PVC's

[Buzz92028]

Hi Everyone
I had my aortic valve replaced in 2001 and posted a few threads post-op but have not posted since. Been back to this site a few times when I'm web surfing and have seen a lot of people suffer like I did from PVC's. After a life of PVC's I did a lot of investigation and last year asked my doctor to prescribe me Flecainide . I was going the route of ablation and figure why not try this drug. Long story short this drug works. 100mg twice a day and no more PVC's. I'm 54 years old ,5'10''and weight 200lbs . I walk the golf course. I don't run or weight train so I don't know what it will do to you but I don't seem to have any other side effects on this drug. I know how frustrating PVC's are and how they affect your life so give it a try if you like . Good Luck

Buzz

 

[Michelle D]

I'm glad you found something that works for you. This medicine is a strong anti-arrythmic, and dangerous for some people with certain types of arrythmias, just as most of them are. I hope to some day find my silver bullet.

 

[Buzz92028]

I just want to emphasize that I did a lot of investigation about this drug before taking it. Most drugs have negative side effects for some people; ie, you can bleed to death taking aspirin, you can kill yourself while taking anti-depressants. In my case I'm only talking about benign PVCs and not any other arrythmias. I considered the alternative of ablation to be much more risky than trying this drug. Of course, talk with your doctor before doing anything. But this drug has been almost a miracle for me or I wouldn't be writing this. I hope it can help others suffering from PVCs.

 

[Bina]

Buzz, thanks for sharing. How is your BP and HR ?

 

[ALCapshaw2]

Here is a link to an interesting report on Flecainide from www.drugs.com
Note that it is used mostly for Ventricular Arrhythimias and is NOT recommended for patients with Atrial Fibrilation due to dangerous side effects that may result, including death.

http://www.drugs.com/cons/flecainide.html

Be sure to advise your doctor of ANY / ALL side effects you experience if taking this drug as some can be dangerous. It is recommended that this drug be started while hospitalized 'just in case' one of the dangerous arrhythmias is triggered while your body adjusts to this medication. (Hospitalization is recommended for starting several members of the anti-arrhythmic medications).

'AL Capshaw'

 

[Buzz92028]

Bina
I have a good strong heart. BP around 130-140 over70-80+ . Dr. said a little high and wants me to exercise more before meds. Heart rate at rest around 70. I was born with BAV.

Buzz

 

[Buzz92028]

I have to go play golf now so I will leave you with an expert opinion. Take care
Buzz.



As I'm sure you know, PVC's are normal heart activity, no threat to life or health except in those with damaged hearts that pump blood poorly to the body. The echo and stress test have shown that your heart is normal and pumps well.

Flecainide is one of my favorite drugs, since I studied it in an NIH-sponsored research project to determine if getting rid of PVC's helped people after a heart attack. It's easy to take, safe in people with normal hearts, and pretty effective in reducing PVC's. I would not hesitate to take flecainide if I couldn't tolerate the PVC's.

Please write back if this note is unclear or doesn't answer all your questions, and please let me know what you decide about flecainide and then later on how effective flecainide has been for you.

David Richardson






Expert Profile: David Richardson


Expertise: Adult heart function and disease. Not very good about children lesss than 12. Hypertension is o.k. Heart rhythm a special interest.

Experience in the area
Certified in cardiology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Was chairman of division of cardiology at the Medical College of Virginia. Am now mostly retired.

Organizations
Fellow of American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology and member of American Physiological Society..

Publications
Circulation, American Heart Journal, Hypertension.

Education/Credentials
M.D. from Harvard Medical School. Residency training at Yale Uhniversity School of Medicine and Medical College of Virginia.

Awards and Honors
Gold Heartt Award from American Heart Association in 1995.

 

[neil]

sounds good to me buzz

 

[Michelle D]

That sounds great, I'm glad there is something out there that works great on PVCs. Unfortunately I'm battling atrial fibrillation as well. Today my Sotalol was increased due to a holter that came back with two episodes of atrial flutter that I didn't even realize I was having. Sotalol has kept my atrial flutter down to 15 second episodes but increases my PVCs.

 

[Kathy McCain]

Buzz, thanks for sharing the interesting info. I too, suffer from very annoying PVCs