Arrhythmia Progression?

I seem to be prone to extra and skipped beats in the evening whilst trying to relax, about an hour after my evening meal.  Is this symptomatic of anything in particular, or just a palpitation?  The reason for the question is that a few evenings ago I was led on the floor when I noticed an extra beat that seemed to hold as part of the natural rhythm every third beat for 30 or 40 seconds.  This has been followed by 4 days with no problems at all.

My GP sees no reason to send for any investigative procedure, so If I were to follow this up privately it would cost me an arm and a leg, and whilst I appreciate you can't diagnose over the web I would appreciate if you could advise if anything abnormal is indicated.

Much Appreciated

Si (UK)

[CCF-M.D.-KE]

Arrythmia

What you have described are palpitations, which is the sensation of one's own heart beat. It is unclear what is causing these sensations. A holter monitor test may be a good idea to determine whether or not a rhythm disturbance is to blame. A holter monitor is a device one wears for 24 to 48 hours which records the heart's electrical activity. This will determine the rhythm during the episodes of palpitations.  You have had not symptoms over the past 4 days. Therefore, if you decide against the holter monitor test avoiding caffeine, tobacco, alcohol and stimulants such as those found in decongestants are measures you can take to reduce your palpitations. Hope this helps.

Thanks for your question,



CCF-MD-KE

[flassh1]

I have had the same problem. My father died of heart disease at 53 and this puts me in a high risk catagory. I reported the same symtoms (symptoms) to my primary but only after 3 visits for the same complaint did she start to pay attention. I am also guilty of a small amount of exaggeration to get my point across. She did finally refer me to a cardiologist. I have had an EKG, results normal. Halter monitor, results normal. Exercise stress test, results...... a slight abnormal ekg was detected. While he feels it is nothing to be concerned about, I still am. Since the abnormality was detected I can proceed with a nucleur stress test. He said this would be 95% accurate in diagnosing any condition that may be present. I am also having an echo cardiogram.  My advice to you is to insist to your doctor that this is a problem. Do not allow him to sooth you by down playing your concerns. I know how it feels to lay down for sleep and experience what you are feeling. The truth is that you have the right to have your problem properly diagnosed. My family history is the only difference between us and our doctors reaction to our complatint. I will write back when all my tests are done and let you know the results.