What's wrong with me? Ectopics so much worse than usual.

[Hypat1a]

I have a history of panic attacks and tachy cardiac which have been relatively controlled for several years with bisoprolol. I have an extreme reaction to caffeine and stimulants, which I obviously avoid, which give me ectopics and racing heart with dizziness. I have been to the emergency room countless times only to have normal ECGs and told to go home. Now on holiday and away from home supposedly relaxing and ectopics have got much worse, I am very anxious, feel a bit wheezy and today I noticed my ankles are swollen. Is this heart failure or yet another false alarm?

[dawny1908]

Hi

I read somewhere that when you are resting you tend to feel ectopic more. The same as when bpm are low. Anxiety can set them off too. I have been feeling mine a lot lately the doc says it's because you are aware they are there you feel them more.

[Tessie28]

My ectopics were terrible on the day we had a big storm. Felt like the electrics were in my heart.

[Hidden]

Hi Hypat1a, could you be dehydrated? Or not sleeping well? Both of these can exacerbate my ectopics. If you are in the UK, the storms can cause wheezing in some people too.

If you feel particularly unwell it might be worth a call to your GP for a telephone appointment. Hope you are feeling better today.

[Britishgas]

It might be useful to look at Dr Sanjay Gupta on ectopics on YouTube, he is very reassuring and knowledgeable on these. It may put your mind as ease , he has certainly helped me and I now know I’m not going insane

[Dazgad]

YeA I think I have similar, bad anxiety which makes my breathing go weird which makes heart pump harder and I get mad pressure in my head throat and face, but I do notice ectopic beats at least one every day!which don’t sound a lot but one is enough! Which always occur when I’m resting , had one episode last night when I was sitting in bed, feel trapped relaxing to keep calm from anxiety yet keeping calm causes ectopic beats , so your not alone, I’m saving for an MRI and that should tell me abit more than the usual ecg

[LaceyLady]

Hi, you mentioned that you suffer panic attacks. It is important to try calming techniques as the increased adrenaline will set off your tachycardia and ectopics. The heat can cause Oedema in the ankles and shins, build up of fluids. This ‘may’ be heat related. Some medication can exacerbate this. Bisoprolol can cause wheezing.

It is very important to keep hydrated, most of us never drink enough water.

I have some rehydration drinks called ‘ Gatorade’ quite pleasant. I suffered severe dehydration when I went to the Blue Lagoon in Iceland, before my A Fib diagnosis, they gave me Gatorade and I felt instantly better.

But, you must try calming techniques, breathing, meditation it Thai chi, what ever works for you 💗

[Bigmark61]

I definitely think when you don’t get a proper/decent sleep it makes things worse. I have also suffered from anxiety over the years and attended A&E and sent home after feeling palpitations getting worse but it was down to the anxiety. The swelling can be a sign of fluid build up but Agatha anxiety can make everything feel worse. Try to relax listen to music, you need to find your own way of coping, spend time searching for answers but please chill a little I find listening to some classical music with headphones in the dark gets me over try a blindfold if it’s not dark enough. Good luck friend

[Hypat1a]

Thank you so much for the replies. Your comments and empathy have really helped. My ectopics have reduced a bit but I have had very upset stomache. I have noticed when I am fighting off an infection or virus they get worse, along with my anxiety, also before a bowel movement! Is this true for others? Been reading about the vagus nerve which is making a lot of sense.

I also was interested by the comment about Bisoprolol and breathing difficulties. However I have been on it for a while. Is it possible to develop side effects after long term use?