Tachycardia

Posted by fastheart12 @fastheart12, 2 days ago

I have been struggling with PVCs and PACs for the past three years and tachycardia . My resting heart rate is 60-75 generally when I am at complete rest. Otherwise it’s in the 80s. When I stand it can go up to 100-190s depending if I am moving or not. The other night I was woken up to my heart racing and it was 170. I could not get it to go down so I did end up going to the ER for some fluids. My blood tests are alway the low but normal reading, but that is normal for me. I have had thyroid issues but nothing that is warrant for medication. They have diagnosed me with inappropriate sinus tachycardia, and possibly POTS. I have been on diltiazem 120mg for the PVCs/PACs . My most recent Holter monitor has said that that my burdens have dropped down to less than 1% for the PVCs and PACs, and now they want me to switch to ivabradine 5mg twice a day for the IST. My cardiologist said that since my burden is low we should focus on the IST. I asked if the burden dropped due to the fact I have been on medication for it and she said it’s unlikely. I have never seen an EP. I am really worried to switch medications. Is there anyone who has these types of arrhythmias? Do you always feel unwell like me?

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wcuro | @wcuro | 23 hours ago

In reply to @fastheart12 "I asked to be referred to a electrophysiologist but my cardiologist just said that there is..." + (show)

Please ignore your cardiologist’s recommendation to not see an EP. Always get the opinion of the SPECIALIST who treats and fully understands your particular heart rhythm problem.

jc76 | @jc76 | 22 hours ago

@fastheart12
I responded to your post but don't see it.
I agree with @wcuro.

Asked your primary care doctor to refer you to a electrophysiologist (EP). You can always do this yourself.

I did this many years ago seeing a cardiologist that was treating my Cardiomyopathy and thousands of PVCs. I had got to point that my EF was at 30 and was advised by this cardiologist needed a ICD. It is at that point I asked to see and EP at Mayo Clinic even though a 3 hour drive from my home.

What can I say an expert in electrical functions of heart, tachacardia, PACs, PVCs, AFIB, VFIB what causes them and how to treat them. I would go into all that was recommended and I chose to change my care to Mayo but I already did on a prior post to you but don't see it.

If you would like that information I can repost if you like.

tuckie | @tuckie | 21 hours ago

In reply to @fastheart12 "I am unable to take beta blockers due to the fact the when they tried metoprolol..." + (show)

Hi
Taking a BB Metoprolol when you are already low is inconceivable.

BBs - old work on lowering your BP.

If it is high H/Rate then a CCB is better especially for AFers.

CCB have a lesser interest on lowering BP but act on reducing rapid H/Rate. and has an anto-arrhthymic safe effedct.

cheri JOY

fastheart12 | @fastheart12 | 17 hours ago

In reply to @jc76 "@fastheart12 Asked your primary care to refer you to a EP. A regular cardiologist are very..." + (show)

@jc76

@fastheart12
Asked your primary care to refer you to a EP.

A regular cardiologist are very good but an EP are experts on electrical functions of heart.

How about seeing a mental health counselor? Do you have access to psychiatric or psychology medication specialist? They can really look at all medications you are on see if anything is causing your side affects and then find a medication that works for you.

Also I know you probably have heard this but trying to find something you like to do with also help with anxiety, stress, which lead up to panic attacks. Has anyone gone over what causes panic attacks with you. The only fight or flight response to anxiety, stress, worry releases adrenaline so you can fight or flight. In todays world we don't do that so that adrenaline builts up in body. It can only take so much and then has to release it "Panic Attact."

My psychiatric medication specialist went over this with me when I went through PTSD diagnosis that evolved into a anxiety/panic disorder.

Most specialist will also discuss with you lifestyle changes. Finding and exercise (with doctor permission) or a hobby that you would like to do or have done in past. They occupy your mind off this and hopefully you can enjoy the activity.

Regarding your medications have your doctors gone over them recently to see if still the ones you should take and or the dosage? Things change, additional medical and mental issues can come up and other medications can affect what you are taking.

I self referred myself to my Mayo EP at Jacksonville Florida. My regular cardiologist wanted to get a ICD device but when I had my consultation at Mayo EP he wanted to do both a ICD and pacemaker to help with electrical issues in my heart.

I also so a heart failure doctor who speicalises in heart failure. He did not agree with the medications I was on and the dosage. He changed one and doubled the other. It is why if you can seeing a specialist in the field you are having issues is really highly beneficial.

And if they agree with your other doctors fine but at least knowing experts in that field agree with your treatments.

Jump to this post

I have seen psychiatrists and gone to counseling. They just tell me that I have medical anxiety and PTSD due to getting really sick 10 years ago. I am only on 2 medications diltiazem CD 120 mg 24 hr capsule and buspirone 5mg twice a day. And now the switching from the diltiazem to ivabradine 5 mg tablet twice a day. My psychiatrist and primary doctor do not believe I am having “panic attacks “ they think they are actually vagal responses or Vasovagal Syncope from the sudden spike in heart rate due to the symptoms that happen. I have tried all the tricks with trying to keep my mind off things, have a hobby, meditation, essential oils, you name it. It’s gotten better than it used to be but it’s really hard to not think about it when you constantly feel horrible.
The Mayo I doctor at doesn’t have any EPs so I need to go to Rochester to see one. Is there a specific one that someone could recommend?

jc76 | @jc76 | 9 hours ago

@fastheart12
Which I could be more helpful with my experiences with this. It looks like you are trying everything.

I go to Mayo Jacksonville so I am not familiar with the EPs at Rochester. However, Rochester had been around the longest and still seen as the majoy Mayo out there. The specialist at Mayo are going to be some of the best trained and most experienced medical professionals you are going to find in the world.

I don't think you will go wrong with any EP at Rochester. You can always look at Bios of their doctors on web sites. I do know that my EP I have had since 2006. However he does not see any new patients as he many years ago became the Director of the Mayo Jacksonville Pace Clinic and Electrophysiology. He does a lot of research these days. He has wrote books, and gives sminars to other electrophysiologist. I remember when I lived in Vero Beach before moving to Jacksonville area a cardiolgist there (I was asked to keep a local cardilogist) said to me, "your EP is Dr. Kusumoto? I said yes. "I have taken his siminars you have one of the best EP in the world."

I think you will be in good hands at Rochester like I am in Mayo Jacksonville.

charlene1479 | @charlene1479 | 1 hour ago

fastheart12 - What do you mean when you say you feel unwell all the time? What specific symptoms are you experiencing?

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