Skip or Double Beats

Skipped beats

by Gemita - 2020-08-31 19:10:56

hello Aryanna1,

Yes unfortunately skipped beats (ectopics) are all too common for me too and I suspect for the majority of us on this site.  They are generally not regarded as serious or in need of treating, but if they become prolonged or more frequent, you should bring this to the attention of your doctors.  They may do a few checks to see whether your electrolytes are balanced or get you to wear a heart monitor to determine ectopic frequency and/or duration and you would then be able to confirm any symptoms you are getting from your ectopics.

I find PVCs (premature ventricular contractions) worse than PACs (premature atrial contractions) since I am far more symptomatic with PVCs.  I can have an exceptionally high burden of ectopic beats over 24 hours and they usually spell trouble for me since if I cannot stop them they will often deteriorate into Atrial Fibrillation, Atrial Flutter, Atrial Tachycardia or even Ventricular Tachycardia, so it is important that I try to stop them quickly.  I usually increase fluids (tepid water) throughout the day, calm myself and take an additional low dose beta blocker (Bisoprolol) which helps to calm my ectopics.  I also take the supplement Magnesium Ascorbate which contains both Vitamin C and Magnesium - both of which are stress busters for me personally.  It is all about finding what works best for you (but discuss with your doctors before taking supplements to ensure they are safe to take with your regular meds).

Increased ectopics can be caused by excessive caffeine, stress and other lifestyle causes, but more serious causes should be ruled out if ectopics become troublesome.  I am thinking here of heart disease, low blood oxygen levels from lung disease, hypertension, anaemia, thyroid problems, infection and the like, so it is always worth discussing with your doctors and not allowing them to sweep your benign ectopics under the carpet !!
 

Skip or Double Beats

by Aryanna1 - 2020-08-31 23:00:01

Hi Gemita

Thanks for responding to my question, I will speak with my doctor and hear what he has to say......your input is food for thought.  I will continue to pay closer attention and hope that it is not anything too serious.....thank you again.