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Is It Normal To Feel Premature Arterial Contractions While Lying Down?

Posted on Mon, 21 Feb 2022

Question: hello, I have PAC (premature arterial contractions) im noticing them alot when I'm lying down flat. im currently lying down and keep feeling them over and over is this normal?

Answered by Dr. Sagar Makode (28 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Usually it's not worrisome

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

Usually, in young patients these are benign, not life threatening and not worrisome.
These are frequently associated with caffeine, alcohol, thyroid problems may aggravate these.

So before going ahead we need to confirm it. Firstly, you should get your ecg done to confirm their presence. If these are there, then its better to get examined and auscultated by doctor, and subsequently echo just to rule out structural heart disease.

You should also get thyroid test done. You'll need beta blockers like Metoprolol to keep these under control.
So overall, not worrisome but should be evaluated and structural heart disease should be ruled out.

Hope this helps you and get back if you have any questions.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Sagar Makode (10 hours later)

Thank you! I have had an EKG which was followed by an x-ray because I was having the contractions. BUt my doctor seemed to do nothing about it he just looked at my EKG and said "oh you're having PAC premature arterial contractions" he didn't tell me why these were happening or what could cause them. The x-ray showed that everything was clear and my heart looked healthy , should i still have an echo done? I don't like these heart pauses and squeezing feeling at all. I'm just not sure why my doctor has done nothing about it. Thanks again!

Answered by Dr. Sagar Makode (8 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Okay..

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

Okay..as I mentioned, these are benign in most of the individuals. Majority don't have any significant problems. So he must have auscultated you, and combined with x ray, he might have came to conclusion that the probability of heart diseases is extremely low.

Chest X-ray would show some changes in heart shadow like enlargement or other changes in case of structural heart disease. Also, auscultation would have revealed some murmer or abnormal heart sounds in case of heart disease. So probability is low, and if he is confident enough then it can be deferred. But, I would say, it's better if echo is done although not urgent. Because, sometimes we may miss on chest x ray and auscultation. So you may request him, but if he feels no need then it's okay.

All the best.

Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad