Hard uncomfortable thumps. - Atrial Fibrillati...

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Hard uncomfortable thumps.

John3333333 profile image
19 Replies

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?

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John3333333 profile image
John3333333
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19 Replies
frenchgoose profile image
frenchgoose

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!

Ppiman profile image
Ppiman

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

MummyLuv profile image
MummyLuv

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.

Sal55 profile image
Sal55 in reply to MummyLuv

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.

MummyLuv profile image
MummyLuv in reply to Sal55

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.

Sal55 profile image
Sal55 in reply to MummyLuv

i see. I have been taking atenolol on regular basis.

Sal55 profile image
Sal55 in reply to MummyLuv

did you cut out caffeine from your diet?

MummyLuv profile image
MummyLuv in reply to Sal55

prior to mini maze yes but not now

Sal55 profile image
Sal55 in reply to MummyLuv

how long ago wad your procedure. I hope i can get back to being able to drink coffee/tea.

MummyLuv profile image
MummyLuv in reply to Sal55

7 months. Even had an espresso martini yesterday my fave cocktail! Surgeon said booze and caffeine are fine, just be sensible

Espresso cocktail
BobD profile image
BobDVolunteer

Typcal ectopic beat symptom and generally benign.

Palpman profile image
Palpman

When I have a "skipped" beat it is normally followed by a compensatory hard strong beat and feels like a thump.

Budken profile image
Budken in reply to Palpman

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.

Palpman profile image
Palpman in reply to Budken

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.

Budken profile image
Budken in reply to Palpman

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.

Palpman profile image
Palpman in reply to Budken

We all call it a "skipped" beat because it feels like it when checking the pulse on the wrist.

The ECG would show a PAC or PVC because of the electrical pulse it picks up.

A manual check would not alway feel it as there is no blood pulsing due to empty ventricles.

needlestone profile image
needlestone

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.

Bahrain22 profile image
Bahrain22 in reply to needlestone

Reading your comment is giving me hope! I'm having ablation for PVCs on Thursday.

listerines profile image
listerines

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

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