Forgive me for asking yet another version of the same question, however, I have not yet received a clear explanation. I, and many others with atrial ectopies, have been diagnosed with "pulmonary vein foci" which promote premature atrial contractions (or depolarizations). I understand where the foci are located (in the short section of cardiac tissues which acts as a sleeve over the vein connection to the rear of the heart). I further understand that there is some kind of lesion in this section of tissue which is referred to as a "focus". The assumption here is that this "focus" is busy "firing" signals abberantly, some of which are picked up by the atrial electrical system.
I am one of the unfortunate few who can apparently feel these foci at work...they present themselves as a fine tremor felt (and sometimes palpable) at the throat and abdomen. At night, especially when a small adrenaline rush (due to a vivid dream) occurs, the tremor kicks up for 5-10 mins, then subsides to its normal slight buzzing sensation (located behind the heart). Extensive diagnoses (all typical tests including ep and ekg monitoring) have suggested to my cardio that I am simply sensitive to these foci and "I should get used to it."
I am on 200mg/day flecainide which does a good job of keeping the automaticity of the atria down and basically protects me from the added aggravation of APCs. At this point I am just trying to understand the nature of this beast.
Can you please explain what one of these foci really is? Is it akin to a small muscle relentlessly twitching? If it was caused by a viral insult, is there any hope of eventual reduction or reversal of these symptoms (akin to post-viral fasciculations)?
I would appreciate any insight you could give. Thanks.