Warning Signs of Cardiac Ectopy May Be Hidden in Stress Symptoms

A 57-year-old woman from East Sussex, Sam Adams, thought her constant stress and grief were just taking a toll on her mental health. However, her Apple Watch alerted her to unusually low heart rates, leading doctors to discover an ectopic heartbeat. The condition, where the heart’s electrical system misfires, can be harmless but also indicate a more serious problem.

Sam was prescribed beta blockers and given a heart monitor, but further investigations revealed a brain tumour. Although likely benign, its location made surgery impossible. Sam now takes aspirin daily and undergoes regular brain scans to monitor it.

The case highlights the importance of paying attention to early warning signs. Sam may have ignored years of unprocessed stress and trauma, which led to chronic headaches. Her experience shows that even minor symptoms can be a sign of something more serious if left unchecked.

According to the American Heart Association, people with cardiac ectopy may experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, persistent palpitations, chest discomfort, dizziness, or fatigue. Sam advises, “Listen to your body. What seems like stress or fatigue could be a sign that something more serious is going on. Don’t wait until it’s too late.”

Source: https://www.financialexpress.com/business/healthcare-57-year-old-woman-thought-stress-was-causing-headaches-apple-watch-warnings-led-to-brain-tumour-diagnosis-3951603