irregular heart rhythm

[Tonyyb90]

Hello everyone my name is Tony and am new here, I was just wondering if anyone had experienced this before, I’ve been pretty ill all week with what I though was a virus, I went to the urgent care centre today as I had a lot of dizziness and slightly short of breath, I was examined my a doctor who checked my pulse and my blood pressure and said everything’s was fine, she then put me on a ecg machine and said it come back that I had an irregular heart rhythm, she said she is not concerned as everything else came back normal and it could have been cause by a virus. I have booked an appointment with my GP on Monday. Has anyone else experienced this?

[Chiphill]

Hi Tony, welcome to the group. I’ve only very recently joined too, because I also have arrhythmia. I can’t say if a virus can be the cause, but I do know mine is more frequent and noticeable if I’m ill. I’ve been told by a cardiologist that he’s not concerned about my arrhythmia, and even though they can be scary, I try to reassure myself that 2 years after they started, its generally stable unless I’m ill. Hopefully your GP will advise and reassure you on Monday. I know it’s easier said than done, but try to enjoy your weekend and keep yourself busy and distracted if you find yourself worrying about it, as anxiety can also exacerbate them.

[meadfoot]

I know this condition only too well. Had it, well diagnosed in 2009 but started with it in 2007. Lots of treatment options available. If you feel you need more information try logging on to healthunlocks atrial fibrillation forum. There are many many people on the forum with tons of experience and various and varied symptoms and different arrhythmias.

There is also leaflets on the condition which are very useful. Yes a virus can trigger an arrhythmia as can many and varied issues. See your GP for the ecg and if needed they can refer you to see a cardiologist. Ask to see a Electrophysiologist as they are the cardiologists who specialise in the electrics of the heart rather than the plumbing as it were. It is a very common condition. Best wishes you will be fine.

[T666]

hi and welcome to the club 😁 virus most certainly can cause it. A friend of mine was airlifted back from Greece turned out to be a virus attacked his heart

Key thing is. Have a follow up appointment with your GP. Get it rechecked to see if cleared or further meds needed

[FinickyPlum in reply to T666]

I've had palpitations since a child!! Decided to get it checked when I was 55 ish as they were more frequent. About a year ago they ramped up and yes, very worrying. Cardiologist has said nothing to worry about, they are ectopic heartbeats and won't damage the heart. He said I don't have AF (this was after a 5 day Holter ECG). I'm now on 5mg Bisoprolol to try and regulate them. It's helped a bit. You can't help worrying though. I'm now 71, fit and they don't stop me doing anything. I haven't heard of an electrophysiologist, I'll look into that. This site is a mine of information and support and like Tony, have only recently joined.

[RaisCrisp]

Yes, I had 3 different checks, arrhythmia on each one, and was given 2 ECGs and an Echocardiogram last year , and put on Bisoprolol as a precaution But i have never had (knowingly anyway) any major issues with arrhythmia other than tiredness and slight feeling of dizziness at times. I am STILL waiting for all results after 4 months but am assuming that there is nothing untoward . The virus sounds as if it contributed to your heart issues but I suspect it was the virus and not the heart that was at fault.But obviously get a proper medical opinion

[Anothernewbie]

Yes, an infection caused my, mainly ectopic, heart rate which unexpectedly stopped when the cause of the initial problem was sorted. I had been having bladder and bowel problems every 6 weeks for around 4 months, no antibiotic helped for more than 48 hours. Eventually a gastroscopy sample showed Helicobacter pylori. I was prescribed a specific antibiotic which killed the infection and at the same time stopped the ectopics.

Recently I had a bad cold and had a more than usual erratic heart rate. This also reverted back to "normal" when the cold went.

[Choccie55]

I have an arrhythmia called SVT which is definitely more likely to be triggered if I’m not well. Perhaps ask your GP for a 24/48 hour ECG.