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Ectopic heart beats

(10 Posts)
Outcast52 Mon 26-Jan-26 17:54:38

I've had these for years and always been told they are common and benign. They take the form of a sudden thump in the chest or a hollow feeling which is when a single expected heartbeat doesn't happen so the next one has twice the amount of blood in it, causing it to feel more forceful. Mostly I ignore them and I can have long stretches of time where I don't seem to get them. But I also have the opposite - days and weeks where they are much more frequent and then I find them intrusive and quite stressful. I take the highest daily dose of Atenolol, partly for high blood pressure and partly to suppress these beats. I'm convinced that there's a link with my digestive system and certain foods trigger or cause them.

Does anyone else suffer with these and do you have any tips to help stop them or at least calm them down?
Thanks smile

Astitchintime Mon 26-Jan-26 18:32:40

“Ectopic heartbeats are common, usually harmless, extra or early beats that feel like a skipped or fluttering heart, often triggered by stress, caffeine, alcohol, or fatigue. They rarely damage the heart and often need no treatment, notes the British Heart Foundation. Seek medical advice if symptoms are frequent; call 999 if accompanied by chest pain, severe breathlessness, or fainting. “

Googled it for you OP.

Sarnia Tue 27-Jan-26 08:58:29

After years of asking I finally got a cardiologist to admit that there is a link between the digestive and cardiovascular systems.
The vagus nerve can have an effect on the heart. Dr Sanjay Gupta is a cardiologist in York. He has short tutorials on You Tube on everything to do with the heart. Have a look at ectopic heartbeats. He explains everything in easy to understand terms.
I have learnt through trial and error not to eat big meals. I eat little and often and not after 8pm. Spicy, fatty foods are best left alone too. Keeping a food diary helped me to identify foods that irritated my digestion and heart. If you are concerned in any way have a chat with your GP. Maybe you could have a 24/48 hour tape fitted if you haven't recently had one to see what is going on. Good luck.

Outcast52 Tue 27-Jan-26 10:16:50

Thank you

foxie48 Tue 27-Jan-26 10:23:53

Dehydration is also a cause of ectopics as well as other arrhythmias as it interferes with the balance of your electrolytes.

Outcast52 Tue 27-Jan-26 10:27:10

Thanks sarnie. I'll check out those tutorials.
Noted, foxie - I know I don't drink enough water, so that's an easy one to try and correct.

Retread Tue 27-Jan-26 12:01:51

I've just had the results of a 24 hour ECG that revealed "multiple ectopic beats". The GP patiently explained to me that it is nothing to worry about (in my case) as I am unaware of them, but to be aware of my caffeine intake, avoid stress and stimulants (what?! 😁). And drink enough water.

I'll watch the Gupta YouTube videos too, thank you.

Northernsoulnanna Thu 29-Jan-26 19:17:21

Ive just been diagnosed with eptopic heartbeat today by gp had ecg yesterday after a few weeks of heart monitor showing irregular after being put on Blood Pressure Tablets.
He showed me the results of ecg im quite normal to start with then the beats hit top of graph.
Blood test to check on salts in my body which can cause this, I honestly cant remember if its too much salt or body too low can cause Eptopic Beats.
Im very careful with salt intake but i do drink a lot of coffee,
ECG results sent to Cardiologists at the Hospital to decide if they want to investigate.
No meds prescribed today.
Glad i found this thread im quite worried as he didnt say eptopic is common and dont worry.

Skyea Fri 22-May-26 08:31:05

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Aveline Fri 22-May-26 08:40:49

Reported