Submitted by Dr T on August 22, 2011 – 3:15pm
What is the difference between frequent PVCs and NSVT? I have done ECG stress test, heart Echo, rest ECG and blood fats test and all result come back normal. I was also diagnosed with PVCs as well. Thanks
Nonsustained ventricular tachycardia (NSVT) is a common problem. It can occur in patients with significant heart disease as well as asymptomatic young individuals.
NSVT may be a marker of increased risk for subsequent sustained tachycardias and sudden cardiac death. Exercise-induced NSVT may be a marker for increased risk:
|
Clinical significance of NSVT |
|
| Clinical setting | Significance |
| Apparently normal heart | |
| Random finding | No adverse prognostic significance in the absence of occult pathology |
| During or postexercise | May predict IHD and increased cardiac mortality |
| Acute MI < 24h | No adverse prognostic significance |
| Acute MI > 24h | Adverse prognostic significance |
| Chronic IHD with LVEFFormula40% | Prognostic significance unknown |
| Chronic IHD with LVEFFormula40% | Adverse prognostic significance |
| DCM | Independent prognostic significance not established, as opposed to LVEF |
| HOCM | Probable adverse prognostic significance, especially in the young |
| Primary VF, congenital long-QT, Brugada syndrome, ARVD, repaired congenital abnormalities, valvular disease, hypertension | Prognostic significance unknown |
|
IHD: ischemic heart disease, MI: myocardial infarction, LVEF: left ventricular ejection fraction, DCM: dilated cardiomyopathy, HOCM: hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, VF: ventricular fibrillation, ARVD: arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia. |
|
Exercise PVCs are usually benign as opposed to recovery PVCs that often are related to coronary disease and/or previous myocardial infarction.
Patients can have a normal heart function associated with CAD. A stress ECHO can demonstrate your heart valve functions as well as the presence of CAD.
If you experience an arrhythmia with exercise, you can also calculate your risk for heart disease here:
https://www.cardiachealth.org/risks-benefits/cardiovascular-risk
From what you have told me, you have had all the tests needed to make sure your heart is otherwise OK, assuming your blood tests (including thyroid) were also normal.
To make sure check these links:
Hope this helps,
Dr T