Pre-operative condition In 2007, I learned I have a worsening heart condition called Premature Ventricular Contractions (PVC) a type of cardiac dysrhythmia that warrants medical investigation of the heart's electrical conduction system. As of September 2010, my symptoms include:
It's ironic I should develop a heart condition because I:
Informative animated descriptions: Succinct overview of the problem and proposed solution:
Timeline of my situation: pre-2008: Palpatations are only felt after consuming alcohol, but they don't cause the symptoms above. 2008: Handheld sonic heart monitor shows PVC worsening when turning over in bed, and especially when laying on my right side. I transition from averaging one drink/day to half that, trying to isolate the cause. Still drinking about 2 cups of coffee/day, which I've done since the 1990. 2009: Further ECG studies quantify the worsening PVC. 29-Jun-2010: An echocardiography shows otherwise-healthy heart, but I start noticing the above bothersome symptoms. Dr. Sarraf prescribes daily half-dose of Metoporolol and refers me to Dr. Ji to consider an electrophysiology study (EPS) and catheter ablation, as the worsening PVC's could lead to heart failure, or worse, Ventrical Tachycardia, which could lead to sudden cardiac arrest. July 2010: I eliminate alcohol completely, and switch to decaf. Recent electrocardiographs (ECG) show the condition worsening, despite the absence of triggers such as stress, alcohol, caffeine, or coronary disease. 29-Jul-2010: Dr. Sen Ji believes the condition is caused by malfunctioning heart tissue that I was born with, but that was dormant until adulthood. He recommends an electrophysiology study, and a cardiac ablation to cure the problem. Aug-2010: PVC occur almost continuously (thousands per day) and without provocation (alcohol, caffeine, or stress). Although disruptive/annoying, I continue exercising without cardiac limitation (in other words, I don't feel winded after biking 60 minutes and swimming 30 minutes). 10-Sep-2010: Start full-time Holter monitor to report symptoms to Dr. Sarraf who recommends ceasing Metoporol and continuing with planned surgery. 15-Sep-2010: Dr. Sarraf finds:
Since I'm not winded during exercise, Dr. Sarraf confirms my heart is normal re:
21-Sep-2010: Q&A with Dr. Ji: Question 1. My platelet count is about 70% of minimum healthy level (mine:110 vs. normal>150). Will the amount of any blood-thinner on Thursday be adjusted for my situation? A nswer : Possibility of bleeding will be very closed watched. But at 100,000, usually it is not an issue. Blood thinner if needed, will be adjusted. Question 2. Should I undergo general anaesthesia vs. local+sedation? Answer: Local + sedation. Question A: 3-D mapping will be used. It helps reduce radiation. But no facility in the country can avoid it completely. On reviewing the benefits/risks, Dr. Ji responds with:
23-Sep-2010: EPS and catheter ablation by Dr. Ji is postponed. 30-Sep-2010: Meeting with Dr. Ji to review procedure and platelet count. 07-Oct-2010: EPS and catheter ablation is performed by Dr. Gupta, Dr. Ostrum, a PA, and two nurses in a catheter laboratory. Physicians: Dr. Sen Ji, MD, PhD, Electrophysioligist, KP LAMC, (323)783-5850 Dr. Guilda Sarraf, Cardiologist at Kaiser Torrance, (310)517-3264Dr. Rofman, GP at Kaiser Torrance, (800)780-1230 Post-op condition |