Hi Can anyone help. A year ago I was diagnosed with ectopic heartbeats which I find very upsetting with thudding in my neck & tummy. I told my GP that my tummy seems to swell then the ectopics starts, she gave me Omeprazole 20mg twice a day. Couldn’t see that they would work but started taking them, after 4 days I had no thudding ( just a few missed beats in the day ) this went on for 3 weeks & I was so happy. Another GP said to finish the course & no more would be prescribed. After 3 days of not taking them, the thudding returned, I told the GP & he gave me more. I have been taking them for more than a week & the thudding continues every day ( mainly at night) Was this just a coincidence or could the Omeprazole help my ectopics. Any help would be appreciated as I’ve had another night with very little sleep.
Ectopic heartbeats : Hi Can anyone help... - British Heart Fou...
Ectopic heartbeats
it is not a coincidence. Ectopics are caused by intestinal problems. I also suffer! You should have dinner earlier to avoid bloating and too acidic foods, to sleep on pillows above 45 degrees tilted on your back or front. That helps me..
Thanks for your reply. I eat about 5pm & go to bed about 11. I am careful what I eat . I do prop myself up with pillows but it still continues!!
You could try probiotics and a sedative, (antidepressant) before bed. Ometrazole and its family do not take for a long time as it damages the stomach acidity needed for efficient digestion..
Thank you I’ll not take it for too long
Ectopics can sometimes be linked to the vagus nerve and triggered in relation to food and digestion, and palpitations can also be indirectly caused by reflux (GERD), which is routinely managed with proton pump inhibitors such as omeprazole. However, ectopics also occur for other reasons not tied to the stomach or eating, so it’s possible that you have ectopics that aren’t just related to that, and therefore won’t find they all completely disappear with PPI use.
Thank you. It’s disappointing as I thought Omeprazole was the answer as I was free from thudding for 3 wks I’ll have to keep trying
Hi, nice to meet you. I have had ectopics and man other arrhythmia for over 50 years and I have never heard of someone being prescribed Omeprazole for ectopic beats. The only situation I could possibly think of is if you are on Amiodarone which is a heart rhythm medicine, the Omeprazole was prescribed to assist the stomach lining against this powerful drug which can cause gastric problem. Ome does not prevent ectopics. You should really see a cardiologist who is an Electrophysiologist. Tks so much and best wishes. Btw at 77 still have hundreds of ectopic beats every day.
Thank you for your reply. I am not taking any meds for my ectopics as I’ve been told by my cardiologist that my heart is fine but this is difficult to treat! My heart rate is low ( never more than 51bmp) so won’t give me beta blockers. I feel so down as the thumping in my tummy goes on all night & Im getting very little sleep. When I told cardiologist ( paid privately) he said just run up & downstairs ! I know they can’t stop the ectopics but I would like some help in managing them so at least I can get some sleep. Sorry to keep moaning but do appreciate any advise
Absolutely no problem. Even after 50 years and consulting the best cardiologists in London and Singapore where I have retired and live now. I still get hundreds every day. People believe alcohol exacerbates the problem but a glass of red wine is part of my medicine. Sadly not on prescription.
I hope one day mine will disappear but I won’t give up trying.Yes I think I might need to start drinking as my partner agrees with you and red wine
Thank you so much for educating me and I note your response. Of course I merely said I had never heard of Omeprazole as a cure for ectopics Thank you for update.
you didn't understand what it was about! omeprazole is for the stomach but the upset stomach creates a side effect ectopic. Resolving the stomach by default also solves the ectopic. Not all ectopic is due to digestive problems, only in some as is the case here!.
I think I understand exactly the posters concerns. I merely said in my 50 years with ectopics, atrial fibrillation and MVA, I had personally not heard of cardiologists prescribing Omeprazole for ectopics. I am not disputing it does not happen. God bless you.
I’m on Omeprazole but have been prescribed it because like have GERD. I get a fluttering in my stomach at times. I have just been diagnosed with ectopics so have no idea at the moment whether it is connected to it.
Hi I don’t have any stomach acid problems so don’t think it was the Omeprazole that stopped my ectopics for a few weeks. I’m staying on them for another couple of wks & if no improvement I’ll come off them. I hope you can get help with your ectopics
Thank you but how can I do that. Any suggestions will be gratefully received
Hi,
I have ectopic beats too. It could be that you are having ectopics but not feeling them all the time, then when you eat something that causes some swelling or bloating, you can feel the ectopics more because everything is getting a bit squashed together.
You could try keeping a note of what you eat and see if there is a pattern. Spicy food, large meals and sugar can make you more aware of ectopics.
I have thousands of ectopics a day and definitely don't feel all of them but I am more aware of them when lying down or if I have a big meal. Dark chocolate and lack of sleep are the two things that exacerbate mine.
I hope you find some relief!
Thanks for your reply. I have tried keeping a diary of food I’ve eaten but couldn’t find any connection. I do feel ectopics in the day but not like the thudding I get in the evenings and worse still at night. I don’t sleep well & just found out I have sleep apnea. They gave me a machine but struggling with the mask when this thudding is going one, feel I’m falling apart but appreciate your advise
Hi Thanks again. Occasionally I get constipated but not often & very occasionally diarrhoea . I normally have porridge for breakfast with almond milk. ( I’ve recently gone gluten free to see if that made any difference but it hasn’t stopped the thudding) or GF cornflakes. Lunch time maybe 2 boiled eggs or mackerel or cheese with rice cakes. Evening varies every day i.e roast chicken with veg ( little potatoes) GF gravy . Chicken with roast vegetables & baked potato. Chicken Stew. Pork chop & veg. Chicken curry & rice. I eat an orange sometimes a banana each day & have almonds & walnuts. Milk chocolate, two or three biscuits & packet crisps but not every day. I walk every day for at least an hr.
Over last 12mths I’ve been trying to eat more healthily . Thank you for taking the time to try & help me, I really do appreciate it
There is a link between stomach issues and AF. Have you seen this by Dr Sanjay Gupta? In one part it quotes a case just like yours - from a Mayo Clinic study - and towards the end there are some possible explanations as to why Omeprazole may help.
Thank you. Yes I’ve watched several of his videos and spoke to him on the phone. I was so happy when I took Omeprazole with no thudding but has come back even though I’ve been taking them again for 10 days but will say didn’t happen last night. FINGERS CROSSED
Fingers crossed! I sent this link because someone with a hiatus hernia mentioned in this talk had exactly the same experience as you. Maybe the omeprazole needs to build up in your system again.
Thank you. Yes I thought the same even though I don’t think I have acid reflux but I know my tummy swells and feels uncomfortable then ectopics start.
Hi there, here's some info. Maybe you'll find it helpful -
What causes abdominal bloating?“Abdominal bloating is a common complaint and may be due to numerous medical conditions involving both the gastrointestinal tract as well as other organs.”
When the cause of bloated stomach and other IBS symptoms is the fermentation of poorly absorbed foods in the large intestine, a diet low in highly fermentable foods has been found to help. The low FODMAP diet, developed at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia, is a diet which limits such highly fermentable carbohydrates.
FODMAPs
Fructose
Food Examples
Honey, high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), fruits such as apples, mango, pear, watermelon
Lactose
Food Examples
Dairy products such as ice cream, milk, milk powder, soft cheeses, yogurt, custard
Fructans
Food Examples
Vegetables such as artichoke, garlic, onion; grains such as barley, rye, wheat: prebiotics added into foods such as inulin, FOS (fructo-oligosaccharides)
Galatans
Food Examples
Beans, legumes, lentils, soy
Polyols
Food Examples
Sorbitol, mannitol, xylitol, maltitol (very often found in 'sugar-free', 'low-carb' and 'diet' products); and stone fruits such as avocado, apricots, cherries, nectarines, peaches, plums
“FODMAP foods are poorly absorbed in the small intestine and when they travel to the large intestine, bacteria ferments them, which may give rise to wind, bloating and cramps,”
-end-
Thanks so much. It’s a lot to take in but I’m prepared to do anything to stop this horrible feeling.
As we age, so do our intestines, which could result in new digestive issues surfacing.
I cut practically everything out of my diet last year, just to find out the offending culprits. Oil, milk, garlic, onion, fiber, spicy foods.
At one point, and for quite a lot of months, I ate mainly white rice porridge and lean chicken fillet. Horrible for general health, but over time, the white rice porridge and the porridge water, healed the intestines and they began to calm down. The thumping which had started when the intestines were inflamed, also finally subsided and eventually mostly resolved.
The cause for these symptoms differ for each of us. However, for matters involving the intestines, its an arduous process trying to fix things. Trial and error, and tremendous patience is required.
Many a time, I tried rushing ahead to test a new food or eat too much of any one food, and was set back to square one. Eat in small to medium quantities of any food, and don't rush the process. Its taken almost a year for me to get my intestines back to some semblance of normal working, and I still have to be careful as things can be easily undone and symptoms return.
Best wishes.
Thank you so much for taking the time to respond. I’m wondering if I should go to a gastroenterologist. I must admit I’ve been having more onions & garlic as I thought it would be helpful to build up my immunity so maybe first cut these out. I understand it’s difficult but desperation is making me look for a quick fix. Thanks again I will take your suggestions on board
Re gastroenterologist. What guided my decision was my suspicion about how my intestines problem started and the fact that I was able to still eat and digest food despite the pain etc.
Immunity. Increasing your protein intake would be a quicker way to build your immunity. However, if u are going to do that, and being 70, please have creatinine tested regularly to ensure your kidneys are handling the increased protein intake ok.
One last thing to share, which was learnt at the IBS forum. For some people, peppermint helps. I tried peppermint tea and it actually worked well soothing the intestines. Do not overdo it though.
All the best and hope u feel better soon.
Thank you again everything you say makes sense. Take care
I sometimes get gastritis - inflammation of the stomach lining. The swelling and discomfort are as you describe
Thanks again I’ll just keep trying
Sorry I forgot to mention that I also take Magnesium Taurate. I find it helps quite a bit. A lot of people on the AFA forum use it for heart rhythm problems. Magnesium is good for heart Arrhythmia. Another thing is that Omeprazole can in some rare cases deplete Magnesium if you read the leaflet in the tablet box.
Will stop now !
Thank you. I was taking magnesium glycinate but stopped as I thought I was taking too many different things. I will stay on Omeprazole for another couple of wks & if no improvement will stop & go back to magnesium
Yes I’ve thought about that too. Thank you
This is a message for Ling. I’m sorry but I’m unable to reply to your suggestion about different foods being a trigger. Not sure if it’s because I’ve had too many replies
I have had ectopics for over a year now and am awaiting an ablation due to the number I have every day. Nothing seems to trigger them in particular they are just there the majority of the time. I can go from having an extra beat every 4th heart beat and then the next minute having an extra beat on every beat. My heart is otherwise healthy but my EP said due to the high amount I have, if left untreated, will lead to a weak heart in the future and other more serious heart conditions so need to treat them now. I have tried beta blockers but my heart rate and blood pressure is already low so do not help. It doesn’t matter what I eat or drink, if I exercise a lot or not, they are always there. I have learnt to live with them for now but they are very worrisome.
Are you not being referred to a cardiologist/EP in order to check there isn’t something more sinister going on? Do you know how many a day on average you get?
Hi I first went to see a private cardiologist in March last yr. I had an ultra sound and 24hr holter monitor. I was told my heart was ok but I’ve got ectopic heartbeat. I was crying & told him it was thudding in my tummy & neck and I couldn’t sleep, he said it’s uncomfortable just run up & downstairs!! Since then I’ve been 3 times to A&E who just did ECG & sent me home, The last time in Sept I was kept in for 5 days & again told I’ve got a healthy heart but this is difficult to treat. I am due to speak to him on the phone 25th. It seems to be worse in the evening & I dread going to bed. I also have low pulse. Don’t know how many a day but can say on some days they can go on for hours. I don’t know what to do for the best
I am with you on this. I also dread going to bed because of the ectopics. You are not alone. I tell hubby about them and he is sympathetic but anyone who doesn't have them can't really know how horrible they are. They make me so anxious which I know doesn't help.
Hi So sorry you are suffering too. If I find any solutions I will let everyone know. Take care
Hi, I’m 37 and started noticing ectopics about 18 months ago. Back and forth to the GP and A&E... countless ECGs and a few 24 hr tapes which picked up ectopics. Had a scan of the heart which showed nothing underlying and was told my heart was healthy (although heart rate is on the high side) but nothing to do or worry about as they’re very common and usually harmless! After months they eventually seemed to go away but have recently hit back with a vengeance 😥 No idea what’s causing them - only thing I can think of is anxiety as I suffer with severe health anxiety and have done for years. The past few months has been difficult so I suspect that’s played a part but it doesn’t help know how to manage them. I feel so many more in the evenings - watching tv and going to bed. Constant thudding on that strong beat over and over - can go on for hours feeling like it’s happening every 4-5 beats. Scares the hell out of me still and I’m not convinced they’re at harmless as I keep being told but I’m really not sure what else I can do. I spoke to my GP again last week and asked to be re-referred back to a cardiologist but they said I need to try Bisoprolol first which I still haven’t done as I’m way over cautious taking meds. I feel your pain and frustration. They’re so uncomfortable (not at all painful) but incredibly unnerving. I find it very hard to be believe millions of people get them but don’t notice them! I feel every single one and each time feels like my stomach sinks and my heart is going to stop!!! Not really sure how to get rid of them...??
Has your thyroid been tested?
Hi Ling My GP reduced my thyroxine a few wks ago & Im due another blood test in a weeks time but the endocrinologist I saw said he didn’t think it was my thyroid causing my ectopics even though I’ve been overdosing on thyroxine for many years !!
Did u say before that a lower dose thyroxine helps reduce the thudding?
How do u mean by overdosing thyroxine? Does it show up in your blood test results?
Btw, did u cut down on the foods that could be disturbing the intestines and causing the thudding?
Hi My GP said way back last year that my thyroxine dosage was too high & that can cause the irregular heart rate. I did reduce them but my GP has reduced it further. When I said overdosed I meant I’ve been on a too higher dosage for many years. I’ve tried cutting out certain foods but haven’t noticed any difference
Hi thanks for your reply. I feel for you as everything you say is just the same for me. My cardiologist rang about 10 days ago saying he was putting me on a beta blocker ( didn’t say which one) & I said what about my low pulse & he said forget about numbers it’s how I feel & so long as I’m not light headed to continue. I rang my GP who hadn’t heard from him yet so I’ve not got them yet & like you feel very reluctant to take them. My GP has suggested I see a gastroenterologist as my ectopics do seem to start & continue to thud in my tummy. I have been taking esomoprozole . I also have not been able to find anything that triggers mine but like I said before they make me so low & depressed. I wish you all the best and if ever I find anything that helps me I will certainly post it to everyone
I know how you feel. When laying in bed they definitely feel worse to the point I feel I can’t breath properly sometimes. The frustration and worry was sometimes unbearable before I found out the actual treatment plan.
My EP said if the ectopics only happen 10% of the time or lower then they don’t tend to treat them as they don’t tend to cause any issues. Anymore than that it can cause more issues further down the line. Mine are 18%. I had a 24hr ecg June last year and feel they have gotten worse since then. I should have had an ablation before Christmas but due to COVID, still waiting.
My EP said due to my age and my heart being otherwise healthy there is a 90% chance the ablation will get rid of the ectopics.
There is no way I could imagine living with them indefinitely so I hope you manage to get a better answer on 25th. Good luck.
Good morning Mine are definitely getting worse and they are affecting my life & my mood. I feel I’ve just been left to deal with them on my own. The consultant I saw at the hospital wrote to my GP in Dec with lots of technical things I couldn’t understand but ended with “ we will leave treatment as it is & I will see her in clinic” I’m not having any treatment or medication. I am trying to find out if this consultant is an EP as like you I feel this is who I need to see. Thank you for your reply it’s appreciated
Hello, I have been suffering with eptopics for 29 years, had numerous tests that said heart was healthy and to try ignore them and as you all know this is almost impossible!! Mine can go away for months then come back with a vengeance, anxiety can play a part and other times I can’t find a reason. My recent bout was accompanied by acid reflux so I took gavisgon and within about 10 mins the eptopics were gone. It took a few times of needing the gavisgon to realise this wasn’t coincidence that it was helping my eptopics. It looks like an upset tummy can trigger these horrible eptopics. Its worth a try folks I don’t know if this will help long term as I’ve just discovered this in the past week but want to share it to see if it help anyone else x
Hi Thanks for your reply any advise is welcome and anything is worth a try. I am the same they can go away for couple of wks then return & can’t identify any trigger.Cardiologist rang me last wk & said I should try a beta blocker & I told him I was concerned because I have low pulse. He said forget the numbers it’s how I feel & if I’m not lightheaded stay on them!! Maybe I will try gaviscon a try, it can’t hurt. Thanks again
Hi
If this helps -
many years ago, I noted 'missed beats' which didn't feel right.
No other symptoms, like your tummy ones.
So, tried this and that supplement (not meds) and eventually found the answer - hawthorn berry from H+B
They do 2 versions - complete and extract - tried both
And was very pleased to find that the Complete version cured the missed beats.
Re your additional tummy probs - perhaps try an electric bed?
Or a much cheaper triangular sponge wedge (Amazon) that raises your upper body, so all the stomach acids stay down
All the best !
Alps
Hi Thank you for your reply. I will certainly read about hawthorn Berry as I’ve never heard of it ( & anything is worth a try ) Yes I’ve thought about an electric bed and I am propping myself up at night, not seen the wedge but will look on Amazon . Thank you again I really do appreciate it
Good luck with hawthorn berryAnd ye there's lots of foam bed wedges on Amazon
Ideally you need one which covers half the bed, so that when you sleep, the tummy contents stay down
There are smaller ones, just for reading in bed, as well
Alps
Thanks again. Yes I’ve been looking on Amazon
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