Extremely strange symptoms/very worried

[Jordan]

About 2 years ago after my first panic attack I developed ectopic beats the day after my first attack, can panic attacks trigger ectopic beats? Over the past 2 years I have had the attacks and beats and have went to the doctor on a number of occasions and he has told me there is nothing to worry about. However more recently I have developed more symptoms out of the blue. At night when I am in bed my heart rate can drop to 48 bpm, I have no symptoms with this. And more recently I have experienced several blackouts when standing up I also feel quite funny when standing up. I am an otherwise healthy 17 yo male who likes excercise and have no history of health problems. My doctor has made a heart specialist appointment but says he is only doing this to put my mind at rest.

Any ideas?
Thanks for your help

[Sandrah]

Hi, I am 32 years of age and over the past few weeks I have been aware of a strong beat in my heart, it doesn't change rhythm,only this one beat that seems stronger than the others. It only happens a few times a day but it worries me sooo much that I think I'm making it worse. Next week I go for an ECG....please help! My blood pressure is normal and my heart seemed to be ok when the doc had a listen...any ideas???

[BillyboyAA]

I have a quick question for anyone who has had a Holter Test done before.  My results were fine my doctor told me.  I wanted to know something.  I had 144 "Late Beats" and 4 "Dropped Beats".  Does anyone know what these mean?  I found something about Sinus Pauses, is this the same as Late Beats.  Aren't these very dangerous and can cause Full Cardiac Asystole(Arrest)?
My longest one was 2.10 seconds.  I feel pauses all the time but my doctor says I am too focused on my heartbeat.  I have sinus arrhythmia and sinus bradycardia.  My resting rate is usually 45-50.  It's usually about 42 when I first wake up in the morning and it does go up to about 100-110 when I do cardio work.  Please someone help me with this, it is driving me crazy.  I feel like I need a pacemaker or something.  Thanx for you help.
***@****.

[broggie]

Nothing too strange here...

                           Stress can trigger extra beats..panic attacks are a result of stress and anxiety...because you like exercise it seems to me you'll be quite fit...that means your blood pressure will probably be lower than unfit people...also your response to movement (heartrate) will be lower since your heart will be more efficient at supplying oxygen to the major organs...when you stand up...your heart should increase speed to keep sufficient blood pressure to your brain...in some people through fitness level or other causes the heart rate does not increase enough and the pressure to the brain drops...this is more than likely what is causing the dizziness.
See your doctor...deal with the anxiety/stress that will help your extra beats...you may just need a little extra something in your diet to help with the transitional pressure changes from sitting/lying to standing...
Whatever dont give up exercise as that will be helping the stress and fitness is good for you anyway.

Best wishes

           Raymond

[CCF-M.D.-CRC]

Dear Jordan,
Panic attacks don't trigger ectopic beats but people who have had panic attacks may be more aware of their heart's beating.  A heart rate of 48 at night is normal and may even drop to the 30's during sleep in a young, athletic individual.  The black-outs are a bit more disturbing and you should mention these to the heart specialist when you see him/her.  He/she may wish to order a tilt-table test to assist in making the diagnosis of the cause of your black-outs.  I suspect this may be a type of fainting called 'vasovagal syncope' which is a benign condition common in young athletes.