I have been told by my Doctor that I have ecoptic heartbeats.

My understanding is that ectopic beats can be extra beats not necessarily missed ones. Yes, sometimes I am not aware of my heart "misfiring" but mainly I feel  discomfort a sensation that is difficult to describe and occurring at least once a day for up to an hour. 

Hi there Peter, I don't get jolts either, just a pause. Usually after eating or when I'm hungry. I had a heart Echo done a few years back when the ectopics/palps got me down. I remember the doctor then saying that the bottom of our hearts is fairly close to the top of our stomachs. When we eat, the gas generated goes up the oesophagus and "tickles" the heart. I guess that makes sense for some of us. A sliding hiatus hernia can also do the same I think. Gee whizz, I'm no expert and I just repeat what I've been told over the years. But, every little bit of information helps, I take no notice of the "downers" or the negative comments, I believe we are all here to help others as much as possible, and I know these sites have given me comfort and knowledge over the years of ectopics etc. Of course, I get checkups regularly, but when my doctor tells me my heart is fine, then I look for other reasons for this malady elsewhere. And there are things we can do to help ourselves usually, it's a bit of trial and error for all of us, finding out what triggers these darn things, we have to "keep on keeping on"......Lizzie

I have had "ectopic" beats forever. I first investigated them when I was an ICU nurse years ago. I had the opportunity to sit and watch the patients' cardiac monitors one slow night. So I hooked myself up to a telemetry monitor and watched my own rhythm for a while. I was able to identify the ectopic beats. They are PACs (Premature Atrial Contractions). Instead of the normal pathway of a heartbeat, they originate in an alternate site and occur earlier than a "normal" beat. After the PAC occurs there is a pause (called a compensatory pause) and then normal heartbeats resume. The first of these normal heartbeats is more forceful than others . . . to compensate for the delay in rythym. This is when I feel the "jolt" you refer to. However, it is not a jolt to my body but it feels more like a tiny bubble in my throat or chest or esopagus or whatever! I've been told they are harmless but was concerned last Fall when they occurred more frequently than usual. Too much caffeine can initiate mine so I cut back on the caffeine and my thyroid meds had to be reduced also. I still get one occasionally but I don't worry about that. Hope this helps answer your question..

I also liked Diannes post and appreciate her expertise. The rest of us are really just floundering really. Your'e most welcome with your queries Peter, and there are many lovely people posting here who like to help. I don't have to feel my pulse to feel the pauses, I can feel them in my chest, then if I feel my pulse too I can feel a little pause. But definitely no jolt or heavier beat. I'm getting them mainly after eating but sometimes they can go on for an afternoon and full evening. I don't feel faint, or sick, or breathless - but I do wish I could get them sorted. I'm sorry my posts are later, I live in Australia and our time difference is the reason. Regards to you all, Lizzie (and I've been getting these for over 20 years, that might put some minds to rest...)

Hi Peter,

I have had ectopic beats now for about 3 years and I do not always feel an extra strong one after. I would not worry about this.  When I started having these awful things, I thought for sure I was going to die.  Well if you read this wonderful forum, folks have had them for many years and our doctors assure us we will not!  I would sure like to get rid of them.  Life style changes help.  Keep posting.