I had an EP study of my heart done and the doctor didn't find anything wrong with my heart. The eletrophysologist suggested that I suffer from anixiety and that is what is causing me to feel my heart racing and suggested seditives. I am not a nervous kind of person, and when I am nervous my heart doesn't race. My heart does race on occassion when I am watching television, sleeping, eating, or doing nothing at all. Before the procedure I was on Verapmil 120 BID and Toprol XL 100 BID. My heart is racing now more than ever and my blood pressure is 150/100. Any and all advice would be aprechiated.
2006-10-25 03:28:39 · 7 answers · asked by samlevine05667 2 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Heart Diseases
I am 28, I don't drink, I don't consume coffee.
2006-10-25 03:52:44 · update #1
I have been evauated by 2 cardiologists and a cardiac electrophysologist. I have been seen in my local hospital and in "famous" hospital in NYC.
2006-10-25 04:45:40 · update #2
A racing heart can be caused by many things.I am assuming that your cardiologist has checked you for any structural or chemical imbalances and asked you to make some lifestyle changes like cutting back on caffeine. Have your symptoms become more frequent since you stopped taking the Toprol and Verapmil? Assuming that you have tried this, and if you are being honest with yourself about not being a nervous person, then I would suggest a second opinion from another electrophysiologist. Sometimes a heart arrhythmia isn't easily induced during a study, but it may still be there. It is possible that the beta blockers you were taking may have muted the results of the study.
A couple of suggestions:
Find out if they passed a specialized Electrophysiology board certification exam.
Find out how much experience they have...In general, the more the better in this highly specialized field.
Find out if they work in a group with other electrophysiologists, not just a group of cardiologists. They can collaborate with their colleagues if things become tricky.
I am in no way suggesting that your electrophysiologist wasn't competent, but sometimes another set of fresh eyes on a problem can really help.
You may find more information on the Heart Rhythm Society webpage.
Good luck :>)
2006-10-28 13:48:58 · answer #1 · answered by Linny 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, i'm no doctor... but this may be helpful:
Cardiac arrhythmia is a group of conditions in which the muscle contraction of the heart is irregular or is faster or slower than normal. Cardiac dysrhythmia is technically more correct, as arrhythmia would imply that there is "no rhythm," but this term is not used frequently.
Some arrhythmias are life-threatening medical emergencies that can cause cardiac arrest and sudden death. Others cause aggravating symptoms, such as an awareness of a different heart beat, or palpitation, which can be annoying. Some are quite benign and normal. Sinus arrhythmia is the mild acceleration followed by slowing of the normal rhythm that occurs with breathing. In adults the normal heart rate ranges from 60 beats per minute to 100 beats per minute. The normal heart beat is controlled by a small area in the upper chamber of the heart called the sinoatrial node or sinus node. The sinus node contains specialized cells that have spontaneous electrical activity that starts each normal heart beat.
2006-10-25 03:31:00 · answer #2 · answered by Joe Somebody 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi, I feel your pain! I had the same problems 5 yrs. ago but I didn't even know how to check my heart rate then, I just felt weak. My heart rate blew out in the 250's plus twice. I am writing you this so you might see a heart specialist. My Family Dr. said I "just had anxiety" too and put me on a type of valium (can't remember the name). Well, I almost died. I found a specialist after I had the EMT's at my house trying to save my life during the 2nd arrythmia attach. The only thing I had going for me, was a tape from the heart monitor machine proving my 257 heart rate. I never lost conciousness. I remember when they technically stopped my heart with 12 mg of adenosine. I told them they should try the stuff out on themselves before they give it to someone (with a smile, It did save my life) I found out during my heart procedure (invasive electropyhsiology cardiac ablation for PSVT's) that I had an hole in my heart 1 cm to my AV node that was messing up my electrical conduction. The hole was burned shut and I have been fine since. I have a little heart block from it (I get some skipped beats and mild racing on occasion) Anyway, I had this hole my whole life and didn't know it. I never could do sports or much when younger, always winded. Now I know why. Sorry this is so long but I really hope you see a heart specialist. My situation is not exactly like yours, but don't give up, I had to suffer for over a year to get an accurate diagnosis and treatment. Keep in touch. Diana
2006-10-25 04:26:29 · answer #3 · answered by Red! 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I was told by a very popular hospital in Illinois, I was suffering from panic attacs which was causing my heart to beat fast and do crazy things. God! I went on for 20 yrs thinking I had an anxiety disorder, afraid to go anywhere alone, afraid to get on an airplane, afraid to go for a walk. Then finally, I went to a heart doctor who read my ekg and diagnosed me.
If you are concerned the EP doctor is wrong. get another opinion or 2 and make sure.
2006-10-25 07:56:06 · answer #4 · answered by happydawg 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It could just be heart palpitations, I don't know your age, but when most women are menopausal they get these. Also, I know you can get these from consuming to much caffeine or smoking can cause them too. I hope this helps!
2006-10-25 03:40:20 · answer #5 · answered by Urchin 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It may be just anxiety but if you have both tachycardia and hypertension make sure your doctor checks you for Pheochromocyoma
2006-10-25 04:39:06 · answer #6 · answered by mukherd 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
try eliminating certain food colors and food additives ,stop caffiene ,alcohol.
2006-10-25 03:39:28 · answer #7 · answered by dumplingmuffin 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋