Question: Hi,

Whilst I was studying at University, almost three years ago, I experienced an awareness of my heart beating one particular morning. I went to my local infirmary out of curiosity, where the Dr picked up two ectopic beats, with partial RBBB on a 10 minute ECG monitoring, and confirmed what my symptoms were. The GP reassured me of the harmless nature of what I was experiencing, and referred me to have an echocardiogram carried out - to be on the safe side. I think the reasoning behind me getting it checked out, was because my Dad unfortunately passed away the year before, whilst at University, from a severely damaged myocardium as the result of atherosclerosis. Fortunately, and according to the Drs and my family, nothing hereditary...

My echo results showed that my heart was structurally sound, with 'minor' left ventricular hypertrophy readings, with a resting rate in the high 50s, low 60s. The left ventricular hypertrophy could theoretically be put down to my physical fitness, and athletic endurance events I was taking part in whilst at Uni, I'm not sure? I still am at this physical level, with my training and competitive sports.

My question is, how remarkable is an ectopic beat? Would it be considered a disturbance in the hearts rhythm, and classified as a type of arrhythmia?

I haven't really experienced anything like this since, and I am wondering if the caffeine beverages, and late night deadlines at Uni was contributory to this?

My concern is I'm currently in the process of joining the Royal Marines, and my concern lies with the fact I may be rejected at the medical stages because of having a recorded history of this. Unfortunately, visiting the infirmary at Uni did go onto my local GP records..

In regards to the Royal Marines, under the extreme rigors of Commando training, as a Cardiologist, would your professional opinion be that I am at a heightened risk of developing a cardiac event, or arrest under physical exertion?

I suppose it is in the back of my mind 'am i going to drop dead' when I'm on my 6 miles runs every morning..

I know the answer ultimately lies with the medical examiner with the Royal Marines, but thought I would get a preliminary insight from a Cardiologist first.

Thanks