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What Causes Ectopic Heart Beats And Palpitations Despite Having Normal Cardiac Tests?
Question: I had all cardiac tests done a few months ago. My heart was structurally normal. I passed 2 stress tests and had 2 48 hour holters put on. The most recent holter showed 400 PACS and 15 PVCS. My heart was in sinus rhythm. My cardiologist says my heart is very healthy and palpitations and etopic beats are all due to anxiety. Lately i have had an increase in palpitations and etopic beats but i have been stressed and i also suffer from acid reflux. Last night after a shift at work, just as i was about to have dinner i felt a few pacs in a row. I have spoken to my cardiologist several times in the last few weeks but he insists i do not need a follow up as my heart is healthy. Is this correct. My heart beat sometimes feels very irregular even when i dont feel etopic beats. Sometimes i will have some faster heart beats followed by some very slower ones and then back to normal. What can this be?
Brief Answer:
Your symptoms are common in people with anxiety and GERD...
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX
I read your query very carefully.
I would like to say that as long as all cardiac examinations were normal your heart is healthy and you should repeat the test after 1 year. Since you have done the cardiac tests a few months ago you should repeat the test after 8 months or so.
What you are experiencing are palpitations related to PACs and PVCs, that are very common in people who suffer from anxiety and stomach acid reflux disease. In your case decreasing anxiety and relieving stomach acidity will relieve your symptoms.
Wish you health!
Dr. Shehu
Your symptoms are common in people with anxiety and GERD...
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX
I read your query very carefully.
I would like to say that as long as all cardiac examinations were normal your heart is healthy and you should repeat the test after 1 year. Since you have done the cardiac tests a few months ago you should repeat the test after 8 months or so.
What you are experiencing are palpitations related to PACs and PVCs, that are very common in people who suffer from anxiety and stomach acid reflux disease. In your case decreasing anxiety and relieving stomach acidity will relieve your symptoms.
Wish you health!
Dr. Shehu
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
hi doctor does this mean the palpitations are causing fast heart rate or is the fast heart rate due to the anxiety or gerd. Also my cardiologist says that due to my age 32 years old, i can repeat the tests in a few years. Is this correct or are the palpitations dangerous that i would need to check it every year
Brief Answer:
Following advice...
Detailed Answer:
Hi back,
This mean that anxiety and GERD are causing palpitations. Palpitations increase your anxiety level causing tachycardia. So the fast rate is caused from anxiety and GERD.
My suggestion is to repeat cardiac once a year, because this will make you relax and decrease your anxiety. Cardiac examinations aren't recommended due to increased risk or because the palpitations are dangerous.
Wish you health!
Dr. Shehu
Following advice...
Detailed Answer:
Hi back,
This mean that anxiety and GERD are causing palpitations. Palpitations increase your anxiety level causing tachycardia. So the fast rate is caused from anxiety and GERD.
My suggestion is to repeat cardiac once a year, because this will make you relax and decrease your anxiety. Cardiac examinations aren't recommended due to increased risk or because the palpitations are dangerous.
Wish you health!
Dr. Shehu
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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