Anyone who suffers with ectopic beats and syncope? Anyone who is symptomatic all day every day? Or am I just being a moaner?

[Gwersey]

Ectopics, syncope

[Gwersey]

Just to give more backround to above post. Saw an EP privately last week. He said ectopics and syncope are unrelated??? But I have both all day and every day, surely there must be a co-relation? I know you can't give medical advice on here. But I'm not looking for advice. Just wondering if anyone has the same symptoms.

[Peddling in reply to Gwersey]

OK....if he says they are unrelated what is his explanation and how does he suggest you deal with them. I have had similar episodes, but not constant. My cardio said that syncope can happen when the heart stops momentarily and readjusts in response to the ectopic/af. Put simply, misses a beat. “All day and every day” is totally unacceptable, you need strategies and advice.

[Gwersey in reply to Peddling]

His advice was to request blood tests from my GP, kidney function, thyroid etc. Have had them done before, all ok.

[Jem237]

Hi Gwersey,

I've had similar symptoms to you. After having 2 cardioversions I've suffered with a lot of ectopic beats all day every day, as you describe. For me these have gradually deteriorated back into constant AF. I've had syncopal episodes constantly for the past year - all sorts of things start them off - walking, going upstairs, bending over, crouching down... such a nuisance, and terrifying when you wake up on the floor! I've personally found that I've got a slightly different opinion from each consultant/GP I've seen about what causes them, but from the many helpful replies I received on here, the consensus of opinion seems to be that syncope is caused by the heart pausing - seems to make sense to me. It does seem to be something that the medics don't take that seriously though, and yet for me, I've found it to be really difficult to deal with. Hope you get some better advice and treatment - and no, I don't think you're moaning

[Gwersey in reply to Jem237]

Thank you Jem for your reply. I'm glad somebody else knows what I'm talking about, but sorry you're having such a terrible time. I've been told that ectopics are mainly harmless, that bigiminy and trigiminy beats are benign. But they make me feel like I'm being drained of life. Did your medics explain why they happen 24/7?

[Jem237]

Hi Gwersey,

I understand what you're saying about feeling drained - I've felt constantly anxious since my AF started, whether it's been ectopics, intermittent episodes of AF, tachycardia, or constant AF - it's not something one can easily ignore! The medics have never really given me a satisfactory explanation about either ectopics or syncope. I've never come out of a consultation feeling reassured or like my questions have been answered. The syncope is a nightmare because I feel like I have to be constantly vigilant about not leaving the cooker on, not having baths, being careful when I'm going up and downstairs, etc, in case I pass out (I live alone, so am constantly concerned about being unconscious and nobody knowing). I've had a few times where I've passed out, come round and been unable to get up off the floor, or get any help. I've got used to it now, try to always carry my phone, and if it happens I just try and keep calm and wait for it to pass. I don't know, heart things and passing out just leave you feeling very vulnerable I think. I really hope things get better for you soon.

[Gwersey in reply to Jem237]

And I wish the same for you Jem.

And maybe there'll be a cure found for this bitch of an illness in our lifetime. 😄