Arrhythmia and "pectus excavatum"

[frs87]

If you don't know what "pectus excavatum", Wikipedia is always a good help: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pectus_excavatum

"Pectus excavatum is a congenital deformity (often present at birth) of the sternum, which is pressed into the chest, resulting in a "caved-in" or sunken appearance."

There are many degrees of gravity. I didn't know I had this until I read on my echo that the exam was compromised by the presence of "pectus excavatum".

Since I have never noticed nothing abnormal on my chest (nor anybody else), probably I have a very subtable version of this abnormally, which is very common in general population.

I read it can cause arrhythmias because it forces the heart to the left. I'm going through a period in which PACs and PVCs are almost ruining my life, and now I discovered that this abnormality maybe causing arrhythmias (I already had an Atrial Flutter cured in ablation), I'm wondering if things are related.

Have someone ever heard something about this?

[Momto3]

Yep, same thing for me.  My doctor mentioned pectus excavatum about 25 years ago, and I get palps....He said there is a correlation, but I don't notice anything unusual or peculiar other than the palps.  He said it is kinda like your chest caves in a bit, changing the anatomical placement of "stuff" inside...but not in a big way.

[frs87]

So, my conspiracy theory about pectus causing my atrial flutter or others complex arrhythmias has no basis? Oh well, not funny... :(

[tickertock]

I have pectus excavatum used to be more severe , my case got better with age, always was aware of my heartbeat, with tachycardia and PVCs. one cardio once told me that having pectus excavatum probably made me more aware of heartbeat and thus contributed to the anxiety which caused more palps. Both my sons age 18 and 21 have moderate pectus excavatum, curiously enough they are not heart aware like I am and have never complained of palpitations.I have read that there is a connection between the two, though apparently even some severe cases there appears to be no significant problems.