Paleo Diet and Paleolithic Diet Questions & Answers

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Recently I was told by a cardiologist that I have "premature ventricular contractions." They just appeared out of nowhere in the last 3 weeks. I am currently weaning myself of caffeine and have yet to see a decrease. Salt is next to go. The events seem to flare up after noon even with no caffeine intake. I'm curious if anybody else has this and what possible food triggers or food deficiency may contribute. I have had no other cardiac symptoms just the PVC. My heart sonogram showed "normal" meaning there are no physical abnormalities. Any help is greatly appreciated.

I've been paleo/primal since Nov 2009, a real 80/20. If that helps.

flag	asked Feb 25 2011 at 21:37 Scott 1,557●2●8●17

water-ratt · Accepted Answer · 2011-02-25 22:31:43Z UTC

Hi Scott, I'm a 52 year old firefighter/paramedic and have had PVCs all my life. The good news it's it's very likely that they are no trouble at all. You do need a full work-up by a cardiologist; including a 24 hour monitor and a 12 lead stress test. I had several hundred on my 24 hour test. Do you feel them? this is a little unnerving especially if I'm having several every minute. Occasionally they will be every 3rd beat. Mine always occur at rest and go away if I get up & move around.

Caffeine and other stimulants will increase them, so will stress. Sometimes WODs will cause them.

I'm told (in my case) they are absolutely no problem. No increased risk of sudden death, no increased risk of cardio-vascular disease. My cardiologist tells me to keep doing CrossFit and not to follow those 'heart-rate guidelines' often reported as 220-age= max HR. He said my max heartrate from my 24 hour was more than 220. If you want to contact me shoot me an e-mail at rpratt(at)cityofeastlansing.com Good luck!! bob

water-ratt · Answer 2 · 2011-02-26 04:18:24Z UTC

Michelle, I wouldn't say they are 'harmless' unless they've been looked at by a cardiologist. Some rare problems can cause PVC's and should be ruled out before just ignoring them. Cardiomyopathy can present with PVCs but they are usually multi-focal and a few simple tests can rule it out. Scott, I'm a worrier too, ironically that can cause them too. But if you've had a halter and been cleared you're golden.

Helen · Answer 3 · 2011-02-25 22:25:38Z UTC

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How is your potassium and magnesium intake?

answered Feb 25 2011 at 22:25

Helen
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This is something I need to monitor, but I hate food diaries. – Scott Feb 25 2011 at 22:39

Michelle · Answer 4 · 2011-02-25 22:34:25Z UTC

I have these sometimes. They pretty much disappear with regular exercise and no grains or sugar, at least in my case. I've noticed that indigestion can bring them on -- it probably stimulates the vagus nerve or something.

They are harmless, so don't let them worry you. They just feel weird. :/

something or else · Answer 5 · 2012-09-21 17:16:42Z UTC

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what is a WOD? I have pvc's and had to give up caffeine including mocha, chocolate pop etc, anything with it.. now they are more rare but if i have a lot of sugar seems to stir it up again. i have a slightly leaky valve/bit of backwash but again they say nothing to worry about just to keep an eye on it for down the road.. i still hate when it does it, it is not working right in my mind but there is nothing to do but try and relax.

answered Sep 21 at 17:16

something or else
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	i am really starting to believe in the vagus nerve as a big contributor.. i can just twist or turn certain ways and get it going, but it is not something my dr ever talked about – something or else Sep 21 at 17:18
	WOD = workout of the day...a set of exercises done in the Crossfit program. – MiMintzer Sep 21 at 18:40
	I notice my PVCs do the same with any sugar. I took all the caffeine out and have added some back and haven't noticed any change. Seems to not be a factor for me. Sugar OTOH will set them off. – Scott Sep 22 at 1:47

PVC or PAC Heart Conditons

5 Answers