Ectopics and Fast Heart rate.

[omits]

Is a fast heart rate a type of ectopic? I have ectopics about 1000 a day. They have settled recently and there but hardly noticeable. Now I seem to get short fast heart rate, guessing twice as fast. Is that a problem?

[Hidden]

With the caveat that I’m not medically qualified. Ectopic beats (or premature contractions) are not the same as tachycardia, which is a fast heart rate, but tachycardia can be caused by ectopics. Either because we notice the ectopic and our heart rate speeds up as a result of the adrenaline rush that can be caused by noticing it, or in some cases because you happen to have an underlying arrhythmia that is triggered by ectopics such as supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), which is the one I have, or atrial flutter or atrial fibrillation. All of these conditions lead to fast heart rate, but often very fast in the case of SVT, with rates in excess of 180 beats per minute not uncommon. In SVT, the rhythm is regular, just stuck going fast. In AF and flutter, my understanding is that the rate is faster than usual, but also irregular. Episodes of all of these conditions can be self-limiting, meaning they start spontaneously and stop without intervention, but can require treatment if they go on for longer periods, and should also be managed with medication day to day. I would advise you either make an appointment to speak to your GP, or contact cardiology if you’re still under them, so that they can establish whether it’s benign tachycardia you’re experiencing, or whether you’ve developed an arrhythmia.

[omits in reply to Hidden]

So far with all the tests I've had no Arrhythmia has been noted. Good point though. Thanks.

[Hidden in reply to omits]

Unless the episodes of tachycardia have happened whilst having an ecg or wearing a holter monitor for a period of time, you most likely wouldn’t know. Arrhythmias are primarily only diagnosable when they’re happening and caught on a trace. If the episodes are also a recent development, it may be you’ve only just developed an arrhythmia.

[meadfoot in reply to Hidden]

Good explanation Charlie.

[BlueSkyGrey]

I was diagnosed with extra ectopic beats last year after 24h ECG. So maybe ask your GP for a referral unless you've already had one.

[omits]

Good points. Thanks all. I have a finger monitor which caught my ectopics last year which lead to a 24hr monitor. Hosp said I have 650 per 24hrs. It varies but considered a low count. The finger monitor does look for Arrhythmias so I should dig it out again but being lucky with the Tachy's is a long shot as not feeling many of those. There are BP machines now which look for Arrhythmias. Anyone used one?

[Contra21]

How long dod you have them for and how did you get them to stop, im struggling 6 years and they are back Forceful I'm scared

[omits in reply to Contra21]

Since taking Vit D and B12 supps (because Blood Test showed them to be low) they have receded somewhat. I am going to introduce a low Magnesium supp now to see if that helps. Have you had a monitor fitted to check them out?

[Contra21 in reply to omits]

Many times