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What Do My Holter Monitor Results Indicate?
Question: Hi I have some questions regarding my PACS. I was feeling palpitations several on the ago and was sent to a cardiologist. He ran several tests including an echo, ECG, stress test, holter monitor, and loop monitor for 24 hours. The results of the echo showed a structurally normal heart with some trace regurgitation. Which he said was normal in most hearts. Every function and size of the heart was perfect. The holter monitor picked up 925 PACS over 48 hours. 2 bigamy cycles and 3 couplet cycles very short. It only showed 1 single ventricular beat. I suffer greatly from anxiety and panic especially lately. I have had episodes where my heart will race at 160 BPM through the day but very short 2 minutes or less and slows down when I do deep breathing and drink water. The PACS I feel at night before bed and when I wake up in the morning. I don't know if it's happening when I sleep. I am worried about this but my doctor says they are benign. He didn't explain anything toe which freaks me out more. Is that too many PACS I've heard people can have tens of thousands in a day but I don't know. These tests were 5 months ago. How often do I need a repeat of the tests? My cardiologist told me at least 3 years. I eat very well and have lost 75 lbs over the last 10 months. My resting heart rate is around 56 -60 depending on the time of day. Doctor says this is fine don't know if I should worry.
Here is the results of my 48 hour holter monitor
198000 total beats
26% in bradycardia
12 % in tachycardia
Lowest heart rate was 50 at 5 AM during deep sleep.
925 PACS
915 We're single
3 couplets and 4 bigamy
0 runs totalling 0 beats
1 ventricular beat
Doctor said sinus rythm no arythmia detected
Here is the results of my 48 hour holter monitor
198000 total beats
26% in bradycardia
12 % in tachycardia
Lowest heart rate was 50 at 5 AM during deep sleep.
925 PACS
915 We're single
3 couplets and 4 bigamy
0 runs totalling 0 beats
1 ventricular beat
Doctor said sinus rythm no arythmia detected
Brief Answer:
You can repeat ECG, holter and ECHO every 1-2 years.
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you for asking!
I read your query very carefully and understood your concerns.
I analysed the data you provided and would like to say that it's normal. During 48 hours were recorded only 925 premature atrial complex (PAC) which is within the accepted limits.
PAC are benign arrhythmia that apart from palpitation and discomfort can't cause any cardiac disease or death. This is why as a general rule they don't need any special treatment.
You are asking about how often you can repeat this test. My opinion is that you can repeat ECG, holter and ECHO every 1-2 years. This will reasure you that everything is ok and will help to ease anxiety and stress.
Moreover I suggest to treat anxiety and stress.
Wish you health!
Dr. Benard
You can repeat ECG, holter and ECHO every 1-2 years.
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you for asking!
I read your query very carefully and understood your concerns.
I analysed the data you provided and would like to say that it's normal. During 48 hours were recorded only 925 premature atrial complex (PAC) which is within the accepted limits.
PAC are benign arrhythmia that apart from palpitation and discomfort can't cause any cardiac disease or death. This is why as a general rule they don't need any special treatment.
You are asking about how often you can repeat this test. My opinion is that you can repeat ECG, holter and ECHO every 1-2 years. This will reasure you that everything is ok and will help to ease anxiety and stress.
Moreover I suggest to treat anxiety and stress.
Wish you health!
Dr. Benard
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Hi Doctor Thank you for your response. What about my heart rate. My resting heart rate is between 56-60. I am not very active but I have lost 70 lbs in the last 10 months because of good diet. Can this be a reason. Is that heart rate ok? Can the PACS affect this? Also I was told that magnesium can help with the Pacs. Do you recommend this?
Brief Answer:
Your resting heart is within normal limits, follow my advises...
Detailed Answer:
Hi back,
Your resting heart is within normal limits and you shouldn't worry about that.
It's a good thing that you have lost weigh but diet and weigh loose may be associated with arrhythmia especially PAC. This is why it's important that your diet should be balanced with all essential fats, proteins and electrolytes.
My opinion is that you should take Magnesium and other electrolyte supplements (multicentrum) together with omega fish oil supplements. This will stabilize your arrhythmia.
Wish you health!
Dr. Benard
Your resting heart is within normal limits, follow my advises...
Detailed Answer:
Hi back,
Your resting heart is within normal limits and you shouldn't worry about that.
It's a good thing that you have lost weigh but diet and weigh loose may be associated with arrhythmia especially PAC. This is why it's important that your diet should be balanced with all essential fats, proteins and electrolytes.
My opinion is that you should take Magnesium and other electrolyte supplements (multicentrum) together with omega fish oil supplements. This will stabilize your arrhythmia.
Wish you health!
Dr. Benard
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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