![]() Cardiologyĭr Syed Ahsan is a leading consultant cardiologist based in London who has been nominated for and won many awards in his field. If you are worried about your heart rate or are experiencing irregular beats, book an appointment with a specialist. The risks are small and are in the region of 1-2%. ![]() This procedure is very safe and carries a very high success rate of over 85%. Electrical signals from within the heart are sent to the exact site of origin of the ectopic beats and high frequency energy is delivered at this site to eliminate the abnormal beats. A virtual 3D geometry of the heart is created using a computer mapping system. It involves passing fine wires into the heart from the top of the leg in a minimally invasive procedure. Medications – these are used to suppress the ectopics and improve symptoms.Ĭatheter ablation – if the ectopic beats originate from one site, then this treatment is used. Simple lifestyle measures such as reducing caffeine and alcohol intake, smoking less or quitting overall, improving sleeping habits and reducing stress is sufficient to improve or eliminate symptoms. The condition is likely to be benign in many patients. How are ventricular ectopic beats treated? It helps to determine if the ectopic beats are originating from one site or from multiple sites, which guides treatment. It also rules out heart muscle disease (cardiomyopathy).īlood tests are also performed to look for other causes such as abnormal electrolyte levels, such as sodium and potassium, and thyroid function.Ī continuous ECG monitor also establishes the ‘ectopic burden’, which measures the percentage of ectopic beats when compared to all your heartbeats. If the patient experiences frequent ectopic beats, an echocardiogram (heart ultrasound) or cardiac MRI scan may be performed to confirm that the heart has a normal structure and function. ![]() Patients will have an electrocardiogram ( ECG) to provide a general overview of the heart. The cardiologist will take a detailed history and examination to establish if there is a potential underlying cause, such as lifestyle factors or a family history of heart disease. Will I need further investigation for the cause of extra heartbeats? Hormonal changes – seen in pregnancy or menopause.The commonest causes of extra heartbeats include: Some experience these symptoms intermittently, with weeks or months between. Many people experience these conditions sporadically or with no particular triggers. These symptoms of an extra heartbeat are often experienced at night or when resting because the heart rate is lower at rest and asleep, allowing the ectopic beats more time to occur. Feeling like the heart has skipped a beat – proceeded by a short pause.In a smaller group of people who have evidence of structural heart disease, ventricular ectopics can be a marker of increased risks. In the majority of patients who have a structurally normal heart, extra heartbeats are almost always benign and don’t require treatment unless they cause other symptoms. The ventricular ectopic beats occur prematurely, which causes the heart to beat in a different way for that beat. Expert cardiologist Dr Syed Ahsan discusses ventricular ectopic beats (extra heartbeats), a condition which may happen more frequently in certain people, and exactly when you should see a specialist.Īlmost all of us will have ventricular ectopic beats, which are extra heartbeats that originate in the bottom chambers of the heart (the ventricles).Ī normal heartbeat occurs from the top of the heart (the atria). Generally when the heart skips, or has an extra beat, it’s not usually dangerous. It is usually not dangerous and often happens in young people.The occasional feeling of butterflies in the chest can be a disturbing experience for some people. It can happen during vigorous physical activity. This type of arrhythmia begins and ends suddenly. Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) causes extra heartbeats because of a problem with the electrical signals that begin in the upper chambers and travel to the lower chambers.This may cause the upper chambers and lower chambers to beat at different rates. The signal that tells the atria to beat may be blocked by damaged or scar tissue. Atrial flutter can cause the upper chambers of your heart to beat 250 to 350 times per minute. ![]() When this happens, the lower chambers do not fill completely or pump enough blood to your lungs and body. Also, your heart’s upper and lower chambers do not work together as they should. This condition causes your heart to beat more than 400 beats per minute. More than 2.5 million people in the United States have atrial fibrillation. Atrial fibrillation is the most common type of arrhythmia.This type of arrhythmia starts in the atria or the gateway to the lower chambers. ![]()
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