Christopher's Journal

Patricia Miller  I have had issues w/ PVC's as well.  Didn't realize what they were prior to diagnosis.  Partly bc I dismissed some symptoms.  I have been on a holter 4 different times since surgery a year ago.  One time for a month when I switched cardiologists, a couple two day ones and one for a wk.  I also use the Kardia app and have had several AFIB episodes.  Brief compared to others.  My Metoprolol was increased when my PVC % burden went up to 8.9%.  Was in heart failure during that time probably d/t pericarditis.  Has your cardiologist put you on a holter to evaluate how many PVC's you're having?  They are definitely uncomfortable and annoying.  Are you on a beta blocker?  I never notice any when I swim so interesting yours go away when you exercise as well.  Overall mine have improved over last several months.   

Klara Čičić  Christopher, glad your AFib went away and hope it won't come back. PVCs are common in everyone, especially us heart warriors, some feel them, some don't. They are more noticeable while we rest. You may want to contact your cardiologist and do a 24-48h home-heart-rhythm monitoring... GP or cardiologist then based on the results adjusts your medicines to help with your symptoms and advises you. Basically, someone should objectivise your symptoms and make decisions. I have PVCs I feel, too. (Mitral valve surgery was 8 months ago). I am trying to watch my coffee intake, reduce stress level as much as possible and manage stress better, getting enough sleep, excersize frequently, but not overdoing it... I am also taking beta blocker bisoprolol. It is getting better with time, I can say :)

Susan Lynn  I also had mitral valve surgery, but didn't have afib. Two years after surgery my cardiologist had me wear a Zio monitor that revealed frequent PACs. I'm now on Metoprolol Succinate and they're greatly reduced (less than 1%). Wish I didn't need to take medication, but it is working. Best of luck to you. Please keep us posted.

Kathy Ozio  I am three months post MV repair and ICD implant and just started getting what I think are palpitations.  And it does feel better when I am exercising. So glad you posted this!

Rose Madura  I had Afib also for about six weeks. Then it went away as it does for most.  About a year or so later I had PCVs after a change in BP meds.  Once those were adjusted back to where I was, all got back to normal and I haven't had any issues since.  

Mike Ciembronowicz  Christopher, sorry to hear what you're experiencing.  I had an episode of afib+RVR in January, was cardioverted in the ER, then a few weeks later I started having what you describe.  After being on a 2 week monitor it was PACs.  I take 25mg metoprolol twice a day, that helps a bit.  You might try breathing exercises (slow deep inhale, hold, slow deep exhale, repeat).  They can get tedious but they seem to help when I have a lot of palpitations.

Neal Syverson  Yes I did.  It is very common.  I was told it occurs in about a third of all mitral valve repairs.  Fortunately I only had the one episode. 

Susan Lynn  Christopher - I went home on several different medications, but it seems like it varies from surgeon to surgeon. Because you had an episode of AFIB, it doesn't necessarily mean you'll have another one. The adjustment in metoprolol may be all you need to stay regulated until your heart gets used to the improved efficiency. Please keep us posted.

Rose Madura  Yes I did and it is common. Good news is that it usually clears up in about six weeks as it did for me.

Ana Brusso  Christopher, congratulations on your successful surgery and welcome to recovery. Glad your Afib resolved on its own. Continued good health and God bless you 

Brady Busch  I had periods of AF that started in the ICU after surgery and after getting a pacemaker,a few days later,it recorded 44 episodes for about a month and then they stopped,with only one about three months later. 

Angela Meletiadis  Me too, in ICU, day after surgery. Was given amiodarone. Cleared up in a few days but stayed on the med for precaution for a month.

Klara Čičić  Hi Chris, I had few short episodes of Afib after the surgery. I am now 12 weeks postop. I hope there won't be any again. Those are very common during the first 12 weeks. Good luck!