irregular heart beat

[gaz1]

i have just been sumoned to the doctor after having an ecg. i have experienced  what the doctor told me was a palputation, me heart beat was irregular for about 10 mins then went back to normal, im 52 and very fit. my resting hr is 50. i am on antivistatin cholesterol 4.1. i have had 3 lots of palps in the last 2 years since being on the medication. reading on the web has scared the life out of me. can you help please ?

[Michael J. McWilliams, M.D.]

don't be scared.   They probably think you might be having atrial fibrillation (an irregular rhythm from the upper chamber of your heart) and want to do further investigation.  Unfortunately I think web searches generate more anxiety than information.  The best place to start is to talk to your doctor about what they think is going on and then do a directed search at a particular topic afterwards.  doctors offices often have booklets that discuss arrhythmias.  I think this would a great place to start for information.  When you do search the web, make sure the site you are reading is reputable because their is a lot of information out there that is not helpful.

I hope this helps. thanks for posting.

[Kayano]

not knowing what type of palps you are having, I won't address that. However, I have suffered from Mitral Valve Prolapse since I was 18 (I am 50). I get irregular heartbeat often, and my meds definetely cause more symptoms. I take pain medication and when I don't take any, I don't have any (or very little) palps. When I take my pain meds, within a short time, my heart acts up. Although I have been told my heart is in great shape, at first it scared the life out of me. However, I am used to it now and it is just an annoyance. Maybe your palps are not serious.  Good luck to you and let us know what type of irregular beats you are having.