Ectopic Heartbeat

[Nanabrodie]

I had a successful ablation two years ago but over the last few weeks I am suffering with lots of ectopic beats which causes me to feel quite dizzy at times and occasionally leaves me with a bit of chest pain as if I’ve been kicked. It is really bothering me and wondered if anyone has had the same problem. I’m not sure whether to bother my GP with it or not.

[Shcldavies]

Yes see your Doc, you may need a change of Meds or if there is something else going on its best to catch it early to prevent your condition getting worst. In all likelihood its nothing too bad but the stress of worrying about it is highly likely to make the condition worst.

[Hidden]

I think you should see your GP. Although almost everybody has ectopics and they are nearly always benign, if they are bothersome then it is worth being checked out. Supplements such as Magnesium Taurate can be helpful and might be worth discussing with your GP. Stress and anxiety are often the cause so it can be a bit of a viscous circle.....hope this helps.

[Bob56]

As others have said, ectopics in themselves are considered benign and aren’t treated with the same degree of seriousness as other heart conditions. That doesn’t make them any easier to cope with and in my experience they are less responsive to medication, so not always easy to treat. If you haven’t suffered from them before your GP may well suggest a 24 or 48 hour holter test to “catch” them and this will determine exactly what is going on

[Bob56]

Sorry, I pressed the send button a little early. I was going to add that the response of doctors usually depends on the frequency of the ectopics and the total amount over the test period. I once had 13,000 over 48 hours which wasn’t nice at all. Definitely get it checked out, and depending on the outcome you will find the forum has a number of helpful suggestions from supplements like magnesium to breathing exercises which do work for some sufferers. Good luck!

[Nanabrodie]

Thank you all for your comments. I will go and see GP today just hopefully to put my mind at rest.

[BobD Volunteer in reply to Nanabrodie]

I agree as ANY chest pain needs investigataion. Obviously try the slow deep breathing exercise we promote as this does usually help most people.

[momist]

Dr Sanjay Gupta (York Cardiology) just released a new video about ectopic beats. Maybe you should track that down?

[Barb1]

I agree with Flapjack about magnesium taurate. After a few months it works for me, so far. But I asked my EP about taking it, not my GP.

[RichMert]

2 ablations and 5 years down the line, I started getting a lot of ectopics. I would recommend getting your blood pressure checked. I am back to normal now that I am taking a blood pressure tablet.

[Nanabrodie]

Just got back from GP have got to return tomorrow for blood test and to have a 24 hr monitor sometime. No problem with blood pressure. Thank you everyone for your kind advice.