A Flutter, running and caffeine

[bill]

i have a RF ablation 3 months ago to remedy atrial flutter.  Up until last weekend there had been no incidents of arrythmia.  I'm 47, male, marathon runner,  tests show no sign of other disease. After 7 miles of easy running, HR less than 135. I ingested a powergel with caffeine for energy.  Within 5 minutes HR increased to 170.  I stopped running and walked until the HR returned to normal 40 minutes later.  Can caffeine cause this?  Does this mean the RFA was unsuccessful.  ANy comments or sugestions would be very appreciated and helpful.

[Cleveland Clinic, MD]

Believe it or not caffeine slows heart rate slightly.  I would be more suspicious of a return of the flutter or perhaps an episode of fibrillation.  It does not necessarily mean the flutter is back however.  In any case I would suggest a return trip to your cardiologist and perhaps an event monitor test.

[heidi]

What is atrial flutter?  I have pvc's that come in runs and I am also a long distance runner.  When these occur in runs ( more than 1 pvc) it feels like a fluttering sensation in my chest.  I've also noticed a feeling in my throat like I can't catch my breath for a second with these sometimes.  Are these any of the same symptoms?  I have yet to hear from a long distance runner with irregular heart beats.  Any info on your episodes and the treatment would be greatly appreciated.

Heidi

[bill]

To Heidi

I don't know how to respond to your comments directly.  Send your address to me at ***@**** and I'll share my experiecnces with flutter and running.

[Cleveland Clinic, MD]

Hedi - your symptoms sound more like PVCs and PACs but there is no way to be sure without a Holter monitor test.

[heidi]

What exactly is the difference between atrial flutter and having a long run of pvc's in a row?  What's the difference between flutter and an irregular beat?

Heidi

[Cleveland Clinic, MD]

Flutter is from the upper chambers of the heart whereas PVC are from the lower chambers.  An irregular beat is a generic term that could mean almost anything.  Flutter is actually regular and at a rate of 150.