Afib and extrasystoles

[helyanna]

I have atrial fibrillation and possibly freguent ventricular extrasystoles in evenings and mornigs. I have hyperpareathyroidism, muscle dystonia, hypothyroidism etc.

The extrasystoles are as if a calf is jerking in my chest. I had an EKG today. It was very abnormal, but I don't know how, at least AF. The nurse did not first allow me to leave the room, but an older nurse then allowed me go.

What are these calf jerkings in my chest occurring when I lie in bed? They begin immediately when I wake in my bed in the morning. Because I have hyperparathyroidism, it may be difficult to get normal sinus rhythm.

I have 100 mg atenolol as my medicine. I am not allowed to increase the dose. Calcium channel blockers and many betablockers are not suitable for me. Someone suggested Digoxin to me, but hyperparathyroidism prevents its use. I don't know how to treat my abnormal rhythm.

[helyanna]

Thanks for yopur answer. I have begun to think that my atenolol dose is too high. I take 0,75 mg in the morning and 25 in the evening. In the morning some time after I have taken the medicine my heart makes some spurts. I am very angry and anxious. Maybe I have much adrenalin against the betablopcker.

I don't know when I shall have the electric cardioversion. I have planned to travel to another city to have Sestamibi-Technetium scanning for my parathyroids. It is difficult to decide, when I could travel, is it dangerous to get Sestamibi-Technetium an so on. Doctors are not easily caught in summer when they have summer vacations. I have been left in the dark about what and when will happen to me. Cannot but be  waiting and calling.

[CCFHeartMD 15]

Hello. I suggest you to go and visit your cardiologist to define what is causing your palpitations and revise the beta blocker that you are taking (i.e. atenolol) and its dose. He will probably ask for an electrocardiogram holter where you will be able to record your symptoms and the doctor will correlate these symptoms with the presence or absence of arrhythmias like premature ventricular complexes or PVCs. Good luck.