Ectopic beats and EF of 48%

[SHERIFF1]

Hi, I am a 40 year old regular runner and gym go-er and exercise everyday. I've been suffering from very frequent ectopic beats (7% burden) and have just had a heart scan and 24hr ecg. Results show my EF is 48% and I have a slightly enlarged left atrium and slight hypokinesia. Does anyone know if excessive exercise can actually cause damage to the heart? And if it can cause damage, is it reversible if I stop training?

[Hidden]

The advice I received from a cardiologist about running was that 5k-10k distances was a good thing, over that probably not. I think there is clear research that too much exercise may cause heart damage.

But my situation is different so really you need to ask a cardiologist about your particular situation and what s/he considers excessive for you. Unfortunately with the NHS it is difficult to get to see one to ask a question about staying healthy. I paid for a private consultation and was money well spent for re-assurance.

[SHERIFF1 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for this Chalamet, much appreciated. I think I will look into private consultation. I'm praying it is a transient thing....

[richard_jw]

48% EF is somewhat low, I had a heart attack a year ago, and ended up with an EF of 55% which is OK ish. Before that I was a runner, not as regular as you, but the HA came out of the blue with no prior symptoms.Apparently I have also a 6% burden.

I think you need a cardiologist to properly diagnose the problem. Private visits cost around £250 for a first consultation and less subsequently, of course there will be the cost of and diagnostics needed. (e.g. I had a cardiac MRI and it cost £850).

You may be able to mix and match, if the initial report from the cardiologist warrants it, a GP would surely refer you. Trouble is that NHS cardiology is not a quick process.

[Dkhanka]

Sheriff, your EF can go up and down. Post surgery my EF was 50% now 58%. But mid year it was 53%. But you will need to speak to a cardiologist. However something which needs more attention is LA enlargement will . One more echo or CT scan will be better . To further investigate

[IrisCarter]

My understanding is that depending on the condition, exercise is good for your heart. It is unlikely that it is the reason that your EF is below the normal range of 55 -70%. There must be a cause for your lowered EF and it is unlikely to be exercise.

Before my diagnosis of severe mitral valve regurgitation I was in the gym six days a week. Then I had to have open heart surgery and a mitral valve replacement and was diagnosed with heart failure which severely restricts my capacity to exercise. My EF was down to 32% because of the mitral valve problem but has improved to 50% following cardiac rehab where the emphasis is on getting moving again.

Without the HF I would definitely be back in the gym as often as possible. Mind you I broke my ankle last week so now I can’t even go for my walks. 😖

[SHERIFF1 in reply to IrisCarter]

Thanks Iris, I hope your ankle gets better quickly and thay you're back walking asap.

[firstlight40]

So in the heart rehab classes I am in at the moment (I know I am lucky to have face to face group rehab)they really stress the importance of gradually warming up for 15 minutes and cooling down for 10 to avoid shocking the heart. If you aren't doing that then maybe it's worth a try. They also ask people to keep exercise to no more than level 13 on the borg scale (I'd look it up) for the duration of the exercise.

[SHERIFF1]

Thanks all, much appreciated, sounds like I need further investigation. I'm currently a week into taking verapamil (40mg) and the ectopics do seem slightly better. Does anyone know how long they take to take full effect? And does anyone know if ectopics can reduce your EF? Thanks 😊