Exploring the Link Between AVNRT and Ectopic Atrial Beats
Greetings, I am a 32-year-old female currently under medication, which includes 80mg of Prozac, 75mg of lamotrigine, 100mg of Topamax, 20mg of Omeprazole, and lo loestrin (exact dosage unknown), along with a multivitamin. Over the past year, I have been diagnosed with ectopic atrial beats after wearing a continuous Holter monitor for two weeks, along with AVNRT—having experienced at least one episode of supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) with a heart rate peaking between 150 and 175 for around two and a half hours, which was resolved using the Valsalva maneuver. I find myself questioning whether there is any relationship between these two conditions. My online research suggests that while ectopic atrial beats may potentially initiate AVNRT, the two types of arrhythmias arise from different regions of the heart. Presently, I experience symptoms like dizziness, episodes of shortness of breath during physical activity (despite previously being very fit and successfully passing a cardiac stress test), palpitations, and occasional chest discomfort. My electrophysiologist has recommended that I undergo a cardiac ablation procedure to address the AVNRT. This leads me to inquire whether this procedure will influence the ectopic atrial beats I have been experiencing. To summarize, my inquiries are as follows: 1. Is there a likely connection between my diagnoses of ectopic atrial beats and AVNRT, or are they simply unrelated diagnoses? 2. Will a cardiac ablation aimed at treating the AVNRT have any impact on the ectopic atrial beats?
Answers (1)
7/4/2025, 4:50:42 PM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for sharing your concerns and detailed medical history. It’s understandable to seek clarity about the relationship between ectopic atrial beats and AVNRT, as well as the impact of your upcoming cardiac ablation.
Main Points:
- There is a potential link between ectopic atrial beats and AVNRT.
- Cardiac ablation for AVNRT may not directly affect ectopic beats but can significantly improve overall heart rhythm stability.
Explanation:
-
Connection Between Ectopic Atrial Beats and AVNRT:
- Ectopic atrial beats are extra heartbeats originating from the atria, which can potentially trigger episodes of AVNRT (Atrioventricular Nodal Reentrant Tachycardia). While these two arrhythmias arise from different mechanisms—ectopic beats from an irregular focus in the atria and AVNRT from a reentrant circuit involving the AV node—they can coexist. Since ectopic beats can initiate AVNRT, your occurrences of both are not entirely unrelated.
-
Impact of Cardiac Ablation:
- The proposed cardiac ablation focuses on disrupting the electrical pathways responsible for the AVNRT. While it is primarily aimed at controlling AVNRT episodes, the efficacy on ectopic atrial beats can vary. Some patients experience decreased frequency or intensity of ectopic beats after ablation, while others may notice no change.
Next Steps:
-
Continue Monitoring Symptoms:
- Keep track of your symptoms, especially the frequency and intensity of ectopic atrial beats, dizziness, shortness of breath, and palpitations.
-
Discuss Concerns with Your Electrophysiologist:
- Before proceeding with the ablation, have an open discussion with your electrophysiologist about your ectopic beats and how they relate to your treatment plan. It's crucial to set clear expectations regarding the outcome of the procedure.
-
Prepare for the Ablation Procedure:
- Adhere to any pre-procedure instructions provided by your healthcare team. This may include adjustments to your current medications or activity levels leading up to the procedure.
-
Post-Procedure Follow-Up:
- After the ablation, attend all follow-up appointments to assess your heart's rhythm and address any changes in your symptoms.
Remember, managing these conditions can take time, and it’s important to prioritize your health and communicate openly with your healthcare providers. If you need further clarification or support, don't hesitate to reach out.
Related Questions
Should I Be Concerned About a Dent in My Shinbone?
At 34 years old, I have been dealing with a peculiar indentation in my right shin since I was 12, which occurred during an injury at a sixth-grade camp. Despite never having consulted a physician about it, the dent never caused significant issues until recently. Over the last year, I have begun experiencing increased pain in that area. My attempts to research this have led me to various suggestions online, indicating that such indentations are uncommon and might be linked to a hematoma or a bone bruise. Nonetheless, given that it’s been over 22 years, I would expect any such injuries to have resolved long ago. Now, I'm left wondering if this is something I should genuinely be worried about, especially since the pain has become more pronounced lately, or if it's simply a sign of aging—perhaps I'm just getting older and that's why I’m feeling aches. 😂 I have a doctor’s appointment in a few weeks for an unrelated issue, and I intend to bring this up for discussion. However, I’m eager for any advice or insights before then.
Ongoing Ear and Neck Discomfort: Seeking Guidance
Greetings! I am a woman in my mid-30s residing near Philadelphia, PA. For several years, I have been grappling with a condition that has significantly disrupted my daily life. I am longing to reclaim my sense of well-being but have yet to discover effective treatments. I would greatly appreciate any advice or insights from those who might understand my situation. In December 2019, I had an appointment with a chiropractor I had frequented multiple times over the previous years without any previous issues. During that visit, I was battling a common cold but proceeded with the adjustment to my back and neck as usual. Shortly afterward—within that same evening or a couple of days later—I began experiencing a feeling of fullness and congestion in my left ear. Fortunately, this sensation subsided after my cold resolved. However, after experiencing another cold a few months later, the fullness returned, but once again, it dissipated once the illness passed. I contracted Covid twice, first in November 2020 and again in January 2022. Following the initial bout, I started experiencing monthly headaches that approached migraine intensity, with a distinct pain localized to the left side of my head. Additionally, I noticed a clicking sound in my left jaw whenever I opened or closed my mouth, which persists to this day. If I repeat this action too frequently, it often leads to a headache. Over time, I began to experience occasional ringing in my left ear and pressure on the left side of my face. Walking often triggered headaches, particularly on the left side of my head. Activities that required me to lean forward, such as planks, also increased internal pressure in my head. The left side of my face frequently feels congested, and my left nostril is often stuffy. I sometimes feel itchiness inside my left ear and occasionally experience pain along my left jawline. When driving uphill, my left ear seems to pop open momentarily; however, it usually reverts to a congested sensation. Blowing my nose can help momentarily relieve the pressure in my ears, but the stuffiness usually returns. Every morning, I find myself expelling mucus that seems to originate from the left side of my sinuses—a change that began only a few years ago. This constant issue leads to considerable fatigue—possibly due to the persistent pressure—especially during the early hours of my day. Consequently, I have been sleeping significantly longer since these symptoms developed. **Consults with ENT Specialists:** I have sought help from various ENT specialists regarding my symptoms. During my visits, hearing tests indicated that my left ear was not performing as well as the right, although the specialists deemed the results not alarming. I do feel that sounds from the left side seem somewhat muffled. Two specialists recommended MRIs of my brain, conducted around nine months apart; both came back with normal findings, showing no fluid. The ENT doctors suggested trying nasal decongestant sprays, but every product I've used have exacerbated my discomfort, creating additional pressure on the left side of my head and neck. **Neck Concerns:** Alongside these issues, I have developed tightness and tenderness on the left side of my neck, potentially attributed to a decade of computer work or frequent cell phone use in the evenings. Occasionally, specific movements of my neck produce squishy sounds on the left side. **Vision Problems:** In recent years, my left eye has become increasingly blurry, and I perceive strange movements or shadows from that eye. An eye doctor diagnosed me with floaters. I also have rosacea and another eye specialist suggested I might have ocular rosacea, while another attributed my symptoms to dry eyes. I find myself blinking my left eye more frequently than normal, and if I move my eyes a lot—particularly upwards—my left eye experiences soreness. **Dental Issues:** Multiple dentists have pointed out that I grind my teeth. About a year ago, I consulted an orthodontist specializing in TMJ. They performed imaging and revealed an issue related to my jaw. The orthodonist proposed a treatment involving mouthguards—one for daytime use and another for nighttime—along with physical therapy, with a total cost of $5,000. I was unsure about the necessity of this plan and ultimately chose not to pursue it due to concerns of it being a potential scam. **Additional Details:** Recently, I visited a different chiropractor who took an X-ray of my upper body, finding everything normal without any signs of calcification. However, after recent adjustments, the ringing in my left ear has returned. Since late 2016, I've occasionally slept with a ceiling fan on, positioned directly above my king-sized bed. I lay on my right side, meaning my left side is closest to the airflow from the fan. Nonetheless, when my symptoms escalated in December 2019, I had not used the ceiling fan since mid-October that year. I resumed using it from January 2020 until recently, and I have been attempting to sleep without it for about two weeks, though I have yet to notice any improvements. I underwent a balance test two years ago, which returned normal results, and a sleep study about a year and a half prior that also indicated normal outcomes.
Concerns About My Sunburn
At 26 years old, I recently experienced a severe sunburn on my back. I noticed a darker patch on my skin that I initially assumed was a birthmark. However, I’ve observed that it has changed to a green color. Is there any possibility that sun damage could cause it to lose all its natural pigment? Should I be alarmed by this change? I’ve searched for similar occurrences but haven't come across anything related. It’s definitely not a bruise, as I have taken the time to confirm this.
What is the Minimum Required Frequency for Taking Orilissa?
Age 24, weight 125 lbs, and I have been diagnosed with endometriosis. I understand that the proper usage is as directed, which means taking it twice a day. However, I will be losing my health insurance in mid-July, and my co-pay for Orilissa will skyrocket from $9 monthly to an astronomical $1500, which exceeds my entire monthly income. Currently, I have about six weeks worth of medication left, equating to approximately 100 pills. In a perfect scenario, I would adhere to the prescribed dosage. Yet, as someone who works as a pharmacy technician, I recognize this might be a misguided plan, but I truly feel I've exhausted all my options aside from stretching the medication supply for as long as I can. Given that endometriosis doesn't pose an immediate threat to my life, I wonder if I can safely reduce the frequency? However, without the medication, my menstrual symptoms are overwhelmingly challenging, and I would rather avoid them completely. Is this approach even feasible or maintainable? I feel like I've hit a dead end. I'm also attempting to transition to a full-time position to secure new insurance, but I'm uncertain about how long that process may take. Thanks for listening to my situation.
Concerns About Cerebral Edema Postpartum
I am a 19-year-old woman, standing 5'4" and currently three weeks post-delivery, being treated with labetalol. Lately, I find myself plagued by health anxiety, which is fueling my worries about potentially having cerebral edema. After experiencing postpartum preeclampsia just a few days following childbirth, I've been troubled by persistent blurry vision alongside a peculiar sensation in my head — possibly a form of pressure or severe dizziness, though I can't quite articulate it. At one point, these symptoms subsided for several days, but they have since returned, fluctuating throughout the day. Each time I visit the emergency room, I am reassured that these are merely residual effects of preeclampsia; however, the intensity of the sensations can be quite frightening. My obstetrician seems unable to provide any clarity and has consistently redirected me to the ER. They have conducted numerous tests, but a CT scan of the head has yet to be performed.