ectopic beats

[Scottscale]

heart attack in October last year due to 2 very blocked arteries, double bypass in June last year. 8 months on suffering from loads of ectopics in runs at certain times 5% burden on last 48 hour Holter test,I know the anxiety I suffer at the time fuels them but find it very hard to distract my attention. My ef was measured on an ultra sound at 36 to 42 but on recent stress and mri scan when my heart was under stress no ectopics and an ef of 52. My main symptoms now are constant lightheadedness, I feel my heart beating in my upper abdomen area for much of the day and have done so since day one after the operation so basically feel every ectopic beat like a deep drop in that area and headaches for much of the day. These are debilitating symptoms which I experience for many hours each day stopping me in my tracks and ruining my life. Has any one else suffered in a similar way, I am waiting to see a cardiologist who specialises in the electrical system of my heart.

[devonian186]

Did the cardiologist put you on bisoprolol or anything else to counter the ectopics?

[Scottscale in reply to devonian186]

thanks for the reply, when I first left hospital after the diagnosis but before the op I was put 2.5 beta blocker, had a 3 day Holter test which showed an average bpm of 45 with a low at night of 41, I have always had a low heart resting rate due to my high exercise regime around about 50, as I was getting very light headed then they stopped the BB, I have since been put on 1.25 and I do think they make a difference, if I took a higher dose I’m sure that would really help but then the BPM would be dangerously low, they are talking pacemakers as a very last resort to allow aggressive use of BB but have said ef needs to be nearer 30 and BPM lower to really consider it and my age of 57 goes against it.

[Scottscale]

thanks for the reply and kind words, from some one that regularly ran marathons I am finding it very difficult to adjust to my new normal

[devonian186]

1.25 is quite low. sometimes 2.50 is prescribed taken at opposite ends of the day if one dose is likely to be problematic.

However that may well impact on your BPM so this something you need to discuss with your GP or cardiologist as clearly the ectopics concern you. The medical profession in general do not seem to take ectopics as seriously as they should.

My ectopics were concerning me much more than my angina prior to my quad bypass last May. I assume I have better blood flow now and this combined with 2.5 of bisoprolol daily seemed to have mostly cured them.

[Scottscale in reply to devonian186]

that’s a very interesting comment, I take by bb a night before I go to bed, my problems seem to start around lunch time onwards so taking 1.25 twice a day may give me better protection , I will definitely discuss that with my cardiologist thanks

[devonian186 in reply to Scottscale]

Do let us all know how you get on because if these things work it is always useful to be able to pass on the information to others.

[Scottscale in reply to devonian186]

I certainly will, thanks for your input