Sudden Onset Ectopic beats: On the 4th... - British Heart Fou...

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Sudden Onset Ectopic beats

Amb615 profile image
42 Replies

On the 4th May I woke up experiencing palpitations and missed beats. This increased over the day and Hasn’t stopped since then. I had 2 trips to A&E to be told it’s probably just anxiety, which I don’t believe I have. I then had a 24hr tape which after 4 weeks came back explaining that I have ectopic beats while in a normal sinus rhythm. At first I was started on propranolol 30mg but after the tape results I’ve just started on bisoprolol 2x 1.25 daily. The propranolol had improved the ectopic beats to maybe only 10 a day, but the bisoprolol doesn’t seem to be helping. I feel I am having more now than when it first happened.

I’ve been told they don’t know why I have them and I have to try this medication for 6 weeks before any other investigations can be asked for. I can’t sleep, I’ve become a recluse who feels that if I go out by myself something will happen. I have 2 children and my husband works nights so I’m scared of sleeping in case I don’t wake up. It really is ruining my life. I wish they could find out why it’s happening as I feel without knowing anything could happen.

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Amb615
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42 Replies
lettingoffsteam profile image
lettingoffsteam

I've had palpitations for many years and,whilst they're a nuisance, my heart goes on beating.After my diagnosis with high bp I started getting regular palpitations.I had a 24 hour tape and later on a 5 day tape which showed ectopics plus some atrial arrhythmia.I'm on 20mg propranolol which I find useful but I still get them.Anxiety definitely makes them worse so try to relax.Everybody gets some ectopics and you are taking a very common drug to help.You might find the arrhythmia alliance page useful.Since I now have the atrial problem I also belong to the afib association group.Both pages are full of people like us living life as best as they can.You can live with this I promise just believe you can.🙂

Amb615 profile image
Amb615 in reply to lettingoffsteam

That’s good to hear. I am just annoyed that it’s happened for what I can see no reason. I don’t have any medical problems I’m only in my 30’s but this really has hit me hard. I hate not knowing why something has happened and why it can’t be fixed .

lettingoffsteam profile image
lettingoffsteam in reply to Amb615

I get that...I was probably the same age as you when it started.Certain things will trigger it off for you.I avoid caffeine and too much sugar.I don't drink but some say alcohol sets them off.Perhaps keep a diary of what you eat and drink and your symptoms to see if you can find a link.You'll find some threads on this on the afib page.

Amb615 profile image
Amb615 in reply to lettingoffsteam

I don’t drink alcohol, tea, coffee never smoked. I’ll try the diary thing as at the moment there isn’t much time I’m not feeling them. I’ll check out the AFib page too.

lettingoffsteam profile image
lettingoffsteam in reply to Amb615

Sounds like you are doing all the right things.See you over with the afibbers.🙂

in reply to Amb615

I do not drink alcohol, smoke,very little meat,3 cups of very weak tea a day and have never been overweight. I have had ectopics from age 28, I,m now 73, it does not seem fair that we get this problem yet people who do everything don,t get them.

Clurmac profile image
Clurmac in reply to

Hi I have had them in varying degrees since I was pregnant at 29 and had a lot of years without any. I have been having short runs for about 4 years but last night it went in for over an hour! Probably 5 /6 normal beats and then a miss. I am 57 now. Have you had runs of them or isolated ones x

Roselily74 profile image
Roselily74 in reply to lettingoffsteam

HI lettingoffsteam I have the same problem. Im really distressed and anxious and cannot sleep. The doctor has prescribed Propranolol but Im reluctant to try it.

lettingoffsteam profile image
lettingoffsteam in reply to Roselily74

I take that....10mg twice a day...works a treat for me except I get cold hands and feet.🥶

IDPJ profile image
IDPJ

I also had these for a number of weeks. They lowered and tweaked my medication.

Its not life threatening and will stop when your new medication takes effect. I found doing some light regular exercise actually helped.

Smileyian profile image
Smileyian

Hi Amb615. The others suggested following the Arrhythmia Alliance as well as here which will show you how common the various Sinus, Atrial and ectopic events are. I suffered for nearly 40 years with all the above. At one time I was getting up to 2,000 ectopic beats per 24 hours but strangely enough much less during exercise. Sinus Tach and PACs / Ectopic Beats very much concern the patient but in general terms they are not hugely significant and usually benign. I expect you know this already know this from your cardiologist. If you eventually go into paroxismal AF then your doctor or cardiologist will advise you on medication. Please do not be unduly worried as for certain, anxiety will lead to more symptoms. You will be fine.

HANDY1 profile image
HANDY1 in reply to Smileyian

Hello SmileyianDo you take any special type of medication for your ectopic beats?

Smileyian profile image
Smileyian in reply to HANDY1

No not specifically for ectopics which you obviously know are generally benign although annoying and frustrating. I have experienced since my 20's and now 77. I had other arrhythmia including a very long time with perm AFIB. (Had 2 ablations). I still take Amiodarone which I have been on for decades which also suppresses ectopics although still have some every day. There was a time as a young man where every 8th beat was an ectopic ! Went on for a very long time. I am more concerned about my CAS now as I am so used to ectopics. Sometimes they can diminish over the years and indeed often stop spontaneously. I sincerely wish you well. Tks

Carolx profile image
Carolx

Good morning

Read my post about my experience with Bisoprolol.

Eve11 profile image
Eve11 in reply to Carolx

Hi,

How do I find your post? (Just joined the site.) Taking bisoprolol and due for a review with the cardiologist.

Thank you in advance.

Carolx profile image
Carolx in reply to Eve11

Hi Eve

I’ll copy n paste it here

Eve11 profile image
Eve11 in reply to Carolx

Thank you. Interesting it made the tachycardia worse. I've noticed more episodes, but they feel as if they are more subdued. Strengthened my resolve to resist increasing the dose.

Carolx profile image
Carolx in reply to Eve11

I have been put on Bisoprolol for SVT. Started it 12 days ago at 2.5mg a day, then cardiologist increased it to 5mg a day 4 days ago.

I have never felt so ill in 52 years of having the SVT.

I have had 10 episodes of tachycardia since taking the Bisoprolol.

I cannot sleep, as it is so uncomfortable, like my heart is being squashed and it becomes very erratic.

I have had 2 hours broken sleep for the last 3 nights and I’m exhausted.

I emailed my cardiologist at St Thomas’ hospital a couple of days ago reporting the increase in palpitations and his reply was stick with it and if we need to increase to 7.5mg then 10mg we will do.

It’s making me feel worse.

I feel so anxious and really fed up.

Anyone else had the same experience?

Carol

Sally90 profile image
Sally90 in reply to Carolx

metoprolol, bisoprolol etc are as good as a chocolate teapot.

Bettyboo25 profile image
Bettyboo25

I have experienced ectopic heartbeats for 20 years and undergone numerous tests throughout . I take 5 mg of Bisoprolol daily alongside blood pressure medication .

I have these ectopic beats every 3 or 4 beats on many days and I can feel them all.

It’s not just immediate anxiety that can cause them . It can be a dream you’ve had that has caused your heart to be stimulated or excitement about something you are really looking forward too . Sadness food drinks laughter sitting down All make them noticeable but strangely enough not when walking ! For me .

It is the most unpleasant experience and frustrating because identifying one particular food or event has proved elusive for me . I don’t even worry about them now but still they arrive . The plus side is that I’m still alive after all this time but I do wish I hadn’t spent so much time in the past thinking about dying because of them .

Since your tests say you are healthy then You have to learn to say hello to them like old friends . It does take time to master it . Good luck .

Clurmac profile image
Clurmac in reply to Bettyboo25

However do you cope with this I’m struggling to as have runs where I get normal beats then a miss. This went on for over an hour last night and was very frightening. Today I have woken up and just waiting for it to start again I’m just so anxious about it! X

Sally90 profile image
Sally90 in reply to Clurmac

i hear you... I wouldn't wish these demonic life crippling things on anyone... never mind they may be harmless- so are spiders but people still petrified them! How can we live when this is happening?! im so done with them.. done. So i get it x

Some great replies on here from your fellow sufferers, can I ask do you do any regular exercise?

Amb615 profile image
Amb615 in reply to

Yes I do. I also work on my feet all day. But since May when I exercise they get a lot worse.

in reply to Amb615

Ah that must make things even worse. It might be worth questioning why they have put you on the beta Blocker, if they are not making things better they might be having a negative effect on you especially if you are active in the day like you say. They seem to have a very bad effect on some people, they certainly did for me I felt lousy when I was on them, but unfortunately they seem to get handed out like smarties.

Amb615 profile image
Amb615 in reply to

The 30mg of propranolol was working fine but the consultant wanted to change it after the 24 hr tape monitoring. I rather not be on any medication, but I’m no cardiac specialist.

in reply to Amb615

No none of us are but you have to go with how you feel, and unfortunately you do have to keep badgering them, particularly at the moment. If I were you I would also try and take on board some of the very helpful comments that others have made on here, it might be anxiety even if you don't think it is? Although your condition is obviously disturbing you, maybe it is not as life threatening as it might appear, most of us on here will always have a bit of a "sword over our head" feeling once we are diagnosed with any heart issues, but at least we are being monitored. I think they do use propranolol a lot for anxiety, so if it was working?

in reply to Amb615

Also just read CarolX post regarding Bisoprolol. All I can say is that I would have to be nearly dead before taking this drug ever again.

MrsK82 profile image
MrsK82

Hey, I am a fellow sufferer too (along with anxiety). I am also taking 2.5mg bisoprolol, I did try a higher dose but it didn’t make me feel great. I totally agree they make you panic and can happen at any time which is really frustrating especially if you think you are relaxed and not experiencing stress. My triggers are indigestion, alcohol (haven’t drunk in three years), pregnancy. But I get about 10-15 per day too.

I think as long as you have had the tests and are now trying the medication see how this goes for a while. You can always try a different one in a couple of months after talking to your GP.

I sympathise totally with you as they can be really horrible to experience x

IrisCarter profile image
IrisCarter

Hi,

Ectopics are horrible and anxiety provoking. No wonder you feel as you do .

Until my medication was sorted out I used to have more than 7000 ectopic beats a day. I felt lousy, but they were not dangerous.

Theyare uncomfortable and can make you anxious, but mine were harmless other than making me tired.

I hope that you get sorted out soon.

Mgs333 profile image
Mgs333

I can relate to your problem. I have had ectopic beats and night time for over 4 yrs now and have had every test you can think off and am still no better off. I have spoken to 3 different consultants and they are have a different opinion !.....so whats that all about ? I was taking propanalol 20mg, but recently switched to bisoprolol but havn't noticed any difference. Apparently bisoprolol is more heart specific so should work better. I also get scared at night but have been assured by the medics that although the ectopics are notoriously difficult to treat any very disruptive, they are harmless and don't damage your heart.....good luck for the future.

Amb615 profile image
Amb615 in reply to Mgs333

Good luck to you too.

GeoCB profile image
GeoCB

I have similar problems and posted my concerns on this forum. Lots of people responded and one in particular suggested that I contact the British Heart Foundation helpline. I did using the chat option and spoke to a cardiologist nurse who was extremely helpful and understand and gave me excellent advice.

Here is the link bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...

If you want to use their chat line, the icon is at the bottom right hand corner of the screen. However, there is a considerable waiting time but I was happy to hang on until I got through. Give it a try and see how you get on.

Chicken26 profile image
Chicken26

have they done bloodwork?...i never had them til my thyroid stopped working...i have them every day now....

Amb615 profile image
Amb615 in reply to Chicken26

Not since my first A&E trip. I have asked for them but they said not yet.

Britishgas profile image
Britishgas

Hi I’m so sorry you are getting these horrible ectopic beats. Mine started in January and were manageable but have increased, they seem to be worse at night going on for hours. I’m unable to sleep , so feel lousy next day. Saw cardiologist in Feb when they weren’t so bad and he said to run up and downstairs- not very helpful. It was suggested that I take 1.25 mg Bisoprolol even though my pulse is in the low 40s. Took first one Saturday & Sun night & I was ok. Took one Monday & had the worst night ever, ectopics going on for hrs , feeling light headed & difficulty breathing. Doctor said to stop taking them. I have booked to see another cardiologist privately next week so will see what he can suggest. I have tried the breathing excercise of breathing in for 3 hold breath for 4 & breathe out for 5 . Maybe try that. I will let you know what if anything he will suggest. Have you been on Dr Sanjay Gupta on Youtube, he talks all about ectopics & is very knowledgeable on the subject. He also talks about taking magnesium which I have started taking. Good luck to you and any fellow sufferers

Dicky-ticker profile image
Dicky-ticker

I too suffer from missed beats and double beats. Diagnosed with supra ventricular ectopics. Had them for 15 months, started out 5-6 per minute, but has gone up to 13 per minute. Taking 2.5mg Bisoprolol, not made a scrap of difference to the faulty electrics. Due to have a implantable loop recorder fitted any time soon, so they can monitor me remotely for the next 3 years.

They are crazy little blighters, you feel everyone of them, but I'm still here, I did initially feel beyond anxious, but I've got used to them in a way.

GreenTre profile image
GreenTre

Hi there

How are you getting on. I am similar age and feel exactly like you some days it’s are to live normally but I have noticed being bloated starts them off. Some last for minutes at a time it’s so hard not to freak out but fed up with hearing anxiety causes it...feeling like you’re going to die starts my anxiety!!!

The nurses at BHF helpline were brilliant to offer reassurance and tips. Hope you find your way to live with them

yoga16 profile image
yoga16 in reply to GreenTre

Hi, hope your feeling well? I have been diagnosed with Atrial Tachycardia, Ectopy, Sinus Tachycardia. The Cardiac rhythm management nurse consultant tel me and said it's nothing serious but to try Bisoprolol 1.25mg once daily if I the beats are concerning me...I to seem to get extra beats/palpitations whilst feeling bloated. Went to see gp earlier in the week they sort of examined my stomach said all feels normal but have agreed to do an ultrasound on stomach. I asked about a heart scan said not up to them to contact heart people...miserable and afraid.

lettingoffsteam profile image
lettingoffsteam

Really, can you tell us more about that?

Sally90 profile image
Sally90

i dont think all the replies making it seem like some glorified club like the afibbers etc are right. This should not have just happened. I think you need checking by a cardiologist again because people think by going on a group will make it ok but they are not doctors. I live a life of fear, misery and terror of these things - im finally getting ablation as its an electronic fault in my heart. Like you said they just started from nowhere which rings alarm bells. Im not saying you are in danger but just to be safe, get a thorough re check. Cardiologists have to be pushed!! Ive never seen the point going on some forum and chatting about something you have no control over. You'll still get them! Get a proper and full assessment. I have no QOL now thanks to believing i was ok by all these forums etc ; im glad i pushed for an ablation and changed my cardiologist. xx oh and im getting 40,000 a day. Beat thing I ever bought was a Kardia. It picked up possible afib during the ectopics and the cardiologists actually "like" the Kardia as its very precise and things can be caught while you are having them as 99% of the time , by the time you get to the hospital and on an ecg machine theyve stopped! Im so done with my life as it is.. im bedridden with fear and constantly have my phone in my hand ready to call an ambulance as im miles from any hospital.. its one rotten, miserable condition. Theses medics have no idea of the mental side if this. Metoprolol is useless too! Take care x

Green1964 profile image
Green1964

hi Amb I was also getting the ectopic beats and it was worse at night i was not sleeping to well either but I stumbled across once I eat chocolate the ectopic for far worse I stopped eating chocolate and started to sleep better I now have no ectopic beats so my anxiety as dropped and I feel great sometimes it’s caused by something we eat I’ve knocked the caffeine on the head also so most times the ectopics are benign we just have to adjust your life style and what we eat as I was amazed that chocolate was the main culprit hope you get sorted

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