Sinus rhythm with ectopics

[Spartan66]

Hey guys I was diagnosed with asymptonatic AFib 6 weeks ago during a routine check up in A&E.

I only had the one episode of AFib but since then I have a lot of ectopics every other day at normal heart rate which worries me.

Has anybody experienced something like this with AFib or do I have 2 different conditions.

Your responses will be well appreciated

Thank you

[Finvola]

Yes, ectopics are part of life and we Afibbers seem to be more aware of them than people without rhythm disorders.

I have been told that in a normal heart, they are not significant but merely a nuisance. There is a breathing exercise which has helped me and others to stop them - briefly you breathe deeply with your diaphragm, not your shoulders, slowing your breathing to 6 breaths a minute. Continue this for at least 5 minutes - 10 is better. Dr Gupta did a video on this exercise - use the search box at the top right for Gupta ectopics and you should find it.

The worst thing for ectopics is anxiety but I find them so difficult to ignore - sometimes mild exertion or distraction can lessen their impact.

[Spartan66 in reply to Finvola]

Thank you Finvola that was very reassuring and yes I am very anxious person by nature but since I was diagnosed with AFib my anxiety is getting worst.

My cardiologist it was just a registra and not a consultant and didn't inpire a lot of confidence on me as she was not answering all my questions and kept saying I check with my boss this is ridiculous In My opinion. Is my heart we are talking about I should of said to her but I given her the benefit of the doubt as on my next follow up appointment they said I woukd be seing a consultant have a lovely evening

[BobD Volunteer]

This is all quite normal. Ectopics are the heart trying to go into AF and failing so not entirely a bad thing. All people get up to 200 odd ectopic beats a day and don't usually know but once one has AF then we all start to become far too focussed on our hearts and notice them.

There is a slow deep breathing exercise which many of us find helpful. One must breath with the diaphragm not the shoulders and slow it down to no more then six breaths a minute for at least five minutes. Longer and slower if possible.

By the way, if you are asymptomatic then how do you know that you only had one episode?

[Spartan66 in reply to BobD]

Thank you BobD for your quick response I don't think I had another episode because I check my heart rate very often before and after exercise and it is always within range.After 30 minutes brisk walk goes to 100bpm and then drops when relaxed between 68 to 80 hpm.The 24ceg monitor didn't pick any Fib either 2 weeks ago only the one at A&E which they said it was quite chaotic up to 153bpm and irregular for 45minutes .I ran the steep hill that day leading to the A&E that day and for the first time after a long time I was out of breath I keep forgetting I am 66 year old now lol take care BobD

[BobD Volunteer in reply to Spartan66]

None of us get any younger even if you are still a child compared to many here.

[Mercurius]

Hi,

basically there are two types of ectopics: atrial and ventricular. If you have aFib, the atrial is the bad guy. It can initiate and drive the fibrillation. But, people can feel usually only ventricular because it is followed by a pause.

I'm also asymptomatic. Usually I can suppress my atrial ectopics by physical activity. It can help for 2-3 days, but soon ar later the aFib will arrive :(.

Mercurius

[jillgloucester in reply to Mercurius]

Can I ask how long your a fib would last for?

[Mercurius in reply to jillgloucester]

Usually between 8 to 38 hours.

[jillgloucester in reply to Mercurius]

Thank you

[Spartan66]

Thank you for the information Mercurius I appreciate your time and care and God bless