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Question:
Is it accurate that a structurally normal heart can generally withstand palpitations better than a heart which has defects?
In a structurally normal heart (normal as deemed by either an echocardiogram or CMRI), can a person have thousands of PACs (Premature Atrial Contractions) or PVCs (Premature Ventricular Contractions) daily without long term problems?
From various cardiology forums, seems like a common statement is, paraphrasing, that a heart that is structurally normal can withstand palpitations, skips, etc better than a heart that has defects...Just wondered on the accuracy of that? Thanks.
submitted by Richard from Pennsylvania on 1/21/2014
Answer:
by Texas Heart Institute cardiologist, Mohammad Saeed, MD
PACs and PVCs in a structurally normal heart are usually not treated unless they are very frequent or symptomatic. Part of the reason is because these are benign conditions and treatment may cause more problems. If more than minor symptoms are present or the frequency of skipped beats is so high that untoward hemodynamic effects are occurring, then treatment is indicated.
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Updated February 2014
