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

Oh yes me to loved a good Starbucks, but decaf has really improved as you say.

Premature atrial contractions are benign. The atrium part of your heart is the UPPER part. Premature ventricular contractions are also usually benign . However, sometimes, they can develop into ventricular tachycardia which can be serious (mostly only if you have structural heart problems). Ventricular refers to the LOWER part of your heart, the ventricles. Atrial fibrillation is a rapid - regularly irregular - arrhythmia that is not life-threatening but can make you feel awful ( or you may not notice it, depending on the person ) but raises the risk fo rstroke. It is NOT the same as PACs . Ventricular fibrillation is a different story and life-threatening - however, it is far less common that atrial fibrillation and associated usually with serious heart disease. Please don't confuse PACs with some kind of serious arrhythmia. They are premature beats of no consequence the vast amount of the time - but they can be frightening. PVCs are also part of a normal heart rhythm - only some people may have more than others.. but occasional PVCs in a normal heart are just part of life.

Thanks for this informative post. I have the PACs and drive me crazy sometime🥰

I am currently in Germany and can't find Decaffeinated Tea. I have seen Roobois or South African Red Tea. Has anyone drank this? It's supposed to be both good for your heart, and has no caffeine. Since it is an herb tea, not actually tea, I worry that it could have an interaction with the medication Flecainide that I take daily for Afib. I haven't been able to find any information as to drug interactions for this tea. Does anybody know?

Hi @kenny48,

As you mentioned, Rooibos tea—also known as red bush tea or African red tea—is an herbal tea made with the leaves of Aspalathus linearis plant.
This plant is native to South Africa and like most teas, contains high levels of polyphenols that are thought to provide an array of health benefits. There are two many types of rooibos tea: red rooibos tea is oxidized and tastes similar to black and oolong tea; green rooibos is unoxidized and tastes more like green tea. Here are two articles I found, about Roobois tea and it’s interaction with medication:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0254629914000726
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323637.php

I realize you’ve only recently moved to Germany, but it would be best to consult a doctor about this. Would it be possible to order decaf. tea online?

@kanaazperiera what a great article I love Roobois tea I drink alot of different herbal teas thanks

I have pericardial effusion. It was discovered during my Watchman Implant on 10/2/2020. I have shortness of breath, a heavy feeling in my chest, occasional stabbing pain, but mostly constant aching around my heart. My left shoulder also has chronic pain. My Electrophysiologist put me on a Lasix plus potassium when I saw him on 10/9. It’s not working, plus my right ankle is now swollen. I have an appointment with my cardiologist tomorrow, 10/12. What should be the next step to eliminate the fluid and relieve my shortness of breath and pain?

@cj66 Hi and Welcome Connect. Just as an introduction being I see this is your first post. We are a group of patients and caregivers who come here to share our experiences and help one another with what we have experienced.
Your post took me back to my journey and im pretty familiar with that condition. Basically fluid has built up around your Heart and Lungs, it's putting pressure on them causing them to work harder. So the first step is to get rid of the fluid which is what the Lasix does. The fact that your ankles are also enlarged indicates fluid retention also. So then it will have to be figured out why your retaining and that can be heart related but many other things also. So the out of breath is the fluid also. I would say if its not getting better i would call the Doctor and let them know when i was having those issues it was common to adjust the dose of lasix quite often.
I see tho that today is the 13th so you probably know some more now. I will be here to help with any questions you may have going forward. Please let us know how the Doctors appointment went. Did they figure out a cause?

Have an Awesome.Blessed Day
Dana

I was first diagnosed with “severely enlarged left atrium” after an echocardiogram. Looking for causes, I was diagnosed with Premature Atrial Complexes after a 48 hour Holter Monitor test. Also have minor leakage in left valve which may be due to enlarged atrium stretching the valve. I have no other heart conditions or symptoms other than slow heart rate; I did start using a CPAP about two years ago for moderate sleep apnea. My concern is stopping the enlargement and escalating any additional heart conditions. Any other patients been down this path or mentors have suggestions?

Hi @sqwiz welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. Thanks for deciding to join the conversation. You will see that I moved your question to a discussion that is already talking about Premature Atrial Contractions and Complexes. I did this so that you can connect with members that are going through your same situation and so you could benefit from what they have already shared and ask any additional questions you may have. People in this group like @danab, @cj66 and @slynnb may have more recommendations.
I thought you might also like to read an article that pertains to your diagnosis.
-Left Atrial Enlargement: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment: https://www.healthline.com/health/left-atrial-enlargement
Does your physician currently have you on any maintenance medications for treatment?