitate to write me back. Dr. Benard Shehu

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Benard Shehu (16 hours later)

Hello and thank you for you prompt response. Let me offer some additional information: I had a thyroid panel performed 2 months ago -- normal I gave up caffeine about 2 years ago. Decaf products only. I do drink socially, no more than twice a week and no more than 3-4 beverages. I did wear a holter monitor a couple years ago for 24 hours. PVC's appeared on the monitor but I was told they were benign. As I said I had the blood work, EKG and xray done at the hospital. The ER doctor said everything was okay. As I mentioned they are sometimes accompanied by indigestion. Would you suggest looking into medication for this which could alleviate PVCS. I have seen a counselor but it's hard to stop thinking about PVCs when they occur. It feels like my heart is struggling to beat even though I've been told differently. Thank you for you time, XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (4 hours later)

Brief Answer: Please follow the suggestion below... Detailed Answer: Hi XXXXXXX Thank you for sending in more of your medical data. It is great that the cardiac and hormonal test results were normal. Please bare in mind that PVC although sometimes frightening, it is not serious. You are saying that each time you have an indigestion, you have this feeling. If this is your case, I advise to avoid foods that can cause you indigestion: - avoid carbonated drinks - eat often and small portions - do not lay down immediately after eating - avoid alcohol, spicy, chillies, fatty or fried foods - start taking antiacids and probiotics At the end, the main culprit of causing the feeling of PVC is anxiety. So, try to cope with anxiety. If you cannot succeed alone, ask relatives or family or friends to help you. If no success, can ask for psychologist help. Wish you health! Dr.Benard

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T