Expert: David Richardson - 6/25/2009

Question
I wore a holter moniter over the weekend. Of course my doc is on vacation and i can't find out anything.  I am feeling like my heart is missing beats often.  It is scary to me at this point and seems to be getting more frequent.  This is what the report said (I picked it up myself to see what it said). Findings are a high sinus node function of 136 beats per minute and low of 56 beats per minute consistent with sinus tachycardia/bradycardia.  Arrhythmia’s are noted: supraventricular 1,187 PVC’s.  Patient’s symptoms consistent with PAC’s which correlated between what I report feeling and what they see.  Conclusion – the holter recording appears abnormal due to the presence of frequent, symptomatic PAC’s.  Recommendation is to evaluate for potential primary causes for premature atrial contractions.  

What does this mean?  What are some likely causes?  Could this turn potentially life-threatening in a short amount of time?  Also I have been found to have two leaking heart valves several years ago.  I did take redux at one time and am quite sure it is an aortic and tricuspid valve problem.  Are these related?  Or could the valve problem separate?  

Answer
Dear Tina,

You probably meant PACs after 1,187.

PAC's are normal heart activity, no threat to life or health.  PACs are the cause of your feeling missed beats.  sometimes disorders like overactive thyroid or lots of anxiety can increase PACs, so you need to check with your doctor.  But there is no threat.  You'll be o.k.

Please write back if this note doesn't answer all your questions.

David Richardson

Sorry, I didn't read the rest of your questions.

Leaky valves probably aren't related.