Should I be concerned about having Premature Ventricular Contractions? I have had it confirmed on an EKG.?

Question

I went to the doctor today after dealing with palpitations for the past three days. I knew it was some type of irregular heart beat. They performed an EKG and saw the palpitation and said it was a PVC. But she acted as if was no big deal and wanted me to have my blood taken and to see her in 2 weeks. I am still having the palpitations regularly. But I am 30, relatively healthy, and not having any serious chest pains or numbness. I do have a family history of heart desease. Should I just go tell my general practioner to jump in a lake and go straight to a cadiologist? Two weeks seems like an awful long time to wait for a follow-up.

Answer 1

If you don't feel comfortable with this doctor, then all means go see a heart doctor. You are the manager of your health. What would you tell someone, if they asked you the same question?

I had problems with my heart and I can't tell you how many doctors I went to telling me it was all in my head and even gave me depression medication. I threw it out, went to a heart specialist and ended up having surgery!

Your health is too important. It's always wise to get 2nd, 3rd and even 4th opinions.

Answer 2

Your doctor may be absolutely correct in the diagnosis based on the ECG results. They however; don't read as many ecg's as do cardiologists so I would take it still with a tiny grain of salt. Your arrhythmia's may be due to stress in your life, a mitral valve prolapse, or a remote chance a electrolyte imbalance. If you have never had these before so you have no history, then my money is on a new stressor in your life. Please respond it I am correct. If not, you still may want to visit a cardiologist.

Answer 3

I've had PVC for years - they can be anoying but ar not typically life threatening.

Learn your triggers - coffee, over eating, stress, exercise can all trigger them.

I would always go to a specialist to verify what a GP was saying.