I have various heart issues, including AF, PACs, PVCs and sinus tachycardia during panic attacks. However, recently I've experienced the occasional strong, thumping beat (which is lso a tiny bit painful). I've only ever experienced these thumps one at a time - they never manifest as couplets, triplets etc, like the ectopics I'm used to.
Does anyone else experience these slightly painful, hard and very disconcerting thumps?
I’ve had these on and off over the past 5 years since my 3rd ablation. I was concerned about them and EP did stress test and angiogram etc. All ok. He did not seem concerned about them. They have reduced since I got a little fitter and notice them more when I’m tired. He increased Diltiazem which may have helped too . They are scary and do stop me in my tracks! I do wonder if they are as a result of 3 ablations and scar tissue around the ablated areas. Always worth a check with an EP though for reassurance!
Yes, I can relate to these. The thump is the valve closing on the atrium, I gather, and will be more prominent during any kind of ectopic beats. These can arise in different parts of the heart and, depending where, I guess that their effect can be felt slightly differently. I think and hope it's all of no consequence except to my worrying mind. I keep wondering whether I ought to ask my doctor about it but try to put things to the back of my mind instead.
Steve
I have occasional PVCs and PACs since my mini maze, I am definitely aware of them as the heart is otherwise quiet. I get them when I am tired and stressed. Very light burden and surgeon not at all concerned.
Hi, what are your usual triggers for PACs? Have you been prescribed any meds? I have been getting mine since my ablation 3.5 months ago. Very upset and sad about this because i didnt have them prior to the ablation for SVT.
They have reduced right down and now only occasionally get them when I am tired, stressed or been drinking alcohol. I have had 3 bouts of bigeminy which makes me feel faint so I have been prescribed metoprolol as a pill in the pocket to take in advance of any public speaking which is when the adrenaline is so high it causes me to go into bigeminy.
did you cut out caffeine from your diet?
prior to mini maze yes but not now
Typcal ectopic beat symptom and generally benign.
When I have a "skipped" beat it is normally followed by a compensatory hard strong beat and feels like a thump.
What you describe is a PVC ( Pre Ventricular Contraction ) it is not a skipped beat, but an extra beat. The second one being the normal beat, is usually stronger.
Yes. I'm aware of that and that is why a put the word "skipped" in inverted commas.
it is stronger to compensate for the "skipped" beat.
Sorry but I am still not getting you. You are still calling it a "skipped beat". It is an extra beat, not "skipped". It is an extra beat, that is less strong than the normal beat. Nothing is skipped.
I used to get these too. I no longer get them after ablation and going gluten free and avoiding artificial seeetener. I no longer take meds for heart trouble. Diet change and ablation stopped these.
Reading your comment is giving me hope! I'm having ablation for PVCs on Thursday.
Yes have had similar symtopms off and on connected to strong ectopics. I am unsure of the health of your heart, but I have had my mind put more at ease with relatively regular check-ins with cardiologist regarding the plumbing of my heart (stress test, echocardiogram etc...) Perhaps a round of testing with the cardiologist would put your mind more at ease (not to say these are not uncomfortable and Disconcerting and I hope they reduce/ disappear soon for you soon ) keep safe
Afib or anxiety 
What is a AF Episode/Attack
AF symptoms following Ablation
Unsure if this is a fib
Swallowing difficulties 
