Is there a more effective treatment for my erratic heartbeat than what I'm currently receiving?

Question

I am 55 and have been under treatment for an erratic heartbeat since I was in my late 20's. However, the treatment I'm presently receiving - 320 mg. of Inderal per day plus 1.5 mg of Xanax - is only partially effective. I am wondering if there might be a more effective treatment available to me. The condition doesn't bother me much when I am resting or relaxed. Though it seems to be triggered mostly by my emotions, I have noticed that more and more it flares up under physical strain as well. I seriously doubt if I could endure a stress test simply because the fear of such a test would probably trigger an episode before they could even start it. I've never had any chest pains or any other symptoms of heart disease. I am also being treated for mildly high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol and an anxiety disorder. What bothers me most is the degree to which I am affected psychologically by all this. It puts a crimp in my lifestyle and keeps me from doing things that I might ......

otherwise do. Oh, and by "erratic heartbeat", I am not alking about a rapid or racing heart. I am talking about a condition where the heart seems yo lose its rythm and creates a sensation of having a butterfly lose inside my chest. Also, I would prefer that only qualified medical personnel answer this question. Thanks.

Answer 1

I think you need to see an electrophysiologist and see if they can correct your "erratic heartbeat", and I am telling you this from experience and I also am a registered nurse. I am 42 yrs old.
When I was about 20 yrs old I started having what was eventually diagnosed as PSVT or paroxysmal supraventricular tahcycardia. I ended up in the ER about 4 times with a heart rate over 240. The ER doctors in 2 different hospitals over a 20 year period prescribed me Xanax and Ativan for what they believed were panic attacs. I took beta blockers and was on higher and higher doses of Inderal. My heart still beat crazy fast and I was an emotional wreck. I finally went to see an EP doctor whose name is Kreigh Moulton MD from the Prairie Heart Institute in Springfield, Illinois and he immediately diagnosed my problem which was AV node re entrant Tachycardia and did an ablation on my heart on October 11 of last year and cured me. I went thru hell before I met this doctor. I was afraid to go anywhere or do anything because I was scared my heart would start beating stupid and I literally thought I was going to die. Please see an electorphysiologist for treatment of your problem. I still dont know why my heart doctor did not schedule me for an appointment with him earlier, but I am fixed. I feel re-born and if you call Dr. Moultons office, I bet he can refer you to an EP cardiologist in your area.
Also, you could be having paroxysmal atrial fibrillation which can also be corrected with an ablation. No matter what, you need to see an electropysioligst in Cardiology. They can diagnose and fix your problem.

Answer 2

Has your cardiologist ever suggested that you are experiencing a condition called SVT (Supraventricular Tachycardia)? Based on your description of your symptoms, Inderal is a common treatment for this when it is more of a nuisance and not an interference in your life. If it becomes more bothersome, there is a treatment called Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation that can offer a more permanent solution. It is a procedure that is performed by an Electrophysiologist ( who specializes in heart rhythms). It usually requires an overnight stay in the hospital.You can find more information on the Heart Rhythm Society website.
Of course, there may be other causes for your symptoms. This is just one possibility.
I encourage you to talk more with your doctor.
Good Luck :>)

Answer 3

It is not possible to answer this question properly without knowing more about your condition.

Specifically, it is necessary to know what is causing your symptions. For this, if you have not had one or both tests already, you need either a Holter monitor, or an ambulatory recorder. Both are ways of recording what your heart is doing during your symptoms.

Without this information, it's impossible to know whether Inderal is an effective treatment. I have to say that the fact that you're being treated with xanax implies that the problem may be more from anxiety than any significant problem with your heart's rhythm.

Answer 4

I used to get a really racy heart...especially after drinking caffeine or having chocolate. I tried to take beta-blockers for mitral-valve prolapse and they had side-effects...made me feel lethargic and weak. I read on the internet that people with MVP usually have a MAGNESIUM deficiency and so I started taking those supplements instead of the beta blockers and they really, really help with my racy heart. Ask your doctor if you should try those instead. It works wonders for me. Good luck.

Answer 5

use to be Nurse/ Aid,but talking from my own exp.lose the salt,try sea salt still use little of that,cut way down on sugars,even sugar free,people don't understand that sugars (any)acts just like salt do,I'm sure you can find this out on the net,cut back on your fat intake,get more sleep or just lay down alittle,try diff.sents around your house,colors too,and sound, it will make a big diff.in your life.But as for as cramping your life style maybe this is your life style and you wanting to do diff.may just be the thing thats causeing the whole problem in the first place,try beening in peace see what happens....Pearl g..Take Care of YOU..peace out

Answer 6

Hope this will help you to get an idea...what to discuss... when u go back to your cardiologist. Be well.

Answer 7

What about a pacemaker? Have you ever asked about that?

Answer 8

Please go to the doctor who has the best expertise and follow religiously his/her advises. And do get well!