ectopics and anxiety

[ectopics123]

Hey was wondering if anyone had experience/advice surrounding what's been going on with me.

Over the past 10 ish months I've had a range of symptoms - starting off with being able to see my heart beat fast and visibly through my clothes, in the veins on my neck etc. It then slowly progressed into some discomfort in my chest, palpitations, pains, feeling lightheaded, breathlessness - the whole works. Eventually ectopic beats started to occur as well. I went to a&e about three times, I've seen gps, and seen two private cardiologists. I had blood tests done, multiple ecgs - 24 hours, 7 days and 14 days. I've also had an echocardiogram and examinations for things like POTS.

After all this all that we have found is I have a mild inappropriate sinus tachycardia and symptomatic ventricular ectopics. My cardiologist is sweet and has been thorough but can't seem to find anything serious going on with me. I do have anxiety and I think to some extent it has played a part in some of these symptoms - possibly once I started to notice things I may have made it worse for myself...?

That being said, reducing my stress and anxiety levels only helps alleviate symptoms to a certain level - the ectopics are still present and can be incredibly difficult to deal with. Most other symptoms have settled down (or come and go) so they aren't as troubling, but the ectopics are persistent. I tried Propranolol ages ago back in April when everything first started - mainly as my gp suggested it would help with anxiety - but I wasn't sure it worked. My cardiologist more recently tried me on Ivabradine to slow my heart, which it did, however I couldn't really tell if it helped with ectopics. I'm now trying Propranolol again to see if it has a stronger effect on ectopics.

In general I'm just wondering if anyone has gone through a similar thing? I'm still at University and this whole ordeal has been so difficult on my life and mental health. I basically had to finish first year from home and I've been sort of back and forth throughout second year. My social life is pretty much non existent considering I can't drink, smoke, have caffeine or do anything really to get my heart going haha. Any excess of emotion seems to set off the ectopics too ( if I'm too scared, excited or angry), which has turned me into a zombie essentially. I've also noticed it happens when I bend down or lean over too quickly.

I used to be big on clubs and pubs but now can't even do small social interactions without my heart going crazy. Over summer I practically became agoraphobic because I was terrified to even leave my bed or do anything to get my heart going. It's been difficult on my family too because I think it's hard for them to know how to help. I've also talked to about three different therapists - none of which understood my situation and all of which tried to gaslight me into thinking I was making everything up

Anyhow, I'm wondering if anyone has experienced anything similar? Is there any other medication you would recommend? Are there any other potential triggers I should avoid? I'm still young so trying my best to remain positive - there's lots of time to try and find a helpful medication or maybe if I'm lucky I might grow out of it. Any advice would be great.

(also I am completely aware ectopics are non fatal and don't necessarily require treatment but they are so incredibly uncomfortable for me I want to treat them!)

[Captain_Birdseye]

Hiya,

Having suffered anxiety since my teens I do empathise, it's a horrible condition and the symptoms fluctuate something terrible. I've confined myself to the house with it before as well.

Everyone gets ectopics, it's just some of us get more, and some are more aware than others. It creates an anxiety feedback cycle.

Unfortunately a lot of the symptoms can mimic cardiac issues - so I'm glad you've got checked out so thoroughly, and it seems to have ruled out anything underlying?

Personally, I've found that propranolol has reduced my ectopics (not got rid of entirely) - I'm on a modified release variant. I've found meditation and breathing exercises can help, especially if having palpitations. There's plenty of guided meditation out there on Spotify, YouTube, headspace, etc. Or even a simple breathe in for a count of 4, out for 6 until the feeling passes. It's not a cure by any means, but it does help to steady the mind I've found.

Try and get outside every day, even if it's just standing at the door or taking rubbish to the bins. When you're up for it, stick on some music and go for a short walk and build up as you feel more comfortable. Being in fresh air and sunlight (even behing a cloud) honestly does wonders for us.

It's difficult going through it as a student, when you withdraw and shut yourself away from everyone else to feel safe and you feel you're missing out on life - but it is still out there, and will be there for you when you're ready to go back to it. Go easy on yourself.

[ectopics123 in reply to Captain_Birdseye]

Thanks so much Trying to go outside more definitely is on my list of things to do haha

[Klllls in reply to Captain_Birdseye]

Hi Captain_Birdseye,

Sorry to hear you have been going through this, I have very similar symptoms to yourself and have had tests and no known cause. I have had ectopics for years without any other symptoms but the last couple of months I’ve been waking with a racing heart, weakness, feeling faint to name a few. I was taking bisiporolol but it is making my blood pressure very low so I have now been put on ivabradine.