Ectopics

[Roselily74]

I have only recently been suffering the above and makes me very anxious. Im having difficulty sleeping and wondered if anyone had any suggestions as I seem to be trying everything.

[DizzyD]

Please excuse my ignorance but what is ectopics? I am asking because I have been diagnosed with AFib (made worse since I had covid a few weeks ago) with a multiple of strange symptoms and discomfort in the whole of the upper region of my body (from bottom of ribs to top of head) excluding my right arm. So many symptoms confuse me so unable to describe them hence me asking what is ectopics. Like yourself Roselily I am unable to sleep because my mind cannot detach from all the discomfort and sensations in chest area that range in intensity at any given time. Hence, the anxiety. Hence the lack of sleep. Hence the stress of it all that in turn effects the heart. It's a vicious cycle.

Have you told your GP? I haven't told my GP because I know from experience that I will get no where.

Until my recent heart flare up, which happened last night, I have been using a herb to help me sleep because I have hypothyroid and high cortisol levels at night. High cortisol stops you sleeping. High cortisol also effects the heart and contributes to stress. Sure you know all this, but telling you because the herb I take reduces the cortisol less stress all round which means better sleep. Not sure if the herb will help me tonight because I have never taken it while having heart flare up. I did try 5ml valium last night after heart flare up....it did not help at all....no sleep.

Lack of sleep is so detrimental to mind and body.

Looking forward to your feedback. I am going to take herb tonight despite having heart symptoms since last night. Will let you know how I get on. For all I know you may have tried it already

[Tessie28 in reply to DizzyD]

look at Sanjay Gupta youtube for a good explanation of ectopics.

[DizzyD in reply to Tessie28]

Thank you will do Tessie

[Roselily74 in reply to DizzyD]

Hi DizzyDThanks for your reply.

Ive had Covid too and seem to be suffering strange symptons, my heart seems to be jumping more and i have muscle pains.

The doctor has prescribed Propranolol but after reading a lot of reviews Im not sure I want to take it.

My problem is not able to sleep

[DizzyD in reply to Roselily74]

Hey Roselilly like yourself, my main problem is not being able to sleep. Ectopics aside, before you got Covid did you have any diagnosed heart problems? did you have a sleep problem before covid? I recently joined "long covid group" on facebook" and many people on there have lots of strange long term symptoms due to covid muscle pain, insomnia, etc. You will find lots out if you join that group. I suspect your symptoms are linked to long covid.

Hope this helps.

[Lauriem4]

I get them and i find sleeping on my right side i dont feel as much but could be different for you x

[Cheesekun]

Reduce carbs in the afternoon. Reduce bread intake. Have dinner before 6PM and do not eat anything afterwards until breakfast.

[Roselily74 in reply to Cheesekun]

Hi Cheesekun Thanks for your reply. I dont have a lot of carbs and do eat by 6 and then not until breakfast so really strugging.

[Edgywoman]

I have found that doing breathing exercises helps as it stops me focusing on the sensations, and has the side effect of helping me relax.

[Roselily74 in reply to Edgywoman]

Thanks Edgywoman I am trying to focus on my breathing but do not find it easy.

[FreedomOne]

I suffer from Ectopic beats and I know this is made worse if stressed and/or anxious. I have found by reducing my stress/anxiety levels by reading, daily walks, listening to music and watching the news less often the number of Ectopic beats is a lot less and the frequency too. I hope you can find things that can help you with your anxiety and that helps with your Ectopic beats.

[Roselily74 in reply to FreedomOne]

Thank you FreedomOne. The anxiety I have is horrendous and thus I cannot sleep. I been taking walks but havent been reading. The doctor has prescribed Propranolol but I dont want to take it as Ive seen a lot of bad reviews on here.

[Tessie28]

Anxiety makes them worse. Try have a look at Sanjay Gupta you tube on the subject. I am post AVR and having them but might have had them before I just know they are there now. I did a 7 day holter monitor with Sanjay and get my results today. Worth every penny to reassure me before my yearly checks.

[Roselily74 in reply to Tessie28]

Hi Tessie Thank you. Yes I've consulted with Dr Gupta and he suggested upping magnesium and a last resort beta blocker. The doctor has prescribed Propranolol but Im reluctant to take it.

[Tessie28 in reply to Roselily74]

Do take it Roselily. Yes I take magnesium.

[OAPjust]

You have my sympathies Roselily74, a few months ago, I too had dreadful Ectopics, PVC's. All the things mentioned here helped me and eventually, they just reduced and reduced and have now gone. Yes, lying on right side helped, relaxation exercises before bed, no screens for at least an hour before bed, relaxation breathing, warm bath and yes, also Sanjay Gupta. I also paid to see (just once) a private Cardiologist for his advice & views, that night the Ectopics starting to diminish, so yes, it was anxiety related. Good luck, they will go if you can try to relax more.

[Roselily74 in reply to OAPjust]

Thank you OAPjust. I too have consulted with Dr Gupta but my palpitations seems worse since I contracted Covid and the fear and anxiety is causing me such distress. The doctor has recommended propranolol but im reluctant to take it as I've read it can make it worse

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

A friend's ectopics are nearly zero after excluding caffeine, alcohol, chocolate and spicy foods from his diet. May be worth a try.

[Roselily74 in reply to MichaelJH]

Hi Michael Thank you. Ive excluded all those as well so dont know what to do next. I know Im suffering such anxiety and distress its making me ill.

[Alessa_ in reply to Roselily74]

Your GP has prescribed propranolol for this very reason, it seems you've exhausted all other methods. I take bisoprolol on bad days and not when it's under controlPerhaps get yourself some psychological support through a local wellbeing service for the anxiety too.

[Roselily74 in reply to Alessa_]

Thank you Alessa. I have to say the anxiety is horrendous.

[Alessa_]

Absolutely, it can be incredibly debilitating but it is something that can improve, please don't suffer in silence