Atrial ectopics now tachycardia-update

[Dondodoc]

Thanks for all the replies received. Despite advice from GP, saw consultant cardiologist today. Seems fast heartbeat regardless of advice to monitor unless pain or breathlessness should need greater investigation. Fast heartbeat but with normal BP may mean blockage so angiogram planned, echocardiogram and spidermoniter. Thanks guys

[Padayn01]

How bad are the ectopics may I ask as I’m also a sufferer

[Dondodoc in reply to Padayn01]

Hello Padayn, had ectopics for a number of years taken 10mg bisoprolol for a similar period. Currently they are all the time. No AF but now heartbeat 100 plus with normal BP think that’s the critical fact for consultant to think blockage of some sort. Cheers Don

[etheral]

Angiogram is way invasive unless there are other reasons. There are uncountable reasons for tachycardia. Many should be ruled out by blood tests , pulse oximitrry, Pulmonary Function Studies, etc. A stress Echocardiogram would seem to be worthwhile, little risk and a great deal of information. Hopefully you will get a diagnosis . Best of luck....

[Jalia in reply to etheral]

I was reassured to read your opening sentence as a retired medic. I often wondered why I had never been offered an angiogram with such a long AF history!

[Barb1]

Please keep updated. I have had persistent AF and resting heart rate in low 100s since March. Blockage has never been mentioned.

[BoudicaHD in reply to Barb1]

I am the same Barb. Trying to get answers but GP just keeps increasing bisoprolol. I was 2.5mg in March then went to 5, then 7.5 and today he’s put me on 10. Blockage potential not spoken of to me either.

[Barb1 in reply to BoudicaHD]

We should keep track of each other. My Nebivol has been doubled as well. But made no difference

[Boudica_HD in reply to Barb1]

Definitely. I’m on flecainide as well and Apixaban for anticoagulation.

[Barb1 in reply to Boudica_HD]

I'm on Edoxaban and bumetanide

[CDreamer]

Hope that you do get a diagnosis. My husband had angiogram prior to cardioversion when he had been in persistent AF. All went and came back clear which was a big relief. It was a relatively quick, day procedure.

[wilsond]

It's worrying that GPs seem to be quite blase about cardiac issues unless you have "classic" symptoms.

My friend is on our Practice group( 3 different surgeries) and said she was shocked and angry when one of our GPs was congratulated for keeping referrals down! She had her say...

Glad you are on your way to getting answers x

[Hidden in reply to wilsond]

Sadly, it is so often all about the $$$$. HMO's in the US are a much cheaper insurance option, but there is a reason for that. Many are loathe to keep referrals to specialists down to keep costs down.

Thankfully, if you have traditional Medicare (A & B) there is no need for a referral. You can see any doctor that accepts a Medicare assignment. Most cardiologists and EP's accept it, since old people are their bread and butter.