Question on PACs

[Lilypocket]

Hello

I have a question and would be grateful for any replies ☺️.

Before I started Flecaine in June this year my Holter tests ( 3 over 3 years) showed that I was getting a lot of PVCs - up to 800 in 24hrs and they were very annoying as many of you will know. But hardly any PACs. (20 or so) Since taking Flecaine and Bispoprol my most recent Holter showed the PVCs down to 3 ( I could really feel the difference.) However It showed I had far more PACs (211) and salves and RR: 17 unstable ( what is RR and should I be worried?). As PACs predispose to AF ( I have PAfib) I was wondering if this was a normal side effect of Flecaine. I supposed that Flecaine cleared or at least helped PACs and PVCs not worsened them?

Thanks for reading and hope someone enlightens me!

Take care all

Xx

[BobD Volunteer]

Flecainide can distort aspects of your heart's electrical system as well as improve it. Sounds like it is working well for,you though.

[Lilypocket in reply to BobD]

Hi Bob

Yes it is I only get brief episodes of PAF ( on Sotalol they were less frequent but lasted 12 to 14 hrs). It's just I expected to have no change or not much anyway in the Holter reading except less PVCs but didn't expect the Flec to provoke PACs. I'm told they provoke more Afib episodes. But otherwise I'm not complaining! Super tired and a bit breathless going uphill but hey who cares ☺️ my QoL is much better. But I know it's only a matter of time before Afib gets the upper hand and I'll coming back to for advice on an ablation!

Thanks for answering Bob!

Take care x

[BobD Volunteer in reply to Lilypocket]

Just to be clear ectopics are not AF and can't morph into AF. They are a diferent thing altogether and quite a natural function of a healthy heart. The average person gets up to 200 a day with no awareness but of course we AFers are far to aware of our hearts!

[Lilypocket in reply to BobD]

Well actually I wasn't aware of the PACs lol. The PVCs were annoying and was pleased when they stopped with the Flec. I was just surprised to have an increase in PACs and brief salves. I was told(by an EP) that PACs pre- disposed to Afib episodes so I thought the Flec would control them not make them more frequent. Anyway I'll ask my Dr at my next appointment.

Thanks for your reply - as always you are a fountain of knowledge 😊

Glad everything is working out for you so far.

X