At times, for no apart reason, my heart beats super fast. It usually happens when I am relaxed. Should I worry

Question

I'm 42 years old and was diagnosed with mitral valve prolapse when I was 20. Because of my MVP I've always had to deal with skipped beats and regurgatation. But in the last year I've had 5 or 6 episodes where my heart just starts racing and won't slow down. Fortunately it usually stops after a while or I get it to stop by "bearing down" as if I'm taking a bowel movement. Each time it has happened it started at a time when I was either falling asleep or just sitting doing nothing strenuous. I'm asking here because I don't currently have medical insurance (though I will soon) so I can't get any tests done at the moment

Answer 1

I have a similar problem. I have what they call SVT which is Supraventriclar Tachycardia(heart rate of over 100bpm). However I also have Nocturnal Bradycardia (low heart rate of under 60bpm) I am currently on Calcium Channel Blocker drugs that are used for Angina (I don't have angina). My Echo sonogram slowed that my Bi-cuspid value has an extra leaflet so in stead of having two flaps it has three so technically I have two Tri-cuspid valves. It gives me ectopic beats that feel like my heart is "skipping a beat" but it is actually doing a double beat. The Calcium Channel blockers slow down the heart rate allowing more time for filling consequently a greater blood supply (ie: better preload and therefore a greater afterload). I no longer have the dizzy spells that I was suffering.

Unstable Angina causes symptoms at rest. Have you had your Cholesterol checked lately. Low density lipoproteins can contribute to the formation of the Atherosclerosis type plague which forms a scab or cap which can break apart then lead to an embolism. I'm not saying that you have Angina just that it would be worthwhile having it checked. One doesn't need to be overweight to have a cholesterol problem, even skinny people can show signs of Angina. If symptoms persist make an appointment for the cardiologist soon.

Answer 2

Heart Beats Very Fast

Answer 3

This could be various conditions that you would have to get on a monitor to determin.
It could be but not limited to;
sinus tachycardia
Supraventricular Tachycardia
Atrial fibrillation with a high ventricular response
Atrial flutter with (say a 2:1 ratio)

How ever there are a couple other ways to break this as well.
A good hard cough will produce the same effect as bearing down.
Or you could try the (Divers response) where you get a bowl of cold water and put you face in it.

How ever in any situation I would contact the Doctor and get it checked...

There is a danger with the, atrial fib & flutter where as you could for a clot and then eject it into the blood stream.
This would be called an emboli and it could cause you serious harm or even make you wake up dead.

Answer 4

The drug you are on is called a beta blocker which is why you are feeling so worn out. As for the b/p, rythm problem, I would like to know if you by chance have been on any ADHD meds during your life. MVP is no big deal, I have it myself along with millions of people have it and don't even know it. The big deal comes when you have it and an arrythmia problem, this increases your risk to form clots and throw them off causing possible stroke,heart attack, P.E. or just and tissue death related to blood thrombosis. You must have V-tac with intermit V- fib, thats just an educated guess with the information you have provided. The only other option would be to treat you with a calcium chanel blocker, but would really have to know what your EKG looks like to try to guess why these are not being used on your. Beta blockers are great because the help keep b/p down and heart rate. Sorry to tell you, you probably will have to take heart medication for the rest of your life you don't just get fixed by a month or two of treatment. YOU SHOULD DISCUSE THESE ISSUES WITH YOUR DOCTOR, SO THAT HE CAN PROPERLY GUIDE YOUR PLAN OF CARE, WHETHER THAT BE CHANGE OF MEDICATIONS OR WHAT. On the note sure being on a med for such a long time is not good. WHAT IS BAD IS TO SELF CHANGE CARDIAC MEDICATIONS, IF YOU GO OFF THE BETA BLOCKER WITHOUT WEIN WITH HELP YOU COULD GO INTO VFIB AND DIE. SO IF YOU FEEL MORE COMFORTABLE WITH YOU BEING THE BRAINS OF YOUR CARDIAC CARE OVER THAT OF A DOCTOR THAT WENT TO COLLEGE AND MED SCHOOL, PASSED BOARDS AND HAS YEARS OF PRACTICE. THEN BY ALL MEANS GO A HEAD AFTER ALL IT "WAS" YOUR LIFE. THE SAME GOES TO CHOOSING ADVICE FROM YAHOO TEENAGERS INSTEAD OF YOUR DOCTOR.

Answer 5

I think you have what they call SVT or supraventricular tachycardia. I was recently treated for this at Prairie Heart Institute in Springfield, Illinois by a Dr. Kreigh Moulton. He is an electrophysiologist who treats electrical anomolies in the heart. My heart used to start beating really fast to the tune of about 240 beats per minute and stick until I went to the ER to get a drug called Adenocard to slow it down.
I had this problem about 4 times a year for a lot of years until it became so bad I referred myself to the electrophysicist. I found his name on the internet after I seen Prairie heart Institute on a sign board.
He told me it was not life threatening, but when your heart is beating that fast and sticks, it can cause problems.
I had a radiofrequency ablation in October and my heart has not taken off since.
Hope that helps.

Answer 6

When was the last time you saw your family physician? Does he or she know about this problem you have? Irregular heart beats could mean something and there again might not. Depends on your family history. But to be safe, check with your doctor about it. He or she may run some tests on you just to make sure nothing is wrong.

Always be aware of your body and what it is telling you. Know how your body works and acts, that way if something should pop up you know what to do about them.

Good luck and I hope you feel better!

Answer 7

Worry- No- BUT SEE A CARDIOLOGIST! Adrenaline will cause the heart to race- but in a relaxed position, the may be cause for concern. You didn't mention age or sex- but if you are a 30 to 50 year old make- an electrocardiogram is in order. Just to be on the safe side of the ground. Plus, do not worry, stress is a killer!

Answer 8

You need to see a doctor you could have atrial fibrillation and there might come a time when you're heart will not return to
normal, which means if you're lucky and you make it to the ER they'll give you a needle and if that doesn't help, have to shock it back with paddles. But you also could have an anxiety attack and don't even know it. However do not delay to see a Physician............
Better sooner then later.

Answer 9

Worry won't help a thing. Educating yourself will help you determine the best course of action. You are correct to "bear down" when your heart races. But to be really safe, you should be on an antiarrythmic medicine. Even though you don't have insurance, you could see a doctor now and get the protection of the medicine right away. After your insurance goes into effect, you can have the tests to determine the root cause of your dysrhythmia.

Answer 10

You may be suffering from anxiety attacks or panic attacks. This can cause rapid heart rate, feeling like you can't breath, hyperventilation, chest pain, and numbness and tingling in your face and arms. This can usually be treated successfully with an antianxiety medication such as Zoloft, Celexa, Paxil, Prozac, Cymbalta, Lexapro, etc. These drugs also combat depression. They are non-narcotic and do not alter your perception like narcotics can. Although, these drugs can sometimes take up to 3 or 4 weeks to reach therapeutic blood levels. Some doctors prescribe another medication to take during the first few weeks of treatment until these drugs reach their full effect that acts soon after taking it. These may include something like Valium, Xanax, Klonopin, Ativan, etc. These drugs on the other hand, are narcotics. But they provide quick relief soon after taking them. You may also want to try to reduce your stress level. Other causes of a rapid heart beat (medical term is tachycardia) can be a disorder called SVT which stands for supraventricular tachycardia. There are medications and treatment options such as surgery for this disorder. (Most usually the surgery is an ablation of the irritable part in your heart causing the rapid heartbeat). Also, people who suffer from MVR (mitral valve regurgitation), have episodes of tachycardia usually during stressful situations, exercise, or menstration. I would talk to my doctor to get to the root of the cause and discuss the treatment options he or she suggests. Hope this helps. from, Jill,R.N.