Are ectopic heart beats serious?

Q: I have been taking atenolol 50 mg twice and amlodepine 5 mg twice plus losar 50 mg twice. I had occasional ventricular premature beats or occasional ventricular ectopics. I consulted a doctor and he says I have a benign ventricular premature contractions or beats i.e. PVC. He further says that EPS study is not suggested since it is not atrial and it is ventricular. Sometimes, I have extra systole and sometimes not, but definitely causes discomfort whenever happens. 1. What is its significance since my LV systolic functions are good and LVEF 60%, what should I do and whether it is serious? 2. My doctor says no to diuretics and suggests plain Losartan. What is your advice?

A:The ectopics which you get seem to me as harmless. Ectopic beats in presence of a normal heart function with a good LVEF do not need any specific measures. I do hope that a stress test has been carried out on you and that is negative.Regarding the choice of drugs. As long as BP is less than 130-140 / 80-85 mms the treatment you are getting is adequate. Your physician may be avoiding diuretics because of ectopics and diuretic may lead to low potassium levels. However, they are not contraindicated.I do hope you are in addition taking a statin group of drug (may be 10 mgs of atorvastatin) under supervision and 50-75 mgs of aspirin. These adjuncts are highly recommended in addition to low salt diet and regular exercise.