Ectopic beats

[Grannypat65]

Just had my appointment with the heart rhythm specialist and my ecg showed I'm having extra beats. The advice given was to see how I got on and take bisoprolol again if I feel I need it. I had an ablation 4mths ago and all seemed fine. Any one else experienced extra beats. 🙂

[BobD Volunteer]

Ectopics are very common post ablation (or any time actually) . Try slow deep breathing. Use stomach not shoulders and slow to less than six breaths per minute for at least five minutes. Works a treat if you do it right but may take practice.

[Grannypat65 in reply to BobD]

Thank you, yes I have noticed that I can go back to normal sinus rhythm after deep breathing very quickly. Thank you.🙂

[37Polly]

yes. I had an ablation seven months ago and periodically have had extra beats. I am told this is not uncommon nor a major concern. Best of luck.

[Grannypat65 in reply to 37Polly]

Thank you🙂

[OzJames]

yes ectopics are very common even people without AF get them. People can get ectopics and still in Sinus and not in AF. I find they can be brought on by stress, over eating, too much sugar and alcohol. As Bob says deep breathing really helps and most importantly in through the nose

[Sixtyslidogirl]

I have had extra beats pre and post ablation. Fewer if I am really well rested.

[Grannypat65 in reply to Sixtyslidogirl]

Thsnk you. They do seem common. The specialist said it could trigger my A/Fib. Hence going back on Bisoprolol.

[Ppiman]

I have then daily by the score. I suspect it depends to some degree from where they originate, but I would guess that your ablation has done what mind did and further sensitised an already sensitised area and that time will settle things down.

Apart from the disconcerting "thump" feeling, do you get other symptoms?

Steve

[Grannypat65 in reply to Ppiman]

Thank you, no I don't have any other symptoms, just like you said a thumping, bumping, shaking in my chest. 😑

[Ppiman]

I find that harder to put up with than my AF to and get it very persistently. Last night was pretty bad but, as I type this, it's much the same.

It's a devil of a condition!

Steve

[Grannypat65 in reply to Ppiman]

It is annoying and yes more than A/F. As its more consistent. Do you take any medication?

[Ppiman in reply to Grannypat65]

I only take bisoprolol. I was given flecainide but there’s such negativity around its use in certain arrhythmias that I’ve not taken it after all. I’ve become less frightened of these various arrhythmias and AF since my MRI showed my heart to be generally (not electrically) sound. I’m on a waiting list for a second ablation (the first, in 2019, was for fast atrial flutter). I’m wondering whether it will be worthwhile, though.

Steve

[Grannypat65 in reply to Ppiman]

Yes I was pleased they haven't put me on Flecamide again. I feel I may end up having another ablation in the end. I've only just got over the first really. It's incredible how they do the procedure.

[Ppiman in reply to Grannypat65]

It is but the whole thing still concerns me. We have a friend who has had 5-6 ablations over the years yet still has ectopics, AF and flutter.

Steve

[Sixtychick]

Most people experience ectopic beats occasionally. If you’re worried, consult your Doctor. I took an ECG of mine and showed it to the Doctor and was told they weren’t anything to worry about.

[Grannypat65 in reply to Sixtychick]

Thank you. 🙂

[ian16527]

I am getting them alot at the min as well as runs of svt's It depends on how close they are together as to how much they get to me

One cardiologist just upped the bisoprol

[Grannypat65 in reply to ian16527]

Thank you, it's good to read other people's experiences..🙂

[DennisVA]

While I have been afib free for almost 1.5 years after my ablation, I did pick up ectopic beats about 3 months post ablation. The doc said they were PACs and are only worrisome to him if they hit 10+% of your daily heart beats. I had a few hundred a day sometimes, a few other days, but it was consistent enough that it affected my life. He put me on flecainide and I have maybe one or two a day now.

[Grannypat65 in reply to DennisVA]

Thank you. It's interesting to see they are very common with people. 🤔

[DennisVA in reply to Grannypat65]

Also keep in mind that most of the people on here are those who have had issues. Millions of people who have successfully taken these meds have moved on and dont post much anymore. In other words, it can get scary in here sometimes so trust your EP or cardiologist over people who couldnt tolerate certain meds. You're not them...

[Grannypat65 in reply to DennisVA]

Thank you.🙂

[sdweller]

Yes most with Afib and even those without, get ectopic beats occasionally… and of course more than occasionally for many of us! They are harmless, but can also be a precursor to a bout of Afib. They can also be annoying. My EP at Cleveland Clinic prescribed me potassium (he recommends low sodium V8) as my levels were low which he thought was causing my excessive ectopics. Once I increased my levels I had less ectopics. To this day I pay close attention to my potassium intake, and when I neglect my potassium intake my ectopics increase.

[babs1234]

yes I gave ectopics and it does make me feel just as jittery as the Afib

[Grannypat65 in reply to babs1234]

Yes me to. Do you get many?

[Karendeena]

Hi there, yes I had premature atrial beats shown on my holter monitor 4 months post ablation. My EP wasn't concerned

[Grannypat65 in reply to Karendeena]

Thank you same as me.. mine wasn't that concerned. But said about going on Bisoprolol again.

[Karendeena in reply to Grannypat65]

I was never taken off Sotalol but had dosage reduced

[Grannypat65]

Thanks good to know. 🙂

[PICCASO]

Yes I did a couple of years ago, saw Cardiologist and he halved my bisoprolol to 1.25 a day was all ok after that but had atrial flutter 2023 advice from a and e need Ablation had this 2023 , all ok but skipping beats but he said this may never go away, pulse normally about 55 to 60 bpm so I'm happy 82 year old , had quad heart bypass 1999 and small heart attack 2005 cardioverion 2013 , was still working up to year ago as plumber, now I'm a silicone Sealand applicator for bath's and showers

[Grannypat65 in reply to PICCASO]

Best of health to you. 🙂

[TracyAdmin Partner]

Hello

Thank you for sharing your post, Ectopics are common side effects associated with AF, in particular following an ablation. You may wish to download the 'Ectopic Heartbeats' information sheet from the AF Association resources page: api.heartrhythmalliance.org...

Alternatively, if you prefer, please contact our Patient Services Team via our dedicated Patient Helpline; [phone] or via email: heartrhythmalliance.org/afa...

The team are always here to help.

Kind regards

TracyAdmin

information sheet

[coffeebuff]

yes I do. I have a single heart beat then a rapid triple beat. I had an ablation 2 years ago. Then a year ago last March had the Watchman inserted. My Dr. said I still could have another ablation. This afib is really hard to deal with.

[Grannypat65 in reply to coffeebuff]

Wow that's a shame . Hope your specialist gets things sorted for you.