Ectopic Heart Beats

[mintymow]

Anyone found how to cope with ectopic heartbeats? Really messing with my life.

[Sqad]

What are the causes of your EHB?
What treatment are you already on?
What problems are you having?

Off to my Club now...........will not be back for a couple of hours.

[Sqad]

http://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Body-and-Soul/Health-and-Fitness/Question1362363.html

An answer from the above thread may help.........

[mintymow]

Hi Sqad
I have no idea what causes the EHB they just started a few years ago now. I have had ECG and Echo and apparently all is ok. I take Bisoprolol and Ramapril but I think the Bisoprolol slows my heart too much and this brings it on. It is such an unpleasant feeling and very unnerving because you worry it will develop into something more serious. Of course the worry doesn't help. Vicious circle really. I know I have been on this site before about the same thing but feeling really fed up today so using here as a bit of an outlet. My husband had a stroke a couple of years ago and his problems don't help and I can't talk to him about mine.

[Sqad]

Hi! minty.........just got back.
Yes i quite understand your concern now that you have explained the situation with your husband.

Your EHBs have been fully investigated and this is not an uncommon situation where the cause is not known.The good news is, that you stand no better or worse chance of developing a stroke or heart attack than someone who doesn't suffer from EHBs.

The next stage would be a pace maker, but in my opinion that would be a bit over the top considering the mild symptoms that you are having.

You mention bisoprolol as a likely culprit and that sounds a good shout, I presume that you are on 2.5mgms twice daily. It might be worth asking your GP if you can reduce the dose, but only if you are taking two daily.

That is the best i can do...;-)

[mintymow]

Thanks Sqad, I am on 1 x 5mg Bisoprolol daily. Do you think it would help if I split it in half and took at opposite ends of the day?

[Sqad]

minty....I think that it would be a very good idea............better check with your GP though.

[penelope2]

I suffered with EHB a few years ago, stopped taking any form of caffeine and symptoms abated.

[Sqad]

Good advice from penelope.

[penelope2]

^^^^ Cheers Squad.

[Sqad]

;-)

[penelope2]

When I was experiencing EHB I had all the normal tests etc, and was reassured that nothing specific was found. Also informed that EHB can be exacerbated by Alcohol and Caffeine. Bu**ered if I was going to give up the alcohol (wine) but resolved to become caffeine free. Result = symptoms abated and can still enjoy a tipple (thank god).

[Sqad]

\\\ Bu**ered if I was going to give up the alcohol (wine) but resolved to become caffeine free\\\

What a trouper...;-)

[penelope2]

^^^^ "Life's for living, so look out for compromises", thats my motto and will be my epitaph ( but not just yet tho').

[mintymow]

Thanks for your answers. Have been caffeine free for a long time and only have the occasional glass of wine which, thank goodness, doesn't seem to cause a problem. I notice mine mostly when I'm inactive but its a drag to have to keep on the go all the time just to stop of EHB :).