extrasystolic - anyone any experience ?

Hi all - been experiencing some weird flutters in my supersternum and the GP tells me I have an extrasystolic and not to worry so much ! easy for her to say !!! anyway not overly worried about it but has anyone any experience ? does it go away in time or am I stuck with this forever now ? it’s not a nice feeling at all. Pulse and ECG all fine

any experience is appreciated…xxx

also called ectopic beats… everybody gets them at some point eg when you get a fright and your heart ‘jumps’

however some people have them more regularly but usually they dont cause any problems.

Hi RECS,

agree with Lulu here. I get this problem from time to time and a couple of years ago it got me in hospital too on a 999. I think panic had a lot to do with that. I did have ecg’s, and a 24hr heart monitor and 7day BP monitor and everything came back as normal. Considering I have been on herceptin for 6 years as well that was surprising but a huge relief. I don’t know what triggers it from time to time but I haven’t had any problems since that little episode. Truly a case where ‘try not to worry’ is the right thing.

Dawn
xx

Hi Recs,
Ive been getting episodes of ectopics, missed beats & palpitations since my chem - they go on for hours and make me feel really horrible. They can stop me in my tracks and really take my breathe away at times. Ended up in A&E one night - all tests ok, 24hrs ECG OK too. My GP says theyre probably stress related and they certainly have improved since I finished chemo + rads. Alchohol makes them worse unfortunatley, although not drinking is helping with my post-chemo weight loss!
I think you just need to keep an eye on them and if you have any pain, breathlesness or major concerns - get yourself checked out again!
K x

Hi everyone - I was diagnosed with ectopic heartbeat a couple of years ago, nothing to do with my breast cancer. Initially they were quite strong and went on for a couple of months, drove me mad, but died away and have only experienced them a couple of times since.
When I phoned my travel insurance company to discuss medical conditions,the young man said “And about these erotic heartbeats!” - well, I was almost unable to speak for laughing, replying “They were anything but erotic.”.Could hear his workmates having a good laughin he background.
Lulu - I love your replies, they are so knowledgable and reassuring. Hope you are well and that your new job is going well, if you have started it.
Marli x

I’ve been having these on and off for about 20 years. Apparently they are quite common. They are definitely brought on by alcohol consumption, but moderate amounts don’t seem to be a problem. They are also brought on by too much caffeine.

thanks Marli

yes i have started work… just last week and currently on a 4 week induction so not doing much myself at the mo but lots of observing which is really interesting… off to the breast ward on monday to go to theatres and mammography for guidewire insertion, then genetics in the afternoon.

totally loving it!

Lx

jansman I have a friend who also has them brought on by alcohol - actually by the vomiting after drinking too much. She has been admitted to hospital twice - terrified her poor children.

Oh dear - this is totally not brought on by alcohol cause since chemo I have had very little to drink - just can’t take the taste. Sometimes I wish I could have a drink and relax a little ! anyway I’m encouraged by the responses so thanks - I have cut back on the caffeine to see if that helps.

Luv to all xx