Stopped my PVC's

A couple of weeks ago I started taking an NSAID (Naproxen Sodium OTC 200 mg twice a day for an inflamed shoulder. Within a few days my PVC's completely stopped as near as I can tell. This fits with my feeling the the PVC's were caused by some sort of systemic inflammation. We'll see if it continues to work.

Before trying it be sure you are not taking any other similar med, especially blood thinners. For anyone already on a diet of pills, I would check with your doc or maybe pharmacist. My guess is that you will get a negative reaction if you say you want to take it for PVC's, so say you want to take it for sore joints. The purpose isn't important, just a check for interaction with other meds.

frank

9 Comments

Wow

by ela-girl - 2009-06-25 02:06:48

That's great, Frank! I hope it keeps up!

As always, thank you for passing along your wisdom...

ela-girl

P.V.C.

by sputnick - 2009-06-25 02:06:59

What exactly does a PVC feel like? I have a lot of funny heart rythms and thuddings but not sure what they are.I am mostly ventricle paced.

Feeling of a PVC

by ElectricFrank - 2009-06-25 03:06:34

Probably the heavy thump is the most common.

A PVC happens when for some reason there is a ventricular contraction that is early in the normal timing sequence. Here is an example with the numbers rounded off to make it easy to understand.

Assume you have a HR of 60 BPM. That means that there is a ventricular contraction each second. This timing can come from the natural conduction of the AV node or be handled by the pacemaker wiring around it. All is going well with those nice even thumps, when instead of waiting for the next contraction at 1 second the ventricle decides to go off on its own and do it at 1/2 second. All good and well except that the ventricles haven't had time to fill fully so this is a weak beat. If you are feeling your wrist pulse this will feel like a weak or missing pulse. When the next pacing pulse comes in 1/2 second the ventricles aren't ready for it so don't respond. Assuming that another PVC doesn't happen, the heart waits another second for the next normal pace and responds. Now the fun starts. During this long 1 1/2 second interval since the last contraction the ventricles have been filling with blood. When the contraction happens it is a whopper and we feel that heavy thump. So in reality we don't feel the PVC, but rather the beat following it.

Does that make any sense? It was fun for me to write!

frank

i think i am just one inflammation

by jessie - 2009-06-25 05:06:59

i hurt often almost every day. i don't mention it as my dr. doesn't believe in giving any medication. i know tho i can buy them over the counter in the usa. may take a wee trip by ferry to-day if the thunderstorms are not too bad.i am grateful for you thoughts and sharing. jessie

oh right

by sputnick - 2009-06-25 06:06:39

First of all I am trying to make sense of this at 11 o clock at night after a night out and half a bottle of chardonnet! But I think I understand! Ok I think that is what I get, I feel that i get a few fast beats , then a pause ( my low rate is 50) and then a big thud! Thanks for that Frank, I'm learning all the time. By the way, you look just like I imagined you would! ( your picture came up at the side the other day)!
All the best Jan

Good

by ElectricFrank - 2009-06-25 07:06:02

I'm heading out to the hot tub with a beer. Its only 103 deg outside so it should be delightful.

Still no more PVC's. I'm starting to miss them.

Naproxen

by J.B. - 2009-06-25 11:06:34

As we all know for every action there is a reaction. So as Frank said check with your doctor before taking Naproxen Sodium. Since this medicine can be purchased over the counter, you may want to read the following before making a purchase.

I want to add that a member of our family has experience with this medicine. Our daughter (early 50's) was recently diagnosed as being in the early stages of kidney failure and her doctor thinks it may be from the Naproxen she has been taking for about 2 years for joint pain. To be exact, when the doctor asked how many months she had been taking Naproxen, she told him about 24 months and his reply was "that is 23 months too long."

NAPROXIN

Side Effects:Stomach upset is the most common side effect. If this persists or becomes severe, notify your doctor. Inform your doctor if you develop persistent stomach pain, presence of black or bloody stools, skin rash, itching, edema (swelling of the feet or hands), change in urine color or vision changes while taking this medication. This drug may cause dizziness, drowsiness or blurred vision. It may rarely cause ringing in the ears or loss of hearing. Infrequently, this medication may increase the skin's sensitivity to sunlight. If this happens to you, avoid prolonged sun exposure, wear protective clothing and use a sunscreen. Avoid sunlamps. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness or breathing trouble. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions:Tell your doctor your medical history especially of liver or kidney disease, blood disorders, ulcers, heart disease, alcohol use, high blood pressure, eye disease and of any allergies. Use caution when performing tasks requiring alertness. Limit alcohol intake as it may intensify the drowsiness effect of this medication. This medicine may cause stomach bleeding. Daily use of alcohol, especially when combined with this medicine, may increase your risk for stomach bleeding. Check with your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Caution is advised when this drug is used in the elderly, since this group is more sensitive to drug side effects. This medication should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Use of this drug during the last 6 months of pregnancy is not recommended. This drug may be excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions:Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you may use, especially of warfarin, other arthritis medication (including aspirin or methotrexate), "water pills", lithium and of ulcer medication. Do not take aspirin without consulting your doctor. Check the ingredients of any nonprescription medication you may be taking since many cough-and-cold formulas contain aspirin. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Excellent comments

by ElectricFrank - 2009-06-25 12:06:26

I agree and appreciate all the comments. Here are a few of my responses:
1. I used Naproxen Sodium only because it was available as a generic OTC. For me I needed something to reduce inflammation in a shoulder problem. The docs recommendation was to pick any of the OTC NSAIDS.
2. I started with a low dose of 200mg twice daily. It can go as high as 3 times daily OTC and higher if under prescription. I have found that I am very responsive to most meds probably because I take so few.
3. The are many reasons for PVC's so I wouldn't expect this to be a miracle cure. I was totally surprised by the results of the med. I'm not even sure that there is a connection. Only time will tell.
4. The warnings about Naproxen are valid. That is why I included the warnings about blood thinners etc. However, when I brought up the side effects my doc, interestingly played them down.
5. I'll post my situation again soon as far as side effects and the PVC's. It is just something that is worth watching.

frank

Too hot!

by sputnick - 2009-06-26 05:06:01

We think it's hot over here if it goes above 75! Can't complain at the moment though cos at least this year we are actually having a summer! Hope you enjoyed your beer, glad your pvs's have gone. Jan

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