Premature atrial contractions: Anyone have any helpful info on this?

I also don't understand what the difference is between premature atrial contractions and premature ventricular contractions, is one worse than the other or are they the same?

Hi from Karen. Atrial fibrillation refers to the upper chambers of the heart and ventricular refers to the lower chambers. I understand from my cardiologist that PVCs (premature ventricular contractions) are the last harmful and that almost everyone gets them from time to time. Atrial fibrillation is irregular beats and often fast and more dangerous.

Correction: Typo - PVC's are the LEAST harmful.....

I wouldn't worry about it, I was at work about 12 years ag ad could feel my heart apparently skipping beats. I asked my secretary to take my pulse and she immediately told me to go to the doctor. I wore a monitor for 24 hours confirming PAC's. Doctor said not to be concerned. My cholesterol is under control with Crestor and Zetia although due to my calcium score of 2014 is probably going to cause me to start using Repatha also this month, They want my LDL down to 20 from 50! I only notice the PAC's now when under stress. Retiring 2 years ago has greatly reduced my PAC's.

Karen I was told the atrial was the least concerning because its in lower chambers? Iam confused now. Thank You Keith for all the info, I have been under a lot of stress lately and now this has made me more stressed! It sure helped me with your info! Karen Thank you to!

Anyone on the Connect team want to weigh in on both P.A.C's and P.V.C's ? just want to get this figured out Thanks

Here is a good explanation of ectopic rhythm from HealthLine https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/ectopic-heartbeat
The article explains:
"Premature atrial contraction
An early heartbeat that originates in the heart’s upper chambers (atria) is a premature atrial contraction (PAC). In healthy children, irregular heartbeats are almost always PACs and are harmless.

Premature ventricular contraction
When the irregularity comes from the lower chambers of the heart (ventricles), it is called a premature ventricular contraction (PVC). The risk of PVC rises with age. You are at increased risk of PVC if you have a family history of PVC or if you have had a heart attack."

@lolly906 I've attached a diagram of the heart showing the location of the atria and ventricles. Sometimes seeing an image helps to recall which is which.

Thank you Colleen this helps a lot!

When I turned 50 I developed Atrial Fibrillation, the primary episodic variety. After 5 years the condition was successfully corrected with an ablation procedure (I'm 61 now). However, I was unable to finish my followup with the surgeon because of a move to a different Canadian province. Since the ablation I've developed two things: first of all, I get strings of back to back PACs (ie, 40-50 heartbeats in a row where every other one is a PAC, then pause for a few normal beats, then the same again). This will continue for a couple of hours, daily. This always happens between lunch and supper, never in the morning or evening. It can also be triggered by doing physical work with my upper body. I've discussed this with my family doctor, and she's checked all my levels (blood suger, cortisol, thyroid, etc.), but everything is normal, so she says she can't refer me to a cardiologist, even though I suggested that I needed to finish followup. None of this happened before the ablation. It is NOT anxiety: I have no mortgage, no debt, a beautiful home and wife, a loving family, a great, good-paying job and no other health issues. Life is extremely good—we even live next door to some of the premiere beaches in Canada. I know these issues are not serious, but they're really annoying, uncomfortable and basically driving me crazy. Is there anything I can do?

Welcome to Connect, @jddart.

You may notice that I moved your discussion to this conversation taking place about premature atrial contractions (PAC) as I thought it would be beneficial for you to be introduced to the many members who have discussed much of what you are experiencing.
If you click on VIEW & REPLY in your email notification, you will see the whole discussion and can join in, meet, and participate with other members talking about their or their loved ones' experiences.

Any symptoms related to the heart can be quite worrisome; here's some information about PACs: https://www.healthline.com/health/atrial-premature-complexes I'm also tagging Mentors @predictable @hopeful33250 to bring them into this discussion and share their thoughts.
@jddart, I'm a bit surprised that your family doctor cannot refer you to a cardiologist; would you be able to consult one without her referral?