Accidental PBV/Missed beats

[Dredger]

Hello to all.

I had a second Ablation 5 months ago and had some ectopics 6 weeks later after having the flu and covid vaccines together - this lasted a few days.

However, this last week I have had instances of Accidental PBV and missed beats as described by my EMAY machine. I understand these are not something to worry too much about.

I haven’t done anything different and have been following a good diet and exercise regime with alcohol not featuring for years. If anything I have cut down on chocolate since the festivities!

I’m not on beta blockers or flecainide now but am permitted to use 1.25 Bisoprolol followed by Flecainide as a PIP, which I haven’t and don’t want to use - yet.

Any advice please?

[ForensicFairy]

What does PBV stand for?

[BobD Volunteer]

Do you mean PVB? Premature ventricular beats? Have you tried the slow deep breathing technique? Use stomach (diaphragm) not shoulders and slow breathing to six or fewer per minute for at least five minutes.

[Dredger in reply to BobD]

Indeed I do Bob. I will try what you suggest and thank you for your response.

[Wellperson]

Hi Dredger Don't like to comment on medication because this has different affect on different people. I used flecainide first as PIP then advised to take it just before the night-time. But since having ablation have gone back to PIP but not had to take flecainide as have not had AF since ablation - so fingers crossed! Flecainide was effective for me when getting AF but I didn't want to take it long term.

[BJ24 in reply to Wellperson]

Hello - would you mind saying how long after your ablation have you gone without any palpitations? Thank you.

[BJ24]

I have not had an ablation but I've noticed more palpitations after having the flu recently. I am also leery of getting another covid vax because I suspect the atrial fib may have resulted because of covid and getting vaccines. Covid is known to cause heart problems in some people & I'm not sure the vaccine can't also affect the heart.

[Dredger in reply to BJ24]

Hello BJ24

I had the Covid/Flu injection about 6 weeks after my ablation in August, which I am sure brought on my palpitations. Due to the recent pressures on the NHS with flu etc I will have them both when offered them again but maybe on separate occasions.

Incidentally my knowledgeable GP didn’t discount catching Covid about three years ago restarting my AF after three AF free years.

Hopefully your palpitations will stop - as Bob reminded me I am continuing with the breathing exercise regime.

[Wellperson]

Hi Dredger I had a pulsed field ablation PFA in October 2024 and although at times I still get shortage of breath on exertion , I have not had palpitations- AF since then . So I am hoping -touch wood , it is not coming back .

[Dredger in reply to Wellperson]

Hello Wellperson. I do a lot of exercise, as agreed with my Doctor. My heart rate, and I keep a close eye on it, not to go much above 140 ish. No running now but rowing, fast walking ‘up hill’ on the treadmill and most other cardio equipment is fine. I was still on only 1.25 bisoprolol for about a month after my ablation and it’s only the last few weeks walking up stairs at home has become comfortable again.

It looks like you are doing fine and hopefully as time goes on you’ll feel even better. Well done on being AF free.

[Wellperson]

Thanks Dredger. I actually suffer from low blood pressure so my occasional breathlessness is put down to that instead of high blood pressure. Hopefully that will improve in time.