ectopic heart beats

[1Ros2ie3]

I am 3 years post op of a replacement aortic arch and mechanical heart valve. Since Sunday I have been experiencing continuous ectopic heart beats. I have been to A and E and they reviewed my recent CT scan and did an ECG they picked up one ectopic beat (ECG is 10 seconds) I was told it was fine and because I am on warfarin and beta blocker that I was ok. I really don’t feel ok, I’ve struggled with the continuous thumping in my chest from the valve and now it’s all over the place. I’m barely sleeping and at my wits end. I have been waiting for an echocardiogram for 6 weeks and I am now trying to organise getting it done privately. I wondered if anyone else has had a similar problem and how they got it resolved.

Thank you

[Cliff_G]

Exactly similar problem here.

Are you on any meds which deplete potassium? (e.g. Furosemide, Omeprazole). Potassium is a critical nutrient for heart rhythm.

I have had years and years of ectopics, often stopping me sleep. I have found supplementing magnesium and more recently potassium useful. Needs to be done in conjunction with your GP as you should be monitored as very high potassium is also dangerous. But there is definite work in the past to show the benefit in reducing the very intrusive ectopics (see pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/247... ), and a new trial where they are looking into adding Spironolactone or Epleronone to raise potassium and reduce ectopics, also diet and awareness of high-potassium foods. The aim is to get you into a "high normal" range, 4.5 to 5.3. The full normal range is 3.5 to 5.3 and if you're, say, 3.8, doctors will say that's ok and disregard potassium from the equation.

An adult needs about 4 to 5 g/day, which is quite a lot.

Also avoid large meals in the evening, chew well, don't eat late. Reduces the vagal effect which creates wind and ectopics

[1Ros2ie3 in reply to Cliff_G]

Thank you for your reply, it’s very interesting and hadn’t really thought about anything else causing it. I’m in the process of getting an echo sorted but will definitely look into your suggestions.

[1Ros2ie3 in reply to Cliff_G]

sorry forgot to say, I’m on 2.5 bisoprolol, 4mg candesartan and warfarin.

[devonian186]

Have you ever in your past had irritable bowel syndrome, persistent acid reflux or other stomach related disorders as ectopics are closely related to vagus nerve disorders which is often diet related.

Are you otherwise fit and the correct weight and waist size as they appear to be contributory factors?

[1Ros2ie3 in reply to devonian186]

Thank you for your reply, no I haven't had or don’t have IBS, although I do get a lot of bloating and recently been experiencing indigestion. Unfortunately I have put on weight since my operation and struggling to lose it although I am just in range, this is a new problem for me as previously I have always been able to keep a healthy weight.I will definitely look into your suggestion.

[HenningLob]

Hi

My husband has a mechanical valve and three and a half years on is till troubled by thumping sensations. He says is really rarely not aware of his heart and describes it not as ticking but as thumping. He has over the years been a few times to doctor to see if anything can be done and had himself checked out and each time they tell him that all is well and he has to try and get used to it and see it as a positive sign that all is well and working. He struggles with this still but I feel that things have improved as now he does not get as worried but still is aware of intense thudding and thumping. He has treid Bisoprolol but found this made now difference so stopped this. He is now going to try it again with a higher dose to see if this might help. If it does I will let you know! He is on warfarin and this is usually in range though every now and then it goes out of range and then takes many weeks to get back in range. I hope over time things will improve for you.