BillsFanM.D. Posted July 16, 2014 Share Posted July 16, 2014 Enlighten me... I'm wearing one now... I have been told very little about it, and when I call in my "events" they are very ambiguous with me about them... I've been having issues and Friday I went to the ER... They said they detected an arrhythmia and I was experiencing PVC's as well... Now I have this thing strapped on me and a stress test scheduled... Doc told me that I was probably fine but should probably keep someone around... That's swell, my wife is away 2 weeks for the military... They are all about sending her home, but we will see how that goes down.. Generally, there are two types: Holter monitor which you wear for 24 hours and it records all activity. This is what Chef was referencing. The patient can push a button and 'mark' the recording and they typically ask you to keep a journal of your experiences as well. As you might imagine, most of these are hours of 'normal' cardiac activity. The second type (which you have) is an event recorder. This type you wear for several weeks to a month. It records on a loop but if you push the button it will 'save' that 'event' (few minutes before and after) and that is eventually read by a cardiologist. Some monitors allow you to 'phone' in results on a more real time basis. Others, you wait until you turn the device back in for it to be read. Which type you get depends on how often you get symptoms etc. When an arrhythmia is detected you need to 'check the basics' in terms of your cardiac health. It certainly can be a normal variant but it can also indicate a more important problem at times. Understand that not all arrhythmias are the same. "Most" arrhythmias from the 'top' of the heart are not as serious as those arising from the larger ventricles.' Isolated beats or couplets are generally not a big deal either. I.e. an extra beat from the atria or an extra beat from the ventricles (PVC) are generally not a big deal. But you still need to do your homework. PVC's can be 'a non issue' as has been stated but if a person has them in runs and/or as a result of increased effort...that could be very important. You likely had lots of labs in the ER as well to rule out any sort of electrolyte and thyroid abnormality. Drugs and alcohol are big contributors as well (no implication meant...just speaking in general medical terms). Meds need to be considered as well. If those basics check out and the heart if felt to be 'structurally' normal (no valve disease; chamber enlargement etc), then a stress test is often done to rule out underlying ischemia (blood flow issues). Most important thing...keep your appointments and follow your doc's advice. From a distant view, it sounds like a good plan. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CountryCletus Posted July 16, 2014 Author Share Posted July 16, 2014 Thanks a lot for you wisdom. I do find that with increased activity, my PVC's increase in frequency, but they are also relatively frequent throughout the day... My sister is a Dr and I feel like she may be sugar coating things, so I am constantly seeking input from people that have nothing invested and are willing to shoot me straight. I would much rather be prepared for the worst than be surprised. Yes, I have been tested for all kinds if things, I no longer have the paperwork as I turned it over to my PCP, but I know electrolytes and thyroid were both on the list. Twice now the woman I call my strips into told me that there were some abnormalities with my heart, but the rhythm was fine... I asked the last time I called if PVC's were still present and she confirmed that every time I send stuff in there are PVC's... Which confirms to me that I am feeling something legit... I will lay off the cocaine and beer for a while, but it better be worth it!! Lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DC Tom Posted July 16, 2014 Share Posted July 16, 2014 Generally, there are two types: Holter monitor which you wear for 24 hours and it records all activity. This is what Chef was referencing. The patient can push a button and 'mark' the recording and they typically ask you to keep a journal of your experiences as well. As you might imagine, most of these are hours of 'normal' cardiac activity. The second type (which you have) is an event recorder. This type you wear for several weeks to a month. It records on a loop but if you push the button it will 'save' that 'event' (few minutes before and after) and that is eventually read by a cardiologist. Some monitors allow you to 'phone' in results on a more real time basis. Others, you wait until you turn the device back in for it to be read. Which type you get depends on how often you get symptoms etc. When an arrhythmia is detected you need to 'check the basics' in terms of your cardiac health. It certainly can be a normal variant but it can also indicate a more important problem at times. Understand that not all arrhythmias are the same. "Most" arrhythmias from the 'top' of the heart are not as serious as those arising from the larger ventricles.' Isolated beats or couplets are generally not a big deal either. I.e. an extra beat from the atria or an extra beat from the ventricles (PVC) are generally not a big deal. But you still need to do your homework. PVC's can be 'a non issue' as has been stated but if a person has them in runs and/or as a result of increased effort...that could be very important. You likely had lots of labs in the ER as well to rule out any sort of electrolyte and thyroid abnormality. Drugs and alcohol are big contributors as well (no implication meant...just speaking in general medical terms). Meds need to be considered as well. If those basics check out and the heart if felt to be 'structurally' normal (no valve disease; chamber enlargement etc), then a stress test is often done to rule out underlying ischemia (blood flow issues). Most important thing...keep your appointments and follow your doc's advice. From a distant view, it sounds like a good plan. Sure...everyone's an expert on the internet. Now get back to supersizing my fries. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BuffaloBill Posted July 16, 2014 Share Posted July 16, 2014 Sure...everyone's an expert on the internet. Now get back to supersizing my fries. His medical degree is quite useful with this and his other McD's tasks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillsFan-4-Ever Posted July 16, 2014 Share Posted July 16, 2014 Thanks a lot for you wisdom. I do find that with increased activity, my PVC's increase in frequency, but they are also relatively frequent throughout the day... My sister is a Dr and I feel like she may be sugar coating things, so I am constantly seeking input from people that have nothing invested and are willing to shoot me straight. I would much rather be prepared for the worst than be surprised. Yes, I have been tested for all kinds if things, I no longer have the paperwork as I turned it over to my PCP, but I know electrolytes and thyroid were both on the list. Twice now the woman I call my strips into told me that there were some abnormalities with my heart, but the rhythm was fine... I asked the last time I called if PVC's were still present and she confirmed that every time I send stuff in there are PVC's... Which confirms to me that I am feeling something legit... I will lay off the cocaine and beer for a while, but it better be worth it!! Lol Could it be the stress of being a Bills Fan? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CountryCletus Posted July 16, 2014 Author Share Posted July 16, 2014 Could it be the stress of being a Bills Fan? I wouldn't doubt the recent events go hand in hand with my increased presence on this site!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillsFanM.D. Posted July 16, 2014 Share Posted July 16, 2014 Twice now the woman I call my strips into told me that there were some abnormalities with my heart, but the rhythm was fine... I asked the last time I called if PVC's were still present and she confirmed that every time I send stuff in there are PVC's... Which confirms to me that I am feeling something legit... I will lay off the cocaine and beer for a while, but it better be worth it!! Lol You can definitely 'feel' PVC's. Some folks are quite bothered by them. Others, not so much. Like I said...you and the docs have to do your homework. It's likely not a serious problem (just based on common nature of this) but you have to make sure it's not. Your sister is probably right...but you have to 'make sure.' And yes...deferring cocaine would be advisable in the short term at the very least. Sure...everyone's an expert on the internet. Now get back to supersizing my fries. You magnificent bastard. You want a burger with that? His medical degree is quite useful with this and his other McD's tasks. Well played...though I'm more of a Wendy's guy. Love them redheads. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CountryCletus Posted July 16, 2014 Author Share Posted July 16, 2014 You can definitely 'feel' PVC's. Some folks are quite bothered by them. Others, not so much. Like I said...you and the docs have to do your homework. It's likely not a serious problem (just based on common nature of this) but you have to make sure it's not. Your sister is probably right...but you have to 'make sure.' And yes...deferring cocaine would be advisable in the short term at the very least. You magnificent bastard. You want a burger with that? Well played...though I'm more of a Wendy's guy. Love them redheads. Holy crap you make me laugh!!! And clutch my chest... Lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BuffaloBill Posted July 16, 2014 Share Posted July 16, 2014 Holy crap you make me laugh!!! And clutch my little Country Cletus Fixed Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chef Jim Posted July 16, 2014 Share Posted July 16, 2014 You can definitely 'feel' PVC's. Some folks are quite bothered by them. Others, not so much. Like I said...you and the docs have to do your homework. It's likely not a serious problem (just based on common nature of this) but you have to make sure it's not. Your sister is probably right...but you have to 'make sure.' And yes...deferring cocaine would be advisable in the short term at the very least. My PVC's sucked. Sometimes non-stop all day. Every three beats. Sometimes made it hard to sleep. Number one cause? Alcohol. I cut back and now they almost don't exist anymore. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillsFanM.D. Posted July 16, 2014 Share Posted July 16, 2014 Holy crap you make me laugh!!! And clutch my chest... Lol Laughter....it is the best medicine. My PVC's sucked. Sometimes non-stop all day. Every three beats. Sometimes made it hard to sleep. Number one cause? Alcohol. I cut back and now they almost don't exist anymore. Sorry to hear that. PVC's or PAC's can be a real bummer. Like I said, some people are really troubled by them even if there is no underlying serious trigger. Just the sensation is disconcerting as you alluded. Booze is a big contributor in many cases. Glad things worked out for you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CountryCletus Posted July 16, 2014 Author Share Posted July 16, 2014 Laughter....it is the best medicine. Sorry to hear that. PVC's or PAC's can be a real bummer. Like I said, some people are really troubled by them even if there is no underlying serious trigger. Just the sensation is disconcerting as you alluded. Booze is a big contributor in many cases. Glad things worked out for you. Do I need to cut back on beer or eliminate it??? Laughter....it is the best medicine. Sorry to hear that. PVC's or PAC's can be a real bummer. Like I said, some people are really troubled by them even if there is no underlying serious trigger. Just the sensation is disconcerting as you alluded. Booze is a big contributor in many cases. Glad things worked out for you. Do I need to cut back on beer or eliminate it??? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillsFanM.D. Posted July 16, 2014 Share Posted July 16, 2014 Do I need to cut back on beer or eliminate it??? That's a question for your doctor. Generally speaking, however, alcohol is a 'direct' irritant to the heart and can be toxic to cardiac tissue (muscle) over time. It is a known trigger of cardiac ectopy (extra beats) and arrhythmias. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CountryCletus Posted July 16, 2014 Author Share Posted July 16, 2014 That's a question for your doctor. Generally speaking, however, alcohol is a 'direct' irritant to the heart and can be toxic to cardiac tissue (muscle) over time. It is a known trigger of cardiac ectopy (extra beats) and arrhythmias. Ummmm... I thought you were my doctor... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DC Tom Posted July 16, 2014 Share Posted July 16, 2014 It is a known trigger of cardiac ectopy (extra beats) and arrhythmias. So does he need to cut down on internet porn too? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CountryCletus Posted July 17, 2014 Author Share Posted July 17, 2014 So does he need to cut down on internet porn too? If I need to cut down on beer and internet porn The Lord can take me now!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BuffaloBill Posted July 17, 2014 Share Posted July 17, 2014 If I need to cut down on beer and internet porn The Lord can take me now!!! You won't get either with him so enjoy them for now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillsFanM.D. Posted July 17, 2014 Share Posted July 17, 2014 Ummmm... I thought you were my doctor... Do you have proof of insurance? I'll answer questions all day long in general terms. Specifics, however, are best left for you and the person who is caring for you. All good humor aside, I'm certain you agree with me. So does he need to cut down on internet porn too? Excellent point. Absolutely. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CountryCletus Posted July 17, 2014 Author Share Posted July 17, 2014 Do you have proof of insurance? I'll answer questions all day long in general terms. Specifics, however, are best left for you and the person who is caring for you. All good humor aside, I'm certain you agree with me. Excellent point. Absolutely. Poor time to start "Affordable Healthcare Act" jokes I assume... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chef Jim Posted July 17, 2014 Share Posted July 17, 2014 Poor time to start "Affordable Healthcare Act" jokes I assume... No go ahead. I think the boys over at PPP would enjoy this. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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