My PVCs (Pre-Ventricular Contractions) hurt!`

United States
July 29, 2010 8:47pm CST
Pre-Ventricular Contractions (PVCs) are contractions of the heart's ventricle that are out of order. In other words, the ventricle contracts when it's not supposed to. According to my cardiologist, these PVCs aren't life threatening unless they start happening one after the other without stop. It usually only takes a second or two for the heart to recover and resume its normal heartbeat rhythm. But during that time, the PVC is often noticed by the patient. However, in all the research I've been able to come across, there is no mention of pain being associated with PVCs. I am currently on high blood pressure medication and my cardiologist has just increased the dosage to reduce the number of PVCs I experience. Now, most of my PVCs happen when I'm at rest and never happen when I am exercising. And they almost always actually hurt! There is real pain associated with them! The pain is similar to that which you might feel if someone hit a bruise that you have on your body. Sometimes my PVC's are so strong they knock me out of my chair or down to my knees if I happen to be standing up or walking at the time. The can be so strong that it feels like somebody punched you hard in the chest. My question is this: Have you ever had a PVC? And have you ever heard of them actually hurting. Mine do! And my cardiologist doesn't know what to make of that.
1 person likes this
1 response
• United States
8 Sep 10
Yipes. so sorry I missed this discussion of yours, Gary! I had no idea anything about a PVC until reading your post in another network. And I'm kind of glad I don't have first hand knowledge of such. It's pretty frightening that your cardiologist is even confused about the pain you experience.
1 person likes this
• United States
9 Sep 10
Well, I'm still kicking, Ruthi! And that's a plus! LOL! The stronger meds have indeed reduced the number of PVCs I have but then I pay the price of much lower energy/gumption and all the effects of low blood pressure like dizziness upon standing up too quickly. Sometimes ya just can't win for losing! I do thank you for coming by, Ruthi!