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Dr Sharka Adviced Me Last Time So Dont Know If

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Posted on Mon, 7 Sep 2020
Question: Dr Sharka adviced me last time so dont know if he is available in any case you guys must have my correspondence with him. I have been experiencing skipped or missed beats all afternoon about 10 or so an hour but i feel ok no pain no diziness nothing. Although i do feel a knot sensation in my chest when the skipped beat occurs. Other than that i am blurping more though. Since i increased my atenolol a month or so back from 50mg daily to 75mg daily i have been better until today. I feel anxious and scared and i have to wait til September to see the cardiologist and have some tests including a holster test. My blood pressure is normal on 7.5/11.0 and my heart rate is round about 58, 59. Can you or anyone please advice me ?
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Follow up: Dr. Ilir Sharka (0 minute later)
Dr Sharka adviced me last time so dont know if he is available in any case you guys must have my correspondence with him. I have been experiencing skipped or missed beats all afternoon about 10 or so an hour but i feel ok no pain no diziness nothing. Although i do feel a knot sensation in my chest when the skipped beat occurs. Other than that i am blurping more though. Since i increased my atenolol a month or so back from 50mg daily to 75mg daily i have been better until today. I feel anxious and scared and i have to wait til September to see the cardiologist and have some tests including a holster test. My blood pressure is normal on 7.5/11.0 and my heart rate is round about 58, 59. Can you or anyone please advice me ?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
I would recommend as follows:

Detailed Answer:
Hello!

Welcome back to Ask a Doctor service!

In my opinion, this situation is not concerning and there is no need to go to the ER.

It could be related to anxiety or dehydration/electrolyte imbalance.

As you are burping a lot, indigestion or acid reflux can not be excluded either.

For this reason, I recommend taking a PPI (omeprazole, pantoprazole, etc.) and a couple glasses of water (you can take a rehydration solution too).

Having some rest is necessary too.

If you have camomile tea, a cup of that would help too, as it would relieve a little anxiety.

If all these tips don't help, I would recommend taking another 25mg of Atenolol.

If this situation persists in the next days, I would recommend having some blood lab tests (complete blood count for anemia and blood electrolytes for possible imbalance).

As a cardiologist, I can assure you that nothing serious is going on. Some skipped heart beats are quite normal, in every healthy individuals during some situation (anxiety, physical activity, dehydration or electrolyte imbalance, coffee intake, acid reflux, etc.).

Hope you will find this information helpful!

I remain at your disposal whenever you need!

Kind regards,

Dr. Ilir Sharka
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (0 minute later)
Brief Answer:
I would recommend as follows:

Detailed Answer:
Hello!

Welcome back to Ask a Doctor service!

In my opinion, this situation is not concerning and there is no need to go to the ER.

It could be related to anxiety or dehydration/electrolyte imbalance.

As you are burping a lot, indigestion or acid reflux can not be excluded either.

For this reason, I recommend taking a PPI (omeprazole, pantoprazole, etc.) and a couple glasses of water (you can take a rehydration solution too).

Having some rest is necessary too.

If you have camomile tea, a cup of that would help too, as it would relieve a little anxiety.

If all these tips don't help, I would recommend taking another 25mg of Atenolol.

If this situation persists in the next days, I would recommend having some blood lab tests (complete blood count for anemia and blood electrolytes for possible imbalance).

As a cardiologist, I can assure you that nothing serious is going on. Some skipped heart beats are quite normal, in every healthy individuals during some situation (anxiety, physical activity, dehydration or electrolyte imbalance, coffee intake, acid reflux, etc.).

Hope you will find this information helpful!

I remain at your disposal whenever you need!

Kind regards,

Dr. Ilir Sharka
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Ilir Sharka (17 hours later)
Good Afternoon Dr Sharka.
I went to the A&E last night after all and explained my concern. They did an ECG which was fine, blood pressure fine too and oxygen saturation which was 100. Later saw the doctor on duty who wanted a blood test primarily he said to check the cardiac enzymes. After an hour and a half or so he came with the results and said that everything was normal so there was not much else he could do from his side. He explained that this specific test determines if there is any damage to the heart but he advised to go on and take the eco test and holter test with my cardiologist even though there was no cause for concern. Before deciding to go I had already taken a second dose of 25mg atenolol so all in all I took 100mg yesterday. My question to you as a follow up is does this blood test discard any form of heart disease including what a GP once suspected I have which is mitro valve prolapse ? Today I still have the odd missed beat but not as many as yesterday. Guess you are right maybe I need to take 100mg daily in two dosages of 50mg but not sure if to do it just yet cos up until yesterday the 50mg and 25mg was working fine. The worst thing about this beats that I feel is that they make me anxious and worried not the other way round as some doctors think. Even as I type I feel them and its for real in fact it seems to occur more frequently when I sit down and relax. Its like a thud in the chest and I actually notice the change of rythim like boom boom boom gap BOOM ! boom boom and so on. Lastly why have I been for 4 weeks or so with very few pvcs and then get loads in a space of two days ? Looking foward to your reply.
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Follow up: Dr. Ilir Sharka (0 minute later)
Good Afternoon Dr Sharka.
I went to the A&E last night after all and explained my concern. They did an ECG which was fine, blood pressure fine too and oxygen saturation which was 100. Later saw the doctor on duty who wanted a blood test primarily he said to check the cardiac enzymes. After an hour and a half or so he came with the results and said that everything was normal so there was not much else he could do from his side. He explained that this specific test determines if there is any damage to the heart but he advised to go on and take the eco test and holter test with my cardiologist even though there was no cause for concern. Before deciding to go I had already taken a second dose of 25mg atenolol so all in all I took 100mg yesterday. My question to you as a follow up is does this blood test discard any form of heart disease including what a GP once suspected I have which is mitro valve prolapse ? Today I still have the odd missed beat but not as many as yesterday. Guess you are right maybe I need to take 100mg daily in two dosages of 50mg but not sure if to do it just yet cos up until yesterday the 50mg and 25mg was working fine. The worst thing about this beats that I feel is that they make me anxious and worried not the other way round as some doctors think. Even as I type I feel them and its for real in fact it seems to occur more frequently when I sit down and relax. Its like a thud in the chest and I actually notice the change of rythim like boom boom boom gap BOOM ! boom boom and so on. Lastly why have I been for 4 weeks or so with very few pvcs and then get loads in a space of two days ? Looking foward to your reply.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
I would recommend as follows:

Detailed Answer:
Hello again!

I am glad that all your tests have resulted normal and you are better now.

The cardiac enzymes can help exclude coronary artery disease (the blockage of coronary arteries),but they can not exclude mitral valve prolapse, which can be determined only by performing a cardiac ultrasound.

Increasing the dose of Atenolol could be an option.

Another option would be continue with 75 mg and see if these episodes repeat again. In such case, increasing the dose to 100mg daily will be necessary.

Regarding your extra heart beats, I would recommend performing an ambulatory 24-48 hours ECG monitoring in order to examine better your heart rhythm trends and investigate for the type of cardiac arrhythmia.

Hope you will find this information helpful!

Wishing all the best,

Dr. Iliri


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (0 minute later)
Brief Answer:
I would recommend as follows:

Detailed Answer:
Hello again!

I am glad that all your tests have resulted normal and you are better now.

The cardiac enzymes can help exclude coronary artery disease (the blockage of coronary arteries),but they can not exclude mitral valve prolapse, which can be determined only by performing a cardiac ultrasound.

Increasing the dose of Atenolol could be an option.

Another option would be continue with 75 mg and see if these episodes repeat again. In such case, increasing the dose to 100mg daily will be necessary.

Regarding your extra heart beats, I would recommend performing an ambulatory 24-48 hours ECG monitoring in order to examine better your heart rhythm trends and investigate for the type of cardiac arrhythmia.

Hope you will find this information helpful!

Wishing all the best,

Dr. Iliri


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Ilir Sharka (4 hours later)
Hi Dr
1. Is mitral valve prolapse dangerous and honestly is there a possibility from what you know from our chats that I could have that ?
2.You said to increase the atenolol to 100mg daily. Would that really make that much difference and wouldnt my heartbeat or BP go to low ?
3.Its the first time you recommend me to having my heart monitored so you do find cause for concern ?
Kind Regards XXXXXXX
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Follow up: Dr. Ilir Sharka (0 minute later)
Hi Dr
1. Is mitral valve prolapse dangerous and honestly is there a possibility from what you know from our chats that I could have that ?
2.You said to increase the atenolol to 100mg daily. Would that really make that much difference and wouldnt my heartbeat or BP go to low ?
3.Its the first time you recommend me to having my heart monitored so you do find cause for concern ?
Kind Regards XXXXXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (18 hours later)
Brief Answer:
I would explain as follows:

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX

Mitral valve prolapse is not a serious medical disorder. It can cause palpitations, that is why it can be related to your symptoms.

I recommend a heart ECG monitoring in order to help examine better your heart rhythm trends, considering the fact that you are taking atenolol (which is an anti-arrhythmic drug).

If your heart rate drops after increasing the dose of Atenolol, and you feel fatigue, reducing again the dose will be necessary.

Hope you will find this answer helpful!

Let me know in case of further uncertainties!

Wishing all the best,

Dr.Iliri


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
doctor
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (0 minute later)
Brief Answer:
I would explain as follows:

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX

Mitral valve prolapse is not a serious medical disorder. It can cause palpitations, that is why it can be related to your symptoms.

I recommend a heart ECG monitoring in order to help examine better your heart rhythm trends, considering the fact that you are taking atenolol (which is an anti-arrhythmic drug).

If your heart rate drops after increasing the dose of Atenolol, and you feel fatigue, reducing again the dose will be necessary.

Hope you will find this answer helpful!

Let me know in case of further uncertainties!

Wishing all the best,

Dr.Iliri


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Ilir Sharka (4 days later)
Hi Doctor
Went to the A&E again today as I was having very frequent missed beats accompanied by a slight cough and the odd blurp. I know we have spoken about my issue several times but guess I need reasurance cos I am going through a hard time with this issue. It worries me its scares me and its already starting to have an impact on my quality of life. At the A&E again they did another cardiogram BP etc and again all was fine. The doctor there today had a long chat with me post the tests and subsequently advised me to stop the extra 25mg Atenolol cos according to her it was probably making the missed beats worse. Totally the contrary to what you advised so right now I am confused as what to do. For a month or so it seemed to have improved the symptoms but much worse of late when I actually been taking two doses of the extra 25mg one in the evening and one at night meaning a total of 100 mg daily and still the missed beats and flutter persist in fact even worse actually. Its a constant hiccup like sensation in the chest followed by a cough. I am quite desperate and thinking of going to a private cardiologist even though it will most probably cost me quite a bit just cant wait until October.
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Follow up: Dr. Ilir Sharka (0 minute later)
Hi Doctor
Went to the A&E again today as I was having very frequent missed beats accompanied by a slight cough and the odd blurp. I know we have spoken about my issue several times but guess I need reasurance cos I am going through a hard time with this issue. It worries me its scares me and its already starting to have an impact on my quality of life. At the A&E again they did another cardiogram BP etc and again all was fine. The doctor there today had a long chat with me post the tests and subsequently advised me to stop the extra 25mg Atenolol cos according to her it was probably making the missed beats worse. Totally the contrary to what you advised so right now I am confused as what to do. For a month or so it seemed to have improved the symptoms but much worse of late when I actually been taking two doses of the extra 25mg one in the evening and one at night meaning a total of 100 mg daily and still the missed beats and flutter persist in fact even worse actually. Its a constant hiccup like sensation in the chest followed by a cough. I am quite desperate and thinking of going to a private cardiologist even though it will most probably cost me quite a bit just cant wait until October.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Opinion as follows:

Detailed Answer:
Hello again, dear Anthony!

I understand that your heart rhythm issue is giving you a lot of concern recently. Considering the potential influence of mitral valve prolapse, using of a beta-blocker such as Atenolol could be a rationale alternative of treatment.

Other potential triggering alternatives of those extrasystoles we have discussed earlier during our thread could be a digestive issue and anxiety.

Atenolol could most probably help at reducing the burden of those skipped heart beats. Only in the case of a resulting decreased heart rate (bradycardia) a potential abnormal arrhythmogenic focus inside the myocardium could lead to pronounced extra-systolic activity.

Anyways I am not sure about such an alternative in your case. That's why an ambulatory ECG monitoring would be helpful in understanding the exact nature of your arrhythmia (sometimes not detected in a few seconds ECG); the amount of arrhythmia episodes and the influence of treatment.

IF you could upload the results of your last tests here on the platform, I could give a second professional opinion.

Meanwhile until we have the information on heart rhythm, in case your basal heart rate is low, switching back to 75 mg of daily Atenolol or even 50 mg in an escalating manner and checking the resulting heart rate could be an alternative to understand the exact influence of therapy.

I remain at your disposal for any further discussions. Let me know if you have other questions.

Kind regards,

Dr. Iliri


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (0 minute later)
Brief Answer:
Opinion as follows:

Detailed Answer:
Hello again, dear Anthony!

I understand that your heart rhythm issue is giving you a lot of concern recently. Considering the potential influence of mitral valve prolapse, using of a beta-blocker such as Atenolol could be a rationale alternative of treatment.

Other potential triggering alternatives of those extrasystoles we have discussed earlier during our thread could be a digestive issue and anxiety.

Atenolol could most probably help at reducing the burden of those skipped heart beats. Only in the case of a resulting decreased heart rate (bradycardia) a potential abnormal arrhythmogenic focus inside the myocardium could lead to pronounced extra-systolic activity.

Anyways I am not sure about such an alternative in your case. That's why an ambulatory ECG monitoring would be helpful in understanding the exact nature of your arrhythmia (sometimes not detected in a few seconds ECG); the amount of arrhythmia episodes and the influence of treatment.

IF you could upload the results of your last tests here on the platform, I could give a second professional opinion.

Meanwhile until we have the information on heart rhythm, in case your basal heart rate is low, switching back to 75 mg of daily Atenolol or even 50 mg in an escalating manner and checking the resulting heart rate could be an alternative to understand the exact influence of therapy.

I remain at your disposal for any further discussions. Let me know if you have other questions.

Kind regards,

Dr. Iliri


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Ilir Sharka (18 hours later)
Hi Doctor
Went to my GP today and he did an ECG which caught the skipped beats about 5 or 6 in the 30 second the monitor was on. Is this cause for concern ? Obviously he is not cardiologist so he was not 100% sure what type they were although he did say they seems to be located in one part of the heart. He also mentioned that they appeared to be either junction or ventricular ectopic beats. They were occurring at a rate of every 3 beats. Which I could send you a copy so you could read it but I dont know how to go about it. He did tell me that the heart wasnt actually stopping because I still had a pulse in the actual heart every time the flutter occured but he didnt feel it in the wrist or neck. He said something about it been transission or words to that effect and that that was a very good sign. Still feel all the premature beats though and I just cannot stop worrying myself. He also mentioned the possibility of an ablationif needed. Other than that he told me what you suggested to increase ATENOLOL to 50mg twice a day so will start today hope it helps cos I am freaking out.
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Follow up: Dr. Ilir Sharka (0 minute later)
Hi Doctor
Went to my GP today and he did an ECG which caught the skipped beats about 5 or 6 in the 30 second the monitor was on. Is this cause for concern ? Obviously he is not cardiologist so he was not 100% sure what type they were although he did say they seems to be located in one part of the heart. He also mentioned that they appeared to be either junction or ventricular ectopic beats. They were occurring at a rate of every 3 beats. Which I could send you a copy so you could read it but I dont know how to go about it. He did tell me that the heart wasnt actually stopping because I still had a pulse in the actual heart every time the flutter occured but he didnt feel it in the wrist or neck. He said something about it been transission or words to that effect and that that was a very good sign. Still feel all the premature beats though and I just cannot stop worrying myself. He also mentioned the possibility of an ablationif needed. Other than that he told me what you suggested to increase ATENOLOL to 50mg twice a day so will start today hope it helps cos I am freaking out.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
My opinion as follows:

Detailed Answer:
Hello again!

Thank you for the additional information!

I don't think that you should panic, as anxiety may trigger this situation too. It is not going to help you!

From the other hand, I don't think that this situation is anything serious.

You can make some photos of the ECG recordings and upload them as attachments to this question, so I can give another professional opinion.

I recommend avoiding straining physical activity and taking plenty of fluids in order to stay well hydrated.

An ambulatory 24-48 hours ECG Holter monitoring would be a better test to examine your heart rhythm trends and then discuss about the best treatment options (medication or ablation).

Hope you will find this information helpful!

Let me know about everything!

Wishing good health,

Dr. Iliri
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (0 minute later)
Brief Answer:
My opinion as follows:

Detailed Answer:
Hello again!

Thank you for the additional information!

I don't think that you should panic, as anxiety may trigger this situation too. It is not going to help you!

From the other hand, I don't think that this situation is anything serious.

You can make some photos of the ECG recordings and upload them as attachments to this question, so I can give another professional opinion.

I recommend avoiding straining physical activity and taking plenty of fluids in order to stay well hydrated.

An ambulatory 24-48 hours ECG Holter monitoring would be a better test to examine your heart rhythm trends and then discuss about the best treatment options (medication or ablation).

Hope you will find this information helpful!

Let me know about everything!

Wishing good health,

Dr. Iliri
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Ilir Sharka (9 days later)
Hi Doctor
A lot has happened since we last talked. I went to a private cardiologist who did an eco ultra sound of my heart and everything is normal no abnormalities what so ever. I have also had a holster 24 hr test done and have to visit the cardiologist tomorrow for the results of that. He advised me as you did to increase the atenolol to 100mg daily ie 50/50 but I am taking the increase with some fear because tonight my pulse is 49 bpm. Afraid of going to sleep in case it goes even lower and something bad happens. On the other hand the increase has helped me with the skipped beats although they have not disappeared completely. Is a low of 49 bpm dangerous ? My GP told me as long as it dosent go down to 45 bpm I will be fine.
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Follow up: Dr. Ilir Sharka (0 minute later)
Hi Doctor
A lot has happened since we last talked. I went to a private cardiologist who did an eco ultra sound of my heart and everything is normal no abnormalities what so ever. I have also had a holster 24 hr test done and have to visit the cardiologist tomorrow for the results of that. He advised me as you did to increase the atenolol to 100mg daily ie 50/50 but I am taking the increase with some fear because tonight my pulse is 49 bpm. Afraid of going to sleep in case it goes even lower and something bad happens. On the other hand the increase has helped me with the skipped beats although they have not disappeared completely. Is a low of 49 bpm dangerous ? My GP told me as long as it dosent go down to 45 bpm I will be fine.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (12 hours later)
Brief Answer:
I would recommend as a:

Detailed Answer:
Hello again!

I understand your concern and would explain that if you are not experiencing shortness of breath, fatigue or palpitations, there is no reason to panic about the night.

I don't think that your heart rate will drop further.

I recommend you to closely monitor your heart rate tomorrow and if you experience the above mentioned complaints, reducing the dose may be necessary.

Hope you will find this answer helpful!

I would be glad to review your Holter results as soon as you will be able to upload them for a more professional opinion!

Wishing all the best,

Dr.Iliri
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
doctor
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (0 minute later)
Brief Answer:
I would recommend as a:

Detailed Answer:
Hello again!

I understand your concern and would explain that if you are not experiencing shortness of breath, fatigue or palpitations, there is no reason to panic about the night.

I don't think that your heart rate will drop further.

I recommend you to closely monitor your heart rate tomorrow and if you experience the above mentioned complaints, reducing the dose may be necessary.

Hope you will find this answer helpful!

I would be glad to review your Holter results as soon as you will be able to upload them for a more professional opinion!

Wishing all the best,

Dr.Iliri
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Ilir Sharka (3 days later)
Hi Dr Sharka
Went to the cardiologist for the holster results. I cannot send you the test results because I dont have a smart phone but here is more or less what the results say. Total beats 67141. Total VE beats 1835 (2.7%) Total SVE beats 32 (0.0%). Min HR 44BPM at 03.36.44. Avg HR 58BPM. XXXXXXX HR 86BPM at 15.54.13. Predominant Rhythm.
Normal sinus rhythm throughout. Narrow complex QRS morphology. Mild and moderate nocturnal bradycardia. Mild diurnal bradycardia also noted.
Ectopic Activity. Frequent isolated PVC, rarely in short trigeminy and quadrigeminy cycles, very rare couplets, one triplet. Very rare isolated SVEs. Pauses longest R-R 1.9sec at 2.41 (post-PVC). The cardiologist reassured me that this ectopic were not dangerous at all but given the stress they were causing me he advised me to take 50mg Atenolol in the morning along with 25mg twice daily of Flecainide but then paused and told me if i wanted to see an electrophysiologist for a second opinion to which I agreed so waiting for that appointment to be confirmed. In the meantime with the guidance of my GP I have reduced my atenolol to just the 50mg in the morning which is what I have been taking for 27 years. Could it be that the increase in Atenolol is actually increasing the ectopics ? Other than the above as I mentioned in a previous thread my heart ecocardiogram yielded good news ie a completely normal heart. The cardiologist also mentioned that he was sure and based on the above results that the electrophysiologist would rule out an ablation in fact he said that unless a patient was experiencing uncomfortable symptoms in many cases no treatment would be required in relation to my holster results. I am now more at ease but determined to rid myself of these ectopics or at least to reduce them substantially as they are still making my life miserable.
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Follow up: Dr. Ilir Sharka (0 minute later)
Hi Dr Sharka
Went to the cardiologist for the holster results. I cannot send you the test results because I dont have a smart phone but here is more or less what the results say. Total beats 67141. Total VE beats 1835 (2.7%) Total SVE beats 32 (0.0%). Min HR 44BPM at 03.36.44. Avg HR 58BPM. XXXXXXX HR 86BPM at 15.54.13. Predominant Rhythm.
Normal sinus rhythm throughout. Narrow complex QRS morphology. Mild and moderate nocturnal bradycardia. Mild diurnal bradycardia also noted.
Ectopic Activity. Frequent isolated PVC, rarely in short trigeminy and quadrigeminy cycles, very rare couplets, one triplet. Very rare isolated SVEs. Pauses longest R-R 1.9sec at 2.41 (post-PVC). The cardiologist reassured me that this ectopic were not dangerous at all but given the stress they were causing me he advised me to take 50mg Atenolol in the morning along with 25mg twice daily of Flecainide but then paused and told me if i wanted to see an electrophysiologist for a second opinion to which I agreed so waiting for that appointment to be confirmed. In the meantime with the guidance of my GP I have reduced my atenolol to just the 50mg in the morning which is what I have been taking for 27 years. Could it be that the increase in Atenolol is actually increasing the ectopics ? Other than the above as I mentioned in a previous thread my heart ecocardiogram yielded good news ie a completely normal heart. The cardiologist also mentioned that he was sure and based on the above results that the electrophysiologist would rule out an ablation in fact he said that unless a patient was experiencing uncomfortable symptoms in many cases no treatment would be required in relation to my holster results. I am now more at ease but determined to rid myself of these ectopics or at least to reduce them substantially as they are still making my life miserable.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (14 hours later)
Brief Answer:
My opinion as follows:

Detailed Answer:
Hello again!

Thank you for the additional information!

I read carefully your Holter report and would agree with your GP on the fact that this number of ectopic heart beats is not a concerning number.

I don't think that ablation will be necessary, and agree with your current therapy.

It is also true that the bradycardia induced by atenolol can lead to ectopic heart beats, but I don't think that this is your case, as you increased the dose of atenolol because of those increased palpitations (ectopic heart beats).

For this reason, I would recommend performing a cardiac MRI in order to examine better your heart function and structure and also help exclude cardiac tissue changes related to myocardial ischemia.

You should discuss with your doctor on the above test.

If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to ask me again!

Wishing all the best,

Dr. Iliri
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (0 minute later)
Brief Answer:
My opinion as follows:

Detailed Answer:
Hello again!

Thank you for the additional information!

I read carefully your Holter report and would agree with your GP on the fact that this number of ectopic heart beats is not a concerning number.

I don't think that ablation will be necessary, and agree with your current therapy.

It is also true that the bradycardia induced by atenolol can lead to ectopic heart beats, but I don't think that this is your case, as you increased the dose of atenolol because of those increased palpitations (ectopic heart beats).

For this reason, I would recommend performing a cardiac MRI in order to examine better your heart function and structure and also help exclude cardiac tissue changes related to myocardial ischemia.

You should discuss with your doctor on the above test.

If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to ask me again!

Wishing all the best,

Dr. Iliri
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Ilir Sharka (7 hours later)
Hi Dr Sharka
Thanks once again for your prompt reply. Really glad you also agree that the number of ectopics is not concerning. I understand your point on the Atenolol but today is my second day with just the 50mg in the morning and I must say the ectopics have been less frequent although as I type they are occurring again. They almost always come with a tickle in the throat and a cough. Any idea why this happens cos it does puzzle me ? I mean this afternoon I had an ice cream and it started even though I had been ok all day. You recommend a heart MRI to exclude myocardial ischemia. This has worried me a bit as I was given some peace of mind after my positive echo sound.
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Follow up: Dr. Ilir Sharka (0 minute later)
Hi Dr Sharka
Thanks once again for your prompt reply. Really glad you also agree that the number of ectopics is not concerning. I understand your point on the Atenolol but today is my second day with just the 50mg in the morning and I must say the ectopics have been less frequent although as I type they are occurring again. They almost always come with a tickle in the throat and a cough. Any idea why this happens cos it does puzzle me ? I mean this afternoon I had an ice cream and it started even though I had been ok all day. You recommend a heart MRI to exclude myocardial ischemia. This has worried me a bit as I was given some peace of mind after my positive echo sound.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (16 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
My opinion as follows:

Detailed Answer:
Hello again!

I am glad that you are feeling better!

But, it is a little early to come into conclusions on the effects of the reduction of the dose of atenolol.

Regarding the icecream, there is not any known relation between ectopic heart beats and eating icecream. But, it can be explained with the effects of the cold in your stomach and your body.

Regarding the cardiac MRI, you can still choose not to do this test and wait and see how your situation is going to be. Anyway, you should know that this is a much more accurate test compared to the cardiac ultrasound, to help examine the heart tissues and exclude possible changes due to coronary artery disease.

Hope you will find this information helpful!

If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to ask me again!

Regards,

Dr. Iliri
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (0 minute later)
Brief Answer:
My opinion as follows:

Detailed Answer:
Hello again!

I am glad that you are feeling better!

But, it is a little early to come into conclusions on the effects of the reduction of the dose of atenolol.

Regarding the icecream, there is not any known relation between ectopic heart beats and eating icecream. But, it can be explained with the effects of the cold in your stomach and your body.

Regarding the cardiac MRI, you can still choose not to do this test and wait and see how your situation is going to be. Anyway, you should know that this is a much more accurate test compared to the cardiac ultrasound, to help examine the heart tissues and exclude possible changes due to coronary artery disease.

Hope you will find this information helpful!

If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to ask me again!

Regards,

Dr. Iliri
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Ilir Sharka (2 days later)
Hi Dr
Seems to be something new everyday with this ectopic issue. As you are well aware I have been taking 50mg Atenolol for 27 years now and I am reluctant to change medication but both my cardiologist and my GP have suggested a change of beta blocker namely Bisoprolol. In your professional opinion would this be a good idea and what would be the equivalent of this tablets when compared to the 50mg of Atenolol ? They reckon this change could reduce the ectopics significantly without having to resort to an anti arrhythmia drug such as Flecanide. I am not sure myself as the Atenolol has kept my BP in check for a very long time and has helped me greatly with my anxiety issues. Is it safe to change and what could be the risks if any ?
default
Follow up: Dr. Ilir Sharka (0 minute later)
Hi Dr
Seems to be something new everyday with this ectopic issue. As you are well aware I have been taking 50mg Atenolol for 27 years now and I am reluctant to change medication but both my cardiologist and my GP have suggested a change of beta blocker namely Bisoprolol. In your professional opinion would this be a good idea and what would be the equivalent of this tablets when compared to the 50mg of Atenolol ? They reckon this change could reduce the ectopics significantly without having to resort to an anti arrhythmia drug such as Flecanide. I am not sure myself as the Atenolol has kept my BP in check for a very long time and has helped me greatly with my anxiety issues. Is it safe to change and what could be the risks if any ?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (5 hours later)
Brief Answer:
I would recommend as follows:

Detailed Answer:
Hello again!

I understand your concern and would explain that it is worth trying bisoprolol., but I don't think that we are going to have any great changes.

Regarding the equivalent dose of bisoprolol, I would recommend 5mg daily.

Regarding their positive effects on blood pressure values and anxiety, bisoprolol and atenolol are quite similar.

Hope you will find this answer helpful!

Please let me know in case of further uncertainties!

Kind regards,

Dr.Iliri
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
doctor
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (0 minute later)
Brief Answer:
I would recommend as follows:

Detailed Answer:
Hello again!

I understand your concern and would explain that it is worth trying bisoprolol., but I don't think that we are going to have any great changes.

Regarding the equivalent dose of bisoprolol, I would recommend 5mg daily.

Regarding their positive effects on blood pressure values and anxiety, bisoprolol and atenolol are quite similar.

Hope you will find this answer helpful!

Please let me know in case of further uncertainties!

Kind regards,

Dr.Iliri
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Ilir Sharka

Cardiologist

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 9534 Questions

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Dr Sharka Adviced Me Last Time So Dont Know If

Dr Sharka adviced me last time so dont know if he is available in any case you guys must have my correspondence with him. I have been experiencing skipped or missed beats all afternoon about 10 or so an hour but i feel ok no pain no diziness nothing. Although i do feel a knot sensation in my chest when the skipped beat occurs. Other than that i am blurping more though. Since i increased my atenolol a month or so back from 50mg daily to 75mg daily i have been better until today. I feel anxious and scared and i have to wait til September to see the cardiologist and have some tests including a holster test. My blood pressure is normal on 7.5/11.0 and my heart rate is round about 58, 59. Can you or anyone please advice me ?