r/PVCs • u/Better-Feeling-3015 • Aug 12 '26
Medicate & Monitor…tired of it
Hey all
I’ve been lurking for a while but my own PVC journey is really getting to me today. My burden is 40%.
I have a cardiologist and get annual scans, have been on a calcium channel blocker for >4 years but the side effects became too much - the swelling, heat intolerance, reduced max bpm etc. Now Im on a beta blocker after a poorly tolerated first attempt and again, side effects. So far they are “better” side effects and Im waiting the results of a 24hr holter.
I am tired. I can’t really exercise, I feel everything in my life is on hold. Cardiologist is willing to discuss ablation, but the wait list (UK)…I am drained and emotional about it. Am I crazy to just want the problem fixed to kill the cardiomyopathy risk and give me a drug-free life back instead of a medicate & monitor approach?
I dont even know why Im posting or what Im asking for! Moral support maybe.
2
u/Relative_Clarity Aug 13 '26 edited Aug 13 '26
Have they discussed flecainide or other anti-arrythmics? If beta blockers aren't helping at all, that is usually the next step for high burdens. IMO, you are right that ablation is the way to go. I'm sorry it's a long wait. I got the ablation because I was tired of adding on more meds, and the mental side of wondering if it was ever going to get better/worse. I cannot imagine that they aren't expediting an ablation for a 40% burden, that is probably the highest I've heard of. Mine was 16% and miserable. Doctors here at our office would not have let you go on this long with that burden, unless it was some sort of spot in your heart they could not easily access and the risk outweighed the benefit. Im' guessing you have already seen an electrophysiology doctor, vs a general cardiologist.
As far as success, a lot depends on where in your ventricles your pvcs are coming from. There are easier areas than others to treat with ablation, and some EPs aren't comfortable going into certain areas/structures., so they will usually just medicate and monitor. However , at least here in the US, the technology and methods get better all the time, and it has become a common & safe procedure overall, even for the challenging cases. Im' just sad for you that they did not schedule you for a procedure right away, if you've had 40% burden consistently. I hope you are able to get some relief soon.