Irregular heart rates

[Aaron1976]

Hi I’m 44 male. I was alcoholic for 15 years and quit of my own back and started having blackouts so I was tested for 2 weeks with ecg monitor on 24/7 when results were read the doctor said I was somewhat bradycardic when asleep 36bpm was lowest . I hadn’t seen it to end of tests due to mental health. So over past few years I’ve been testing my bpm with smart watch and had same problem when sleeping. I’m always tired and breathless now for 12months pains in left side feels like trapped wind or knotted muscle. I’ve lost business along with it. I’ve now used a portable single channel ECG monitor for the past 3 days and out of 22 measurements only 7 say stable waveform and bpm the other 15 are saying irregular heart rate and deviating waveform. I’m now really unsure what to do or speak to as I currently have no GP due to moving home.

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

Hello and welcome to the forum! First I would suggest you register with a GP as a matter of urgency. Often when you register the practice will want you to see a nurse for a basic MOT. If this is not offered ask for an urgent appointment. When did you last have a monitor? Many professionals do not place much weight on a single channel device - a full ECG needs uses 12 channels and needs a good level of skill to interpret correctly. If you become very concerned go to A&E as they can run a full ECG quite quickly. Good luck!

[EMBoy]

Hi Aaron. I agree with everything MichaelJH has said, but will add that if you are having chest pains, you should go to A&E immediately - better safe than sorry, and cardiac arrhythmias are potentially fatal. Call 999 if necessary.

[Hidden]

Hi Aaron

Definitely register with a GP if you are having pain for so long you should be checked over by professionals .

I would like to say to you well done for kicking the alcohol .

Cardiologists are very clever people and we have to trust them all the machines they use to check out our hearts are so amazing and they give such an accurate picture of what is going on.

It's crazy to think that you can work it out yourself , you owe it to yourself to get the right help .

Good luck and be brave

[Bagrat]

Sorry you are struggling with your symptoms. If seeing a GP is quite tough for you ( I hate going as always think I'm a nuisance though always reassured I'm not) then maybe ring the British Heart Foundation Nurses "The Heart Helpline is open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. The number to call is 0300 330 3311. "

They can advise you and suggest a way forward.

[jim_]

See a medical professional ASAP mate, don't put it off any longer, things don't always right themselves on their own. They are very good at fixing people these days and much can be done in the way of treatment.