Do I need medication for ATRIAL ECTOPICS in EKG?

Resolved question:
Hi Doctor,

My age is 22. In the month of march I had palpitations and on visit to doctor, they had done some blood tests, chest x-rays, 2-d echo, holter monitor and few ekg's. My 2-d echo,blood tests etc were normal. The told me I had few occasional benign Atrial ectopics and no medication is required. Yesterday, I went to doctor for a follow up(I had no symptoms) and ekg was taken. She told me that I had begiminy ectopics and had given me a beta blocker named "metaprol". Do I need the medication and Does the medicine have side effects ?

Submitted: 4 Days
Category: Cardiologist

Expert:  Dr. E. Satish Kumar replied 4 Days.

Hello,
Thanks for your query at DoctorSpring.com
I saw your reports and before starting Metoprolol, first I would like to suggest to check your thyroid profile, it's normal then you require tab Metoprolol as suggested by your doctor as your EKG shows begeminy ectopics.
Common Side effects can be
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Tiredness
Depression
Dry mouth
Nausea
Stomach pain
Vomiting
Gas or bloating
Constipation
Cold hands and feet.
Monitor major side effects like usual weight gain
Wheezing
Shortness of breath
Fainting
Rapid pounding or irregular heartbeat.
In case of these major side effects, you should stop it immediately and see your physician.
Regards
Dr Satish

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Patient replied :

Hi doctor Are those atrial or ventricular ectopics? And do I need to worry since I'm leaving my country to pursue my education. Is it common in younger people?


Expert:  Dr. E. Satish Kumar replied 3 Days.

Dear Doctor,
These are atrial ectopics and first you have to check the thyroid profile. Most of these are benign ectopics and usually they don't require treatment unless they have palpitations
Sometimes people usually taking bronchodilators inhalers can have frequent ectopics.
You should also do echocardiogram to rule any ventricular hypertrophy and mitral valve prolapse which are associated with ectopics.
Regards
Dr Satish

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Patient replied :

I was told that my Thyroid profile and echocardiography report was normal. I'm attaching a copy of echocardiography report. Since, I had no symptoms since march, Do you suggest me to take metaprol ? Is it safe for me to go to an other country ?


Expert:  Dr. E. Satish Kumar replied 2 Days.

Since your thyroid profile and echo is normal I would suggest to do a stress test to see whether there is increase in ectopics. If your ectopics disappear during stress test and you don't have symptoms then you can wait and periodically do Holter Monitoring to see whether your ectopics are increasing or not. In case it increases on follow up I would suggest start tab Metropolol.
Regards
Dr Satish

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Patient replied :

I go to gym probably 5 days a week and have no symptoms/palpitations ever. My doctor hasn't asked me for a strees test and I mentioned her that I have been going to gym. As I mentioned you that I'm going to pursue my education, is it ok ? Will this condition lead to some serious disease?


Expert:  Dr. E. Satish Kumar replied 1 Day.

Dear Doctor,
If you regularly go Gym and you don't have symptoms that's good. The purpose stress test is that in case the ectopics disappear then it suggest more of a benign nature and the only it should be monitored periodically or earlier if you have symptoms.
You need not worry much continuing studies, you should go ahead with studies.
Most of these atrial ectopics are benign and are non-progressive.
Avoid caffeine related products like coffee, strong tea can aggravate ectopics, in case you take avoid it.
Avoid stress and have a positive attitude towards life, it's help.
Best of luck for your studies.
Regards
Dr Satish

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