Heart arrhythmias

[ferguson1918]

Despite being extremely fit and healthy I was diagnosed with viral cardiomyopathy (possible myocarditis) three years ago with a multitude of complex arrhythmias being my main symptom that resulted in black outs. Fortunately my heart function is much improved with medication alone and now have an EF of 50% and considered stable. I still have medical reviews due to being left with mild to moderate regurgitation of the aortic and mitral valves.
However can someone tell me despite this why I still continue to suffer with regular ectopic heart arrhythmias that are very disconcerting and when/if do I get concerned about these?
Thank you

[Nurse Tina Bennett]

Ectopic heart beats are impulses that fire off prematurely in the hearts electrical conduction system. They can originate in the atria or the ventricles, often referred to as premature atrial contractions (PAC's) or premature ventricular contractions (PVC's). Most people will have then at some point but will be unaware of them. In a structurally normal heart they are considered benign. If they occur very frequently then a cardiologist may recommend medication to help suppress the beats such as beta blockers.
In this case, that is dilated cardiomyopathy presenting with blackouts due to heart rhythm problems (arrhythmias), it would not be unusual to see frequent ectopic activity. The cardiologist involved in your care will have done a variety of tests to assess the risk of further heart rhythms that could cause collapse. This is to assess if you may require a implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). They may have started you on medication to help prevent further arrhythmias. Despite this you may have some ectopics. If the ectopics were to increase in frequency or provoke symptoms such as dizziness then you should see your cardiologist for further assessment. If you feel your heart is racing, when it would not normally, then again, see your doctor. If you were to experience a fast heart rate that made you feel acutely unwell or caused collapse then you should call 999 and attend A&E.