Ectopic beats it of the blue

[Gizmo1980]

Hi I was diagnosed with PAS 3 years ago I had a cryoablation Feb 2017 and felt rough after that with some ectopic beats but they said that was normal. Was taking off rivaroxaban August 2017 and then my beta blocker reduced from 5mg to 2.5mg Oct 2017 I had some ectopic beats when this was reduced which I thought was normal and then since then only had little ones every now and then. But since feb 2018 I have gone into business been stressed out to the max and now having ectopic beats all the time. So down it is worse than being in afib least I knew the drill with that and why I was in afib but these am driving me crazy... I'm used to a slightly fast pulse but the other day it went as low as 47 and scared the hell out of me. I went to hospital had all the tests and they basically said they cant do anything if they take me off beta blocker my heart rate will no doubt go up. If they put me on higher dose it will come down? So it leaves me with them. I never had anxiety before but I do now and that's making it worse.. I'm 38 and feel 90 I just hate having these all the time now. Anyone else in the same boat? 😔

[BobD Volunteer]

Ectopics are supposed tl be normal and benign but sure as heck don't feel like it. I have had periods of high ectopic activity from time to time which have usually resolved themselves after a while.

There is a very good breathing exercise which helps many of us terminate these periods and if you search (top right) Ectopic breathing exercise I am sure you will find it.

Stress is no doubt the trigger in your case so please investigate strategies to deal with this.

[doodle68]

Hi Gizmo at times I get a lot of ectopics and they are annoying particularly if I am trying to sleep or sitting relaxing. I find myself waiting for the next thud to kick in after the pause. They don't worry me now though, I see them as an inconvenience and just part of the whole AF thing.

As Bob says using breathing techniques can help, I use them a lot . I think they have a calming effect and also distract our attention from the ectopics.

[SimplySimonUK]

Stress is bad! Stress triggers a reaction that’s part of our basic biology, providing a coping mechanism for dangerous situations, such as coming face to face with a sabre-toothed tiger. Fight or flight is useful then, as it helps you avoid becoming dinner. Unfortunately, we’ve changed our environment so quickly in evolutionary terms that our biology just hasn’t been able to keep up. If you look at everything about the modern world, it is bad for us. It’s great that we don’t often need to run away from large predators, but the stress reaction now kicks in when faced with other, much less dangerous situations, such as the work environment.

I have scared myself way more than necessary by get stressed and sending my heart into a frenzy, so I’ve learnt the hard way that you need to relax. Whether it’s meditation, yoga, therapy or just a walk in the park, getting away from the stress factors is the best way to calm your body and resume normal service.

[Gizmo1980]

The cardiologist said that if I came off beta blockers my heart rate would go up and I cant face going through all that again and going into afib.. But these ectopics when they are bad just drive me insane x

[Polski]

You could try taking magnesium (not magnesium oxide, and not enough to give you diarrhea) - research on here for details. When we are under severe stress we use up a lot of magnesium, and also other vitamins/minerals, so a good vit/min tablet from a health food shop would be a good idea too.

Better still - find ways to deal with and lower the stress!

[Gizmo1980]

Well absouloty gutted woke at 4am this morning with afib 😢 not happy at all was so hoping my ablation had worked which I had feb 2017 was in hospital about 5 hours they gave me a few things of which I can not remember but it worked. Now got to wait for a appointment to see my cardiologist again and see what way to go with they have put my beta blockers up for now.. do not want another ablation 😔

[Cabert]

Hope you are getting treatment sorted and settled. Take it easy if possible and try to relax.

[Gizmo1980 in reply to Cabert]

Hello yes have felt better since my afib episode they have out my beta blocker up slightly and touch wood have had no ectopic beats since they have. But still angry that afib as come back and worried if it comes back again.. thanks for your reply x