Terrified after a weird episode earlier

[Sept1273]

I have ectopic beats normally . Have had dozens of ECGs, an echo, stress test, 72 hour monitor and 24 hr monitor . I have one relative (my mums sibling) who has an ICD due to suspected ARVC but no other problems in family .

Earlier had a horrible episode when sitting on sofa totally at rest (drinking coke) where I felt suddenly what I’d normally associate with a skipped beat but it felt like my heart completely stopped , for a few seconds , or was just fluttering - probably about 10-15 seconds in total . I panicked , felt like I was either dying or going to pass out . Then did a huge burp and it was like something reset and back to normal . Managed to ring 999 on GP surgery’s advice and they sent an ambulance - they said it was just probably a panic attack or a reaction to meds making me feel a bit weird and not to worry too much , no loss of consciousness or anything . Did a 12 lead ECG which they said was totally normal and checked BP, pulse etc .

I’ve been left with the ECG here - added photo - - it’s all wiggly lines but I think that’s movement , and I don’t trust it at all , I’m terrified it’s going to happen again .

[jeanjeannie50]

The words that stood out for me in your post was that you were 'drinking coke'. Now that has such nasty additives and if it contained artificial sweeteners it would have set my heart off misbehaving too. Please avoid anything with artificial additives, especially sweeteners, they are a known trigger for AF.

Jean

[meadfoot]

I have the awful pauses and ectopic jolts too, they are terrifying. I am about to start on a series of further tests particularly for the pauses. I wouldn't let medics put it under the panic attack banner personally. It's an easy cop out.

The drinking coke issue, now that may well have brought on that particular episode. Interesting that burping helps reset it, that does it for me everytime. So there is clearly a stomach, vagal nerve, heart connection which is quite well accepted by medics. So number one suggestion would be to definitely lay off the coke or any other fizzy drink given you have an ongoing ectopic and pause issue. I couldn't touch the stuff or anything fizzy or off my heart goes.

I get your concerns these pauses and jolts are extremely scary. Off to have mine assessed on Tuesday by my EP.

[Gavin98]

Caffeine in coke is a stimulant and can cause your heart to pump harder and faster (what you might feel as palpitations). Anything that increases your heart rate increases electrical activity in your heart which, as others have said, can increase likelihood of tachy (fast) arrhythmias (irregular rhythm beats). But as far as I'm aware, it is possible to have ectopic beats up to a certain amount that can be considered normal. It might be worth taking note if you get feelings of a 'missed beat' when you drink teas/coffees or have anything with caffeine in it, and trying alternatives like caffeine free coke/drinks.

There have been reports of 'swallowing induced atrial tachycardia', but this appears to be very uncommon (from what the paper says). Suggested that stretching of the food pipe can induce an arrhythmia and that could include gas travelling through it, belching may have relieved it due to the gas leaving your oesophagus. Interesting but the paper itself does say how extremely rare it is thought to be, so probably more of an interesting note than something to consider.

If it's worrying you, I would suggest booking a GP appointment at your practice to talk about your worries/feelings regarding it. Might also be able to explain what ECGs mean to you if you would find that helpful.

Feel free to message me if you want. I'm a medical student so don't have the experience of a GP or consultant but I can help with any simple advice you may want.

I have ARVC myself and am getting an ICD in next week.