PVC's after Exercise

Hi, I am 23 yrs old. My pacemaker was implanted 4 yrs ago when I was 19. I was a runner in High School and exercised frequently. Until one day after a vigorious run, my heart beat was beating irregular in it's low 30's. After the cardiologist watched me for a couple of months, they decided to put in a pacemaker. I have never been the same. I am extremely symptomatic after exercising.

Anywhere from 1 - 5 hrs after exercising, I get really bad PVC's. It feels as if my heart is "sticking". They also come on with stress, alcohol and caffiene.

The doctors don't seem to think it is anyting to worry about, however they can't tell me why this is happening. The PVC's are very severe and last usually 48 hours. After I wake up on the second morning after getting them, they are gone.

Does anyone else get PVC's that last for hours after exercise? Is this normal? Is this dangerous? Should I stop exercising?

I hate the feeling of the PVC's. They drive me nuts. Please help

Thank you,
Rachel

23 yrs old
5'6"
127 lbs

3 Comments

exercise

by Tracey_E - 2009-01-25 07:01:30

I wouldn't give up exercise because it's important to keep our hearts healthy and exercise is part of that. First of all, I'd say cut out the alcohol and caffeine and see what you can do about stress. Have they done a stress test to see exactly what's happening after exercise? Does it help if you do a lighter workout?

Doctors?

by BillMFl - 2009-01-25 08:01:06

Are you seeing a cardiologist? Have you gotten a 2nd opinion? Even in a very young healthy person, long runs of PVCs should not be ignored. Make a fuss or try another Doc. At the very least you should wear a Holter Moniter (or another event recorder) in order to clearly document what is happening. Sometimes you have to plead your case forcefully to get their attention. Stress is pretty hard to eliminate when you are having irregular heart function, but like Tracey said, cut out the caffiene (its in lots of products) and alcohol.

Thank you

by Rachel316 - 2009-01-25 08:01:19

I no longer drink anything with caffeine in it and very rarely ingest alcohol. I'm 23 yrs old, so it's hard to get away from the social parties and starbucks, but I do very well. The only thing I don't want to give up is the exercise. I have seen many cardiologist and one electrophysiologist. The N.P at the electrophysiologist wanted to do a cathetor ablation and the electrophysiologist himself (whom I've only met once about a year ago) was against it. I have been doing a lot of research on cathetor ablations and think one might be helpful. I'd hate to undergo surgery again, but I think it might be my best bet. I need to get a 2nd opinion from an electophysiologist; only thing is, I have an HMO, which could take months and I lose my medical insurance at the end of Feb. I'm a full time student, on my mother's insurance and her company is going out of business as of Feb 3rd. :(

Has anyone ever had a cathetor ablation?

Thank you,

Rachel

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My pacemaker is intact and working great.