Cardiac arrhythmia newly diagnosed

[Westie2012]

Hi, I'm a 46 yr old female, normally fit. I've just had results from 24hr ecg which shows pauses of 4.6 seconds and at times heart racing. It's causing me dizziness & breathlessness which is happening more often. I was meant to be seeing the cardiologist in 3 months, my appointment is booked for June. I'm not managing at work that well on bad days, I work in a busy department store so I'm on my feet all shift. Any advice on my diagnosis, if I should be concerned or if it's common and if having a cold could make my symptoms worse appreciated, thank you x

[HamishBoxer]

June is a long way off,I trust the ecg was pretty normal?Also are you in the UK?It could be anything inc harmless Ectopics.

[Westie2012 in reply to HamishBoxer]

Yes I live in the UK, 24hr ecg showed pauses of 4 seconds and sometimes heart races. I'm getting more spells of breathlessness and dizziness even just walking room to room at home, worse if I go upstairs.

[HamishBoxer in reply to Westie2012]

If you are that worried ,I would contact my local surgery or even a&e.

[Dicky-ticker]

Hiya westie2012 unfortunately in the UK you are in the system the wait is very long. I too have similar symptoms (see previous posts) I suffer from missed beats/double beats and also numerous collapsing fainting episodes. Ironically I work for the NHS so was told very quickly on my first collapse episode I could no longer work. All I can say is phone cardiologist secretary to see if appointment can be changed, speak to your GP to discuss potential referral to blackout clinic. You can contact your hospitals arythmia nurses who are beyond helpful too alleviate concerns.

Or you can contact PALS who will advocate on your behalf.

Good luck but bear in mind nobody dies from ectopic beats unless other issues are linked to them.

[Polski]

Take your pulse when you feel well. Then next time you feel dizzy take it again. If it is uneven then you probably have atrial fibrillation, so see your doctor. If it is even but very fast then it is tachycardia ie fast and even! Then follow advice here to try to get your appointment speeded up. If you find you can't work, or faint, or experience pain with it, then go to A & E and seek help to get attention much more quickly.

[RoyMacDonald]

Any virus will make symptoms worse. That's why any heart problem sufferers can get the flue jab. regardless of age.