Ectopics after stent procedure

[Johnbobby]

My father had a heart attack last weekend and underwent a stent procedure. He had one “large” stent placed with the consultant saying there looked as if there was no damage to the heart. He has experienced heart palpitations, mostly a few ectopics, a few times since he has been home. Is this a normal thing to expect during the healing process? Is a little chest discomfort normal during the healing process as well?

[Kristin1812 Heart Star]

I might try and get him to call NHS 111. It could be anxiety, or the heart settling down, or new meds. It seems worth checking with professionals, as I was told there can be some slighter higher risk of further problems soon after HA or stent.

[Astronomyrules]

Hi Johnbobby, In May I had two new stents fitted, (making a total of 7), and in the days following I experienced some chest pain and what I subsequently found out to be ectopic beats at night which were quite frightening. An ecg at my doctors led to the diagnosis, although I couldn't feel them happening during the test, and I was assured they were harmless and the pain was the stent settling.The night episodes gradually settled down over 3 weeks, but I'm left with occassional ectopics when I'm stressed and tired. So probably the symptoms your father experienced are not cause for alarm, but he definitely should seek confirmation from his GP or another medical source. Hope it sorts itself out soon.

[Johnbobby in reply to Astronomyrules]

Thanks for the reply. He phoned and spoke to the consultant who wasn’t bothered by the ectopics, which thankfully have gotten less. The pain is subsiding also although it is taking him a bit of time to adjust to the beta blocker. Don’t sweat the small stuff though i suppose it could be worse!