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Do Heart Palpitations Lead To Atrial Fibrillation?
Question: Hi Dr llir. I'm doing ok trying to focus less on my heart but I was wondering if havingy occasional PACS would lead to a fib in the future for me as my mom had it in her early 50's or should I be ok because my heart is structurally normal? I'm so afraid having these will make me have a fib in the future. i generally only feel a couple palpitations a day and I read somewhere that having a lot of PAC's could lead to a fib in the future and now I feel scared again.
Brief Answer:
Scarce PACs could never damage your heart and health.
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXX!
Welcome to HCM again!
I am glad to have you back and to could be of help for you!
You are right when you think of your structurally normal heart as an important issue.
That's true! A few PACs don't matter in front of a normal cardiac structure. They could hardly trigger atrial fibrillation on such settings.
From the other side, even if atrial fibrillation would occur, it would be quite easy to revert it to normal, and less common to be complicated with threatening consequences like stroke.
So, in every possible hypothetical scenario, more beneficial results could be yielded in your case.
Regarding future prediction of atrial fibrillation, I would add that, there isn't a strong correlation between the actual scarce PACs and a possible future atrial fibrillation, especially on normal cardiac structure settings.
So, don't worry too much dear XXXX!
There is nothing to fear too much in your age and with a healthy heart like yours.
Wish I could be of help to you!
I am at your disposal for clarifying further uncertainties whenever you need!
Best wishes,
Dr. Iliri
Scarce PACs could never damage your heart and health.
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXX!
Welcome to HCM again!
I am glad to have you back and to could be of help for you!
You are right when you think of your structurally normal heart as an important issue.
That's true! A few PACs don't matter in front of a normal cardiac structure. They could hardly trigger atrial fibrillation on such settings.
From the other side, even if atrial fibrillation would occur, it would be quite easy to revert it to normal, and less common to be complicated with threatening consequences like stroke.
So, in every possible hypothetical scenario, more beneficial results could be yielded in your case.
Regarding future prediction of atrial fibrillation, I would add that, there isn't a strong correlation between the actual scarce PACs and a possible future atrial fibrillation, especially on normal cardiac structure settings.
So, don't worry too much dear XXXX!
There is nothing to fear too much in your age and with a healthy heart like yours.
Wish I could be of help to you!
I am at your disposal for clarifying further uncertainties whenever you need!
Best wishes,
Dr. Iliri
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thanks Dr ilir.
I seem to have developed a fear of a fib because of my moms illness.... It's very difficult.
in regards to my palpitations. I don't know how to let go of my fear of them. I know I need to accept that's just how my body works.
I can't seem to forget about those few palps I had during and after my workout. I worked out today and had none. Is that a good sign? I would have them all the time upon exertion if they were dangerous for me correct. And other symptoms? do people that experience them upon exertion in which they are dangerous, have hearts that aren't normal structurally most of the time?
I seem to have developed a fear of a fib because of my moms illness.... It's very difficult.
in regards to my palpitations. I don't know how to let go of my fear of them. I know I need to accept that's just how my body works.
I can't seem to forget about those few palps I had during and after my workout. I worked out today and had none. Is that a good sign? I would have them all the time upon exertion if they were dangerous for me correct. And other symptoms? do people that experience them upon exertion in which they are dangerous, have hearts that aren't normal structurally most of the time?
Brief Answer:
You should continue safely your regular workouts as nothing is dangerous.
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXX!
The fact you hadn’t ectopic beats during exertion, seems to be relieving for you, as those palps stimulate persistent fear to you.
But, I would like to explain that even in the presence of a few PACs there is nothing to worry about.
The presence or absence of a few PACs during exertion doesn’t indicate an increased or diminished risk for life-threatening arrhythmia.
Even when serious arrhythmia occurs during exertion, such as in the case of those unfortunate athletes who have suffered cardiac arrest during competition, there has almost always been an underlying cardiomyopathy responsible for such ominous outcomes.
So, what I am trying to say is that, scarce PACs reflect the absence of an arrhythmogenic myocardial focus, so a completely normal cardiac structure.
But, from the other side, a very frequent ectopic arrhythmia appearance isn’t an indispensable condition for generating a life-threatening arrhythmia in the presence of a cardiomyopathy. A few of them is enough to serve as an effective trigger.
But, this is not your case; you haven’t any obvious evidences of cardiomyopathy.
None, a few, or even more PACS doesn’t change anything. Nothing from them could harm you during exertion or when resting.
Probability of atrial fibrillation occurrence could not be raised by those ectopic beats presence; in fact it is quite low, similar to every other normal individual.
So, dear XXXXXXX my advice would be to keep performing those regular workouts, without fearing about any arrhythmia dangers.
Best regards,
Dr. Iliri
You should continue safely your regular workouts as nothing is dangerous.
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXX!
The fact you hadn’t ectopic beats during exertion, seems to be relieving for you, as those palps stimulate persistent fear to you.
But, I would like to explain that even in the presence of a few PACs there is nothing to worry about.
The presence or absence of a few PACs during exertion doesn’t indicate an increased or diminished risk for life-threatening arrhythmia.
Even when serious arrhythmia occurs during exertion, such as in the case of those unfortunate athletes who have suffered cardiac arrest during competition, there has almost always been an underlying cardiomyopathy responsible for such ominous outcomes.
So, what I am trying to say is that, scarce PACs reflect the absence of an arrhythmogenic myocardial focus, so a completely normal cardiac structure.
But, from the other side, a very frequent ectopic arrhythmia appearance isn’t an indispensable condition for generating a life-threatening arrhythmia in the presence of a cardiomyopathy. A few of them is enough to serve as an effective trigger.
But, this is not your case; you haven’t any obvious evidences of cardiomyopathy.
None, a few, or even more PACS doesn’t change anything. Nothing from them could harm you during exertion or when resting.
Probability of atrial fibrillation occurrence could not be raised by those ectopic beats presence; in fact it is quite low, similar to every other normal individual.
So, dear XXXXXXX my advice would be to keep performing those regular workouts, without fearing about any arrhythmia dangers.
Best regards,
Dr. Iliri
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Hi Dr I ilir. I went to my family Dr yesterday for the final report of my tests and to sum it up they basically said that my palpitations were caused by anxiety and that treatment of my anxiety was essential and that no further follow up or treatment is needed apart from treating my anxiety. The hard part now is accepting it as I am still stressing about feeling palps after exercise. Today I went swimming and felt two palps upon recovery once I stopped. This is ok correct? I shouldn't be concerned and regardless of when I feel them I can ignore them correct?
Are the people who have palps with exercise and upon recovery when it is a problem are they usually ill already as in having other obvious symptoms? Or tests as the ones I have had, an echo and holter have shown other issues beside benign palps?
Is it possible the palps I feel after exercising are simply a result of me feeling anxious about having them? Do you know what I mean?
I know this is redundant but i just feel I need to ask! Sorry to be a pain
Also is it mostly cardiomyopathy you worry about when having palps upon exertion or after. If so I assume this would most likely be ruled out by a normal echo and my stress test four years ago?
Are the people who have palps with exercise and upon recovery when it is a problem are they usually ill already as in having other obvious symptoms? Or tests as the ones I have had, an echo and holter have shown other issues beside benign palps?
Is it possible the palps I feel after exercising are simply a result of me feeling anxious about having them? Do you know what I mean?
I know this is redundant but i just feel I need to ask! Sorry to be a pain
Also is it mostly cardiomyopathy you worry about when having palps upon exertion or after. If so I assume this would most likely be ruled out by a normal echo and my stress test four years ago?
Brief Answer:
Just relax and enjoy your life!
Detailed Answer:
Hello again dear XXXXXXX
I understand your concern, and I would like to reassure that there is nothing wrong with your heat.
Anxiety and physical exercise usually cause ectopic heart beats in every healthy person. Some persons are more attentive to their bodies than others. This would be your case.
It is hard to determine if the palpitations during and after exercise are caused by anxiety or just physical activity. But this is not an important issue, as both these are normal conditions.
Your medical report is very reassuring for this issue. You have a perfectly normal heart.
Regarding cardiomyopathy, it has been excluded from your previous cardiac tests.
So just relax and enjoy your life!
You are wasting a lot of precious time of your life, being concerned and feeling in pain for nothing. It is just an exaggerated perception of your normal body functions.
The more you think about it, the more you get stressed.
So the best thing to do, is to continue your therapy against anxiety, and find a little time for recreational activity and meditation.
It can help you be in peace with your body and mind.
Hope to have fulfilled all your expectations!
I am always at your disposal, happy to answer to all your uncertainties, whenever you need.
Best wishes,
Dr. Iliri
Just relax and enjoy your life!
Detailed Answer:
Hello again dear XXXXXXX
I understand your concern, and I would like to reassure that there is nothing wrong with your heat.
Anxiety and physical exercise usually cause ectopic heart beats in every healthy person. Some persons are more attentive to their bodies than others. This would be your case.
It is hard to determine if the palpitations during and after exercise are caused by anxiety or just physical activity. But this is not an important issue, as both these are normal conditions.
Your medical report is very reassuring for this issue. You have a perfectly normal heart.
Regarding cardiomyopathy, it has been excluded from your previous cardiac tests.
So just relax and enjoy your life!
You are wasting a lot of precious time of your life, being concerned and feeling in pain for nothing. It is just an exaggerated perception of your normal body functions.
The more you think about it, the more you get stressed.
So the best thing to do, is to continue your therapy against anxiety, and find a little time for recreational activity and meditation.
It can help you be in peace with your body and mind.
Hope to have fulfilled all your expectations!
I am always at your disposal, happy to answer to all your uncertainties, whenever you need.
Best wishes,
Dr. Iliri
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you again. Even if I have a few after exercise it is ok. Just ignore them? If I have them every time after exercise is that concerning or normal?
Brief Answer:
Everything seems to be normal with you
Detailed Answer:
Hello Dear XXXXXXX
As I explained before, it is normal to have some ectopic heart beats and tachycardia after physical exercise or anxiety.
So every time you will exercise, you are expected to have some. This happens in every normal person.
You are just more sensitive to them, because of your fear that something is going to happen.
I would like to reassure that nothing is wrong with you.
I would insist once again to try to focus on other things, which make our lives beautiful, and try to ignore these "false alarms" from your body.
There are a lot of beautiful things out there, and you should enjoy your life as a healthy person.
You can feel free to discuss with me whenever you need !
Wish you a relaxing afternoon!
Dr. Iliri
Everything seems to be normal with you
Detailed Answer:
Hello Dear XXXXXXX
As I explained before, it is normal to have some ectopic heart beats and tachycardia after physical exercise or anxiety.
So every time you will exercise, you are expected to have some. This happens in every normal person.
You are just more sensitive to them, because of your fear that something is going to happen.
I would like to reassure that nothing is wrong with you.
I would insist once again to try to focus on other things, which make our lives beautiful, and try to ignore these "false alarms" from your body.
There are a lot of beautiful things out there, and you should enjoy your life as a healthy person.
You can feel free to discuss with me whenever you need !
Wish you a relaxing afternoon!
Dr. Iliri
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
sending you a big hug and many thanks - I can't tell you how much your reassuring nature means to me:)
Brief Answer:
You are welcome!
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
I am happy to have brought a smile on you!
I am always here wishing to be able to help you with your uncertainty uncertainties.
Wish you a wonderful day!
Dr. Iliri
You are welcome!
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
I am happy to have brought a smile on you!
I am always here wishing to be able to help you with your uncertainty uncertainties.
Wish you a wonderful day!
Dr. Iliri
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Hi dr llir. One more question. I take escitalopram 20 mg. is this safe for my heart. Is sometimes get scared when I read it can cause serious and possible fatal heart arrhythmias. I haven't had any problems but hearing that scares me a lot. Is that a very rare side effect
Brief Answer:
This is a rare side effect of escitalopram, usually in higher doses
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX
I am happy to hear from you again!
I would like to confirm your knowledge about the cardiac related adverse effects of escitalopram.
It is known that almost all the SSRI (except sertraline) cause prolongation of QT segment on ECG, resulting in cardiac arrhythmia.
But from the different studies made on the doses of escitalopram, related to this complication, it has been concluded that patients taking the dose 20mg are at a low risk for this complication (like normal persons), while patients taking doses higher than 30mg a day are at a higher risk of this complication (compared to untreated persons).
Escitalopram should be used with caution in high doses in cardiac patients, or substituted to sertraline.
But this is not your case. You are on a low dose and you are not a cardiac patient. You are a healthy woman.
So relax! There is nothing to be scared.
To be sure that everything is going OK and no adverse effect are occurring, scheduled follow ups with resting ECG should be performed.
Hope to have been of help !
You know, I am at your total disposal, whenever you need!
Best wishes,
Dr. Iliri
This is a rare side effect of escitalopram, usually in higher doses
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX
I am happy to hear from you again!
I would like to confirm your knowledge about the cardiac related adverse effects of escitalopram.
It is known that almost all the SSRI (except sertraline) cause prolongation of QT segment on ECG, resulting in cardiac arrhythmia.
But from the different studies made on the doses of escitalopram, related to this complication, it has been concluded that patients taking the dose 20mg are at a low risk for this complication (like normal persons), while patients taking doses higher than 30mg a day are at a higher risk of this complication (compared to untreated persons).
Escitalopram should be used with caution in high doses in cardiac patients, or substituted to sertraline.
But this is not your case. You are on a low dose and you are not a cardiac patient. You are a healthy woman.
So relax! There is nothing to be scared.
To be sure that everything is going OK and no adverse effect are occurring, scheduled follow ups with resting ECG should be performed.
Hope to have been of help !
You know, I am at your total disposal, whenever you need!
Best wishes,
Dr. Iliri
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
XXXXXXX at no greater risk than someone not taking it if I stay below 20mg. I have been taking it and had all my heart tests done. They would have seen on my elf if there was a problem right? Being that I have taken celexa in the past for four years and now ciprex for four months I assume if I were going to develope a heart problem I would have by now? Is it a rare side effect. My dr told me less than 1 %. Is that accurate.
have regularly scheduled follow ups but not regular ekgs. Just the one I had with the heart test
Do you only need regular ekgs if you take over 20 mg
have regularly scheduled follow ups but not regular ekgs. Just the one I had with the heart test
Do you only need regular ekgs if you take over 20 mg
Brief Answer:
Cipralex seems to be safe for you
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
I am sorry to have concerned you with my explanations.
There is nothing to worry about. Your cardiac tests, show a normal and healthy heart.
Cipralex and celexa have similar side effects (they belong to the same family of SSRI and have similar chemical formulations).
It is true that after such a period of use, these drugs have shown to be safe for you.
I would recommend just follow ups with ECG every 6-12 months. This is a normal follow up frequency for every healthy person.
Hope to have calmed a little your anxious mind!
Wish you a nice afternoon, without many bad thoughts on this issue!
Greetings! Dr. Iliri
Cipralex seems to be safe for you
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
I am sorry to have concerned you with my explanations.
There is nothing to worry about. Your cardiac tests, show a normal and healthy heart.
Cipralex and celexa have similar side effects (they belong to the same family of SSRI and have similar chemical formulations).
It is true that after such a period of use, these drugs have shown to be safe for you.
I would recommend just follow ups with ECG every 6-12 months. This is a normal follow up frequency for every healthy person.
Hope to have calmed a little your anxious mind!
Wish you a nice afternoon, without many bad thoughts on this issue!
Greetings! Dr. Iliri
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Hi dr I. I just had an spot with my psychiatrist and he assured me that cipralex is very very safe for me and I should have no worries about an arrhythmia as in his 25 year career he has never once had an issue with not a single patient taking it. He also assured me that if I was likely to have a problem it would have occurred already and that he feels that regular ekgs are not even necessary in my case although he said he would be happy to do one In the future ( just had one a month ago) if I can't let the worry go. He said he is the expert on these drugs and he would never prescribe something that would hurt me and that cipralex is so common that if there were problems with it it would not be as widely prescribed. I think he gave me good advice.
Brief Answer:
You shouldn't worry too much about drug adverse effects!
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX
I hope that you are going to feel better after your psychiatrist reassurance.
As, I said, though no arrhythmic events are expected to happen at that escitalopram dose, it would be prudent to follow the above mentioned ECG follow up recommendation.
I hope that your cognitive behavioral therapy coupled with the underlying medications, will be of great help for you in surpassing the unpleasant condition of anxiety.
Wishing you a pleasant weekend!
Regards,
Dr. Iliri
You shouldn't worry too much about drug adverse effects!
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX
I hope that you are going to feel better after your psychiatrist reassurance.
As, I said, though no arrhythmic events are expected to happen at that escitalopram dose, it would be prudent to follow the above mentioned ECG follow up recommendation.
I hope that your cognitive behavioral therapy coupled with the underlying medications, will be of great help for you in surpassing the unpleasant condition of anxiety.
Wishing you a pleasant weekend!
Regards,
Dr. Iliri
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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