Ectopics driving me mad

[ClaraPP]

Hi I have been suffering with ectopics for last year which have increased in last 2 months. I’ve had an echo and ECG all normal and 24 hour tape showed 107 SVE and 3 VE although I’m getting more than that now. I have no other symptoms. I find I get them also an hour after I’ve been for a run. Everyone tells me to ignore them and that it’s due to stress, lack of sleep and anxiety problem is they make me feel more stressed and anxious. Could this really be the cause? Also I don’t sleep well 2 small children help with that 🙈. Thanks in advance

[alseja]

Hi Clara

I have been suffering last 6 years and I am 58. Sometimes I have 6-12 ect. in one minute.

They are harmless but the feeling is like I am having a heart attack.

I have to say that Magnesium really helps me. I take cca 300mg every day.

Try!

[ClaraPP in reply to alseja]

Thanks I have tried magnesium but I found they made them worse

[alseja in reply to ClaraPP]

Sorry to hear that Clara.

How long did you take it? You must insist at least 3 weeks.

Mg did not make them worse.

Beside that I take also beta bloc. Nebilet ( nebivolol )

[ClaraPP in reply to alseja]

Thanks I probably didn’t give it long enough think I only took for 2 weeks. Perhaps I will give it another go

[pnokio]

Hello Clara,

I have earlier sent info about myself concerning ectopics to HealthUnlocked. It's quite an extensive reply to someone, and you should be able to find it - try that, because it will reassure you - but basically, what's said there is that I've had ectopics since I was in my early thirties - I'm now 77 (OMG!) - and have had all the usual investigations - I have periods where they go on-and-on and are very much there day and night - other periods where they just don't happen. My diagnosis is trifasicular block, to which I'm asymptomatic. Basically, what your doctors have said is of course right, they are harmless, and very common. Try to accept the situation. You've had the tests and are all clear - they are just not worth worrying yourself about. Believe me.

Patrick (pnokio)

[ClaraPP in reply to pnokio]

Thank you I appreciate you answering me. I know I really need to stop worrying as I know I make them worse. I’m working on it 🙂

[heart22]

Hello Clara,

I completely understand what you are going through. I started getting mine when I was 18 years old, I am now 48. Like you I have had many investigations over the years. I was also recently told of SVT's happening during the night which I was not aware of. Sadly due to worrying about it all these years, going through periods when it was much worse then got better, I can honestly say that the anxiety it has caused me has definitely made it worse. It can be a massive help if you can learn to accept them, but I would always say that if you feel something has changed or your sensations become different to always get checked out again even if you feel you are being a nuisance. Many times I have been made to feel like I am wasting Doctor's time, but if it's distressing you then it is important to get reassurance.

I find infections/periods/anxiety/stress/tiredness can all bring them on more, or even carrying something heavy. Indigestion can also bring it on in some people.

If you can try and take your focus off of yourself when you get them it could help although I know it's not easy. I try and rest as much as possible or do breathing exercises when it's really bothering me. I've yet to try the magnesium. I have always been told that ectopics are more common when at rest, so this may be why it happens a while after exercise as you start to slow down. If you haven't had an exercise ECG it may be worth doing so they can see if it happens afterwards and may be able to tell you if it's normal.

Good luck!

[ClaraPP in reply to heart22]

Thank you

[mark5864]

Yea anxiety does make them worse . I was on metoprolol and why I was on that I think it made the irregular heart beats by taking that . New dr switched me to calcium channel blocker and they all went away. Beta blocker made me stressed I would get surges of adrenaline so I hated it . Panic attacks all the time

[Sha-ami]

Hi I have ectopic heartbeat about 5 months.. At 1st I was ignorant, but now really want to get them rid away from me. It somehow make me worried..

[Thompson123]

Hi Clara ,

Just wondering how you are coping with your ectopics. I have many a day every third beat at times . There completely destroying my life .