Why is it that ectopics can often been somewhat painful and take your breath away?

[DaveT81]

I feel like I may have wondered this before, but they're really starting to unsettle me lately.

I did the PK diet for a few weeks and during that time, and for 2 weeks after, my heart was the most relaxed it has been in many years.

But recently, no doubt due to reintroducing carbs, etc. it has started to play up again, but almost more than before.

I don't drink alcohol, caffeine, take drugs, and avoid most stressors that could trigger afib (ablated in 2017) and I take regular electrolytes, along with separate potassium, magnesium, taurine, l-arginine and a few others supplements (I also suffer with ME/CFS).

Anybody know the science behind why the irregular beats change and can often been a bit painful and take your breath away?

FYI, I know a suggestion is often 'speak to your doctor' but I've been investigated twice in the last 18 months with a couple of heart monitors/heart patches and didn't find the 'burden of extra beats' high enough for them to be concerned about. But in the meantime, my QOL is very low as a result, which is something that's never really taken into account by doctors/nurses anymore.

[Nigel2000]

Maybe you’re unconsciously downplaying the severity of your experience to the docs? My own tendency to stoicism and understatement has not served me very well. One thing that helped has been using a calendar to note all my episodes so I can give numbers: how often, kind of symptoms, consequences.

[Ronnieboy]

It could be stress related ,the more you worry the worst it gets, it's a difficult problem at times,this covid/lockdown doesn't help.try the deep breathing fresh air, keep busy, try and take your mind off the heart beats. Best of luck to you.

[Pigleywigley]

Hi Dave it’s to do with the heart pumping when empty of blood. Dr Gupta has quite a few videos on ectopics on his YouTube channel. It has certainly helped me deal with mine & learn about them. Mainly harmless (as long as under a certain % of normal).

[DaveT81 in reply to Pigleywigley]

Thanks! You've just reminded me about that, I think I've seen one of Dr Gupta's videos related to that. I'll dig it out again and have a look as I'm badly in need of some reassurance at the moment!

[Pigleywigley in reply to DaveT81]

Just Google Dr Gupta YouTube & scroll through his videos there are quite a few on ectopics & since I’ve watched I’m feeling fine 😊

[TamlaMotown]

Hi Dave, I was once told by a cardiologist that pain can come from the heart banging on the chest wall. No idea if this is correct & apart from him saying that I have never heard it mentioned ever. I do not get pain from my palpitations by the way.

[DaveT81 in reply to TamlaMotown]

That's interesting, I'll take a look and see if that's the case.

[Singwell]

I don't know if this helps but - if you read the leaflet here on post ablation recovery they recommend slow breathing to deal with ectopics. Apparently ectopics made common after catheter ablation and the recommend slowing down to about 6 in and out breaths a minute. Maybe this will help?

[DaveT81 in reply to Singwell]

Hi thanks, only problem is I had my ablation almost 4 years ago and the ectopics have been getting gradually worse since 2 years post! I do do breathing exercises though but thank you.