There is probably a link between PVCs and GERD.
PVC stands for premature ventricular contraction, and GERD refers to gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Are PVCs associated with GERD?
“I think they are,” says cardiologist Dr. Pam Marcovitz, MD, medical director of the Ministrelli Women’s Heart Center, at Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak.
She continues, “I find a lot of people who have GERD tell me they have PVCs. When you lay down at night, if you have GERD, small microscopic droplets of food may travel up the esophagus into airways, thus causing PVCs.”
The link between heart “palpitations” and acid reflux may also occur via other pathways.
For instance, both the “skipped heartbeat” sensation and acid reflux can be caused by anxiety.
So the symptoms, then, have a common cause in this case, but the symptoms do not act upon each other.
Do your PVCs calm down when you take a medication for heartburn?
Which usually comes first, a bout of GERD or a string of PVCs?
Take a note of timelines, concurrent stressors and your activities at the time the symptoms act up.
Over time you may discover a common denominator that can help you relieve yourself of these issues.
Dr. Marcovitz has 40+ years of experience in helping people improve their heart health.
Lorra Garrick has been covering medical, fitness and cybersecurity topics for many years, having written thousands of articles for print magazines and websites, including as a ghostwriter. She’s also a former ACE-certified personal trainer.
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