Ectopic beats after ablation a year ago

[rosie321]

Hello,

I havn't posted on here for just under a year, but i have a question to ask and this is the best place to get answers.

I had an ablation at the end of January 2017. My heart had settled down, without the racing heartbeat and i gradually decreased from many ectopic beats a day to a couple.

Then after 3 years of my dad fighting cancer and being by his side every step of the way, i watched my dad slowly fade away until he passed away in mid October. I was extremely close to him and it was/ is the most traumatic period of my life, i am heartbroken and with that my ectopic beats have returned. I am again aware of my heart and the thump in my chest many times a day.

I am aware that grief can also be physical, but please can you let me know if stress/grief can cause your heart to get worse and whether it would be a good idea return to the doctor to get a check up?

Any thoughts, experience or advice would be greatly welcomed.

Thank you so much X

[Hidden]

Absolutely it can rosie....you are are not alone there. Like you, but for different reasons, I had a stressful October and it certainly took it's toll on my condition, but unlike you, mine was NOT long lasting and things have certainly improved. Of course it will take you much longer to come to terms with your loss, but you will. It might be worth looking up Dr Sanjay Gupta's video on ectopics to help you understand what you can perhaps do to improve your situation. It's also no bad thing to see your Doctor, once they understand the reasons I'm sure they will be supportive but normally ectopics are not a major concern after an ablation......all the best, John

[rosie321 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you so much John, I will look up Dr Gupta's video x

[Hidden in reply to rosie321]

No problem rosie, I have just added a bit more, only to say that ectopics are very common after an ablation so try not to worry.....

[aika]

Yes Rosie it surely can. I experienced similar when my father passed away from cancer and was by his side the whole time from first discovery to the last day. Then I had to help my mother deal with father's loss and helping her every day. My heart problems arose thereafter.

[rosie321 in reply to aika]

Thank you Aika, exactly, like you I also need to support my mum, whilst trying to deal with how i feel. What did you do when your heart problems got worse? Did it calm down or did you see a doctor?

[aika in reply to rosie321]

I am now under constant care of my EP because I have Ventricular Tachycardia problem. I also have an AICD that was implanted after the first of now several VTach's that had occured. I am lucky to have had the AICD that saved my life. I urge you to see your doctors and be under their watchful eye. Stress can be very dangerous. In my case it was difficult because I was also running a business and not sleeping and resting. The combination of lack of sleep and the ongoing stress took its toll on me. I had never heard of a Vtach before it happened. Take care of yourself and your health for it is to be cherished. Please excuse me for any gloom, I just want people to protect themselves.

[rosie321 in reply to aika]

Thank you Aika, it sounds like you had a really hard time. I am monitoring what is going on with my heart and taking things day by day and trying to be kind to myself. I will see the doctor my ectopics continue. Take care of yourself.

[Jomama]

Hi Rosie,

First of all I am so sorry about your dad. It’s horrible to see someone you love suffer. That said, I am certain stress can affect your heart rhythm. Stress affects so many bodily functions, it only makes sense that your heart would suffer as well. I had my ablation in early Feb 2017 and I know when I get stressed, or even if I don’t eat well or get enough sleep, my PACs are more frequent. Why not see your EP for a check up? I don’t think it’ll hurt and it will probably ease your mind. Best of luck with everything.

[rosie321 in reply to Jomama]

Thank you Johama, yes it is truly an awful/painful experience to see someone you love suffer. I am considering calling my EP, i will see if my heart settles down over the next week or 2 and then decide. I do think" broken heart" must have an effect!

[irene75359]

I am so sorry for your loss, there is nothing quite like the pain of losing a much loved father. I lost mine eight years ago and on occasion still find my eyes swimming with tears when I think about him. But the pain does lessen, it is no longer such a regular occurrence and I manage to remember him with much pleasure and happy memories too. I didn’t have AFib at the time, but some of my episodes since diagnosis have been connected with stress (although some not at all). Don’t hesitate to go to your GP if you feel you need some medical advice, and please come back and let us know how you are.

[rosie321 in reply to irene75359]

Thank you Irene, yes it was and is a truly painful experience and i imagine that my body is reacting to that. After reading so many threads it does look like ectopics can be connected to stress. I am going to see how i go in the next week or 2 and then see my gp or EP if my heart doesnt settle down. Take care of yourself.