Ask a doctor on the topic of Internal medicine

Premature heartbeats

January 28, 2013 | 20,00 EUR | answered by Dr. med. Kathrin Hamann

Question to a cardiologist!
I am a 61-year-old female and I went to my doctor today because I have been experiencing heart problems for about 2 weeks. They are called extrasystoles. Only one was seen on the resting ECG. She has referred me to a cardiologist for a long-term ECG. I also have high blood pressure and take Atacand 8 mg. At my doctor's office, my blood pressure was 155/95, at home it was 131/78/69. I don't understand. Could the extrasystoles be caused by the medication? I do not drink alcohol and I do not smoke. But I am scared. She says that it is not visible on the ECG but still sends me to a cardiologist. Thank you in advance for your response.

Dr. med. Kathrin Hamann

Good evening,

I am happy to help you further.

Extrasystoles are usually harmless and very common. However, it is important to investigate this in your case if you notice symptoms such as heart palpitations or rhythm disturbances. A decrease in performance may also occur. I consider a 24-hour ECG to be important in order to get to the bottom of this. It is not alarming, but simply serves as a targeted examination by a specialist.
Atacand does not actually cause extrasystoles.

Do you have any questions about this? I am happy to help you further.

I am happy to help you further.

Best regards,

Dr. K. Hamann