24 hr ecg

[franie254]

I was diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat, and had a 24 hr ECG test. I have to wait 2 weeks for the result. Can anyone explain to me what narrow and wide premas are, My results read: isolated narrow premas 409. 2 to 5 narrow premas 4. isolated wide premas 4335. 2 to 5 wide premas 63.
I am getting very stressed and worried about all this, especially having to wait so long for the results the whole process has taken nearly six weeks !

I have a very active full time job, definately not overweight, not diabetic, don't smoke, and eat a healthy diet.

Any answers to stop my worrying>?

[MichelleP_3811]

Wow, I have to say that is amazing to me.  To have 4,000 ectopics and not feel them.  Well, good luck.  I hope you get to have your surgery soon.  Keep us posted.

[franie254]

Me again! I have been reading various posts about PVCs etc. It seems that most people know they have them because they actually feel their heart miss a beat or speed up.. I have never experienced any of these symptoms, It was only when I went to my GP for a normal visit that he took my pulse and said it was irregular? I wonder how long I have had them?

[franie254]

Many thanks for the input. I am still wating for the results of the ECG! I am waiting to have surgery on my shoulder and am worried that this ECG  will delay things

[franie254]

Thanks will try to stay positive!

[MichelleP_3811]

I think itdood did a good job explaining.  It is quite a few ectopics but try to not stress too much about it because it will make it worse.  Easier said than done but try your best it will be worth the effort.  If you haven't had a work up of your heart it might be in order to get it properly evaluated to make sure there aren't any underlying issues that need to be addressed causing the ectopics.  Your doctor will advise on what your next steps are but a lot of times the amount you are having are treated with a wait and see approach as they do tend to come and go.  Some take beta blockers to help alleviate some of the discomfort.  Take care and let us know what the doctor says.   Feel better soon.

[itdood]

I did a quick google search and it appears that "isolated narrow premas" are what is usually referred to as PACs, or premature atrial contractions.  "isolated wide premas" are PVCs, premature ventricular contractions.  These are also sometimes called ectopic beats.

I'll take a stab at this because the way the numbers are presented in a way I've not seen before.  What I think it means is:

You had a total of 409 PACs.  Of the PACs, you had 4 PACs that were coupled together, meaning 2 to 5 of them right in a row.

You also had a total of 4,335 PVCs.  Of the PVCs, you had 63 that were coupled together, meaning 2 to 5 PVCs right in a row.

That's a lot of palps but I've seen worse.