Strange ECG recordings - unsure what to do

[Anonymouse2019]

I'm not going to waffle or drip-feed but I have a handheld ECG monitor but no cardiac diagnosis

I've been fighting a nasty virus or infection since Friday - swollen tonsils, white spots, enlarged lymph gland and pain in ear. Got antibiotics from GP yesterday morning (Monday) as symptoms are not yet improving.

I can't sleep because my heart is fast and the rhythm didn't feel right. It felt thumpy and irregular. I've taken several 30-second ECGs and am consistently getting a warning for "deviating waveform" on each. I've tried Google Lens but haven't found anything and no idea,what I'm looking for.

In terms of going to A&E, yes I could. I can drive, but shouldn't (it's quite deep snow outside and I've never driven in snow before having only passed my test 3 months ago but idnever drive with concerning heart symptoms anyway), I don't feel unwell enough to warrant an ambulance and due to the snow I might not be able to get a taxi (or I might, I haven't tried).

Does anyone have any clue what might be going on or what is might need to do, if anything? Pics will be shared... (the date is correct on the monitor but not the time)

More pics from different readings

It does look unusual and your heart rate is a little high. I don't know if it is dangerous or not though so I'm unsure what to do. Perhaps call 111? Hopefully someone will comment soon and let you know if it's an emergency. You said you don't have a cardiac history. Why do you have a ecg monitor then?

Call 111 as you're worried. It sounds as though you are getting yourself worked up by taking those readings. You're not well, you know that and the GP has acknowledged this and prescribed antibiotics. If you're running a temperature and not rested everything will be out of kilter and seem heightened. Could you go and have a bath, listen to some soothing music, step away from electronic devices and try to relax?

I'm a cardiac tech, so can't advise on what to do, but they look like premature ventricular contractions to me.

They are ventricular ectopics. A premature beat that is usually totally benign. People can often notice the tiny compensatory pause afterwards if anything at all and many of us will happily have these occasionally without realising. So whilst I wouldn't worry about the ectopics, if you feel unwell get in touch with a doctor.

I agree those are ventricular ectopics which are normal.
Your general rate is ‘normal sinus’.
Your heart rate is a bit high - are you dehydrated, do you have a fever, are you feeling very anxious?
I would not be seeking any medical help based on the monitor.
I would be going by how you felt. If you feel grotty with your throat but basically ‘ok’ then I would stay home.
If you feel ill enough to need help then call 111 or an ambulance.
If you don’t know what it means / have a way other than mumsnet to get answers then you should probably get rid of the monitor. They just cause stress.

Why don't you take a taxi to the hospital. Its not either drive or ambulance. There are other options

Oh sorry I missed the statement about not being able to get a taxi🤐