High ectopic burden

[Best2]

Does anyone know what is considered a high ectopic burden and what treatment is available Thankyou

[Hidden]

Hi Best2, Would I be right in thinking this is a term that a medical professional has applied to symptoms you are having? A 'high ectopic burden' refers to the fact that your ectopic beats are frequent enough (10 % or above of your total heartbeats), that they might eventually permanently affect the way in which your heart beats over time.There's no specific treatment for 'high ectopic burden' as it's really just a comment on how your heart is beating and isn't specifically a disorder.

As you probably know, ectopic beats aren't usually considered to be dangerous, just a nuisance, but in the event that yours are considered to be a high ectopic burden, you might ask whether there is any treatment which might help.

[chicolini]

I have what are known as frequent pvcs and was offered drug treatment to control them. Generally pvcs are common and not dangerous but a heavy burden ongoing, long term, can damage the heart l was told. However l think a lot of the decision to treat them depends on whether you have symptoms or not. When l have a lot of pvcs going on l have near faints and other symptoms, whereas some people feel nothing. I think l was given treatment because my pvcs are very symptomatic. Having said that, the 2 meds trialled both had to be aborted due to affecting my bp and heart rate. So l am untreated and having pvcs and still alive ! Have you been told you have a heavy burden?

[Best2 in reply to chicolini]

Hi chicoline , pleased to hear your doing well , I don’t have any symptoms with the ectopics they were picked up on an ecg when I was in hospital for another reason! I have 10 per cent ectopic beats which is considered high I’ve tried bisoprolol couldn’t take the side effects were awful no on Diltiazen going to see ep in august hoping nothing to be done as I know anxiety is the reason for them !

[Hidden in reply to Best2]

Hi Best2, I have 11.5% ventricular ectopics load and drug treatment hasn’t so far helped. I have just had an ablation over one month ago and so a bit anxious to see if this will help. It’s not always easy to know what to do and so I sympathise with you.

[Best2 in reply to Hidden]

Hi Drumlins Thankyou for your reply, I’ve tried bisoprolol and now on Diltiazen instead hoping when I go in august they’re a bit calmer ! How was ablation I don’t think im brave enough to go through with it I’m such an anxious person!

[Hidden in reply to Best2]

Hi Best2. It’s uncomfortable for the first part when the catheter goes through and while they map the heart and work out where the ectopics are coming from, but it was okay TBH- not nice but bearable. Hopefully you will see how things go and come to a decision.