Elderly patient lies in bed at night listening to ‘extra’ heart beats

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Heartbeat

Elderly patient lies in bed at night listening to ‘extra’ heart beats

Chris Ellis

Chris Ellis

Heart rate

Ectopic beats are frequently benign. Auckland cardiologist Chris Ellis considers how far to investigate the patient before reassurance can be provided

A 76-year-old retired nurse presents with concerns about “her heart”. She explains that for about three to four months she has been experiencing brief