1. < Heart Rhythm Conditions

New diagnosis, sick sinus syndrome

Posted by Ryman @ryman, Sep 23, 2017

While taking a sleep study, I had a seizure and my heart rate fell to 21. I was admitted to the hospital for observation. I have an apt with a cardiologist this Wed. I am sure there are many on here with this problem. Just wondering what to expect. Thanks.

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jigglejaws94 | @jigglejaws94 | Feb 22, 2018
In reply to @judylynn "Hello! I am new here and hoping to get some answers and/or help! I am 60..." + (show)
@judylynn

Hello! I am new here and hoping to get some answers and/or help! I am 60 years old and on my second pacemaker. I have the in home monitor that sends readings automatically. Recently I received a phone call from my cardiologists office saying my pacer sent an alert that my heart was beating too fast. When I went for my visit she said it actually had sent 5 alerts. They asked if I was having chest pain and I told them I had but thought it was just indigestion. My cardiologist put me on Metoprolol. I have done nothing but sleep since taking it!! I can’t stay awake. I even take it before bedtime. I went back to the office because of being so tired and was told by his physician assistant to continue the medicine and then scheduled me for a stress test. I went yesterday and was called by my doctor office everything came back fine. I called back to ask since it was fine so I continue the medicine. She said yes because I have sick sinus syndrome and that’s why he gave it to me. Well he didn’t tell me that!!! Anyway she is going to ask him and let me know for sure. I asked what caused the alerts and she told me to call back next week and talk to the pacemaker specialist. The reason I had to have a pacer in the beginning was because my heart rate was in the 30’s.....bradycardia. I’m upset and confused!! I absolutely cannot stand being this tired!! I can’t function like this!!! My question is what would you do? Does anyone else take this medicine? Does it make you this tired? Thank you!!!

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I take Metoprolol succ ER 25 mg once daily to keep my resting heart rate down and control palpitations. I was told that it is a very small dose. I haven't noticed per se whether it causes tiredness though I do experience fatigue likely from other causes. Back in the 1980s, I was on a small dose beta blocker for about 11 years -- I finally went off back then because it was making me tired and can cause mild depression. I hope you get your situation figured out so that you feel like you can function more normally.

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yoanne | @yoanne | Feb 22, 2018
In reply to @kanaazpereira "Hello @judylynn, Welcome to Connect. I'm sorry to hear about your symptoms, and so glad that..." + (show)
@kanaazpereira

Hello @judylynn,

Welcome to Connect. I'm sorry to hear about your symptoms, and so glad that you've joined the Connect community. You may notice that I moved your discussion and combined it with this existing discussion on sick sinus syndrome, as I thought it would be beneficial for you to be introduced to other members who have discussed much of what you are experiencing.
If you are replying by email, I suggest clicking on VIEW & REPLY so that you can read through some of the earlier messages and meet some of our other members talking about their or their or their loved ones' experiences.

@cherfenn @incrediblemulk98 have also discussed heart rhythm issues like sick sinus syndrome, and I'm certain they will have more insights to share with you.

Here’s some information from Mayo Clinic that might help:
Sick Sinus Syndrome – http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sick-sinus-syndrome/basics/definition/con-20029161
Beta blockers (Metoprolol) – https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure/in-depth/beta-blockers/art-20044522

With regard to Metoprolol, we have several discussion you may wish to view:
– New to Afib, warfarin and metoprolol (beta blocker) https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/new-to-afib-warfarin-and-metoprolol-beta-blocker/
– stopping Carvedilol (Coreg): When will the effects wear off? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/hi-everyone-i-am-glad-to-be-a-part-of-this-community/
– Afib & PVC's https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/afib-pvcs/

I'd also like to invite Mentors @hopeful33250 and @predictable to share their thoughts about this medication.

@judylynn, have you asked your doctor if you could switch to another beta blocker?

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@judylynn ,
Er means extended release, so you take the same dosage formel. 25 mg is really a very small dosis. maybe the pacemaker specialist can change some parameters according to your complaints. .
as I described above, I have some troubles with cycling. my cardiologist changed the sensitivity of the sensors within the pacemaker.he told me,that the pacemaker acts on vibrations. If a person sits on a bicycle, his upper part keeps quiet, so there are not enough vibrations for the pacemaker and an increase of the heart rate does not occur, so my legs get tired . the cardiologist enhanced the sensitivity of the sensors. I will see, how this works.
the suggestion of the medical assistent to discuss your problems with the pacemaker expert is very good.
yoanne

REPLY
grandmaR | @grandmar | Feb 22, 2018
In reply to @judylynn "Hello! I am new here and hoping to get some answers and/or help! I am 60..." + (show)
@judylynn

Hello! I am new here and hoping to get some answers and/or help! I am 60 years old and on my second pacemaker. I have the in home monitor that sends readings automatically. Recently I received a phone call from my cardiologists office saying my pacer sent an alert that my heart was beating too fast. When I went for my visit she said it actually had sent 5 alerts. They asked if I was having chest pain and I told them I had but thought it was just indigestion. My cardiologist put me on Metoprolol. I have done nothing but sleep since taking it!! I can’t stay awake. I even take it before bedtime. I went back to the office because of being so tired and was told by his physician assistant to continue the medicine and then scheduled me for a stress test. I went yesterday and was called by my doctor office everything came back fine. I called back to ask since it was fine so I continue the medicine. She said yes because I have sick sinus syndrome and that’s why he gave it to me. Well he didn’t tell me that!!! Anyway she is going to ask him and let me know for sure. I asked what caused the alerts and she told me to call back next week and talk to the pacemaker specialist. The reason I had to have a pacer in the beginning was because my heart rate was in the 30’s.....bradycardia. I’m upset and confused!! I absolutely cannot stand being this tired!! I can’t function like this!!! My question is what would you do? Does anyone else take this medicine? Does it make you this tired? Thank you!!!

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Hi!
I had high blood pressure and a natural fast beating heart. My doctor put me on Metropolol. I was on it for quite a while with not noticable side effects. When I lost weight and no longer had high blood pressure, I was taken on of it on a daily basis unless my heart rate was extra face. I haven't taken it for about a year. I am having surgery next week. I always become tachy when I am under. My doc started me back on the meds until after surgery to slow down my heart rate just in case. I cannot tell if I am tired because I am always tired.

Look up the possible side effects for the drug. Don't forget, everyone reacts differently to meds.
Good luck!
ronnie

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judylynn | @judylynn | Feb 22, 2018

Thank you for the info! I am very medicine sensitive so I don’t know if this is the problem or what. This is my 3rd day on just a half so I’m hoping this sleepiness goes away! I will give it a week or 2. If it doesn’t then maybe request some blood work to see if something else is going on such as low Vitamin D or low Vitamin B12. I can’t think it is since this all started with this new medicine but we will see. I know one thing.....my tired is tired!!! Lol

REPLY
judylynn | @judylynn | Feb 22, 2018
In reply to @judylynn "Hello! I am new here and hoping to get some answers and/or help! I am 60..." + (show)
@judylynn

Hello! I am new here and hoping to get some answers and/or help! I am 60 years old and on my second pacemaker. I have the in home monitor that sends readings automatically. Recently I received a phone call from my cardiologists office saying my pacer sent an alert that my heart was beating too fast. When I went for my visit she said it actually had sent 5 alerts. They asked if I was having chest pain and I told them I had but thought it was just indigestion. My cardiologist put me on Metoprolol. I have done nothing but sleep since taking it!! I can’t stay awake. I even take it before bedtime. I went back to the office because of being so tired and was told by his physician assistant to continue the medicine and then scheduled me for a stress test. I went yesterday and was called by my doctor office everything came back fine. I called back to ask since it was fine so I continue the medicine. She said yes because I have sick sinus syndrome and that’s why he gave it to me. Well he didn’t tell me that!!! Anyway she is going to ask him and let me know for sure. I asked what caused the alerts and she told me to call back next week and talk to the pacemaker specialist. The reason I had to have a pacer in the beginning was because my heart rate was in the 30’s.....bradycardia. I’m upset and confused!! I absolutely cannot stand being this tired!! I can’t function like this!!! My question is what would you do? Does anyone else take this medicine? Does it make you this tired? Thank you!!!

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Hi Ronnie! Good luck with your surgery!! I’m very medicine sensitive so I’m thinking maybe this is it. It’s my 3rd day on half of a pill so I’m hoping the tiredness goes away. If not I’m going to request some blood work in case it is something else. Thank you for your input!!!

REPLY
judylynn | @judylynn | Feb 22, 2018
In reply to @judylynn "Hello! I am new here and hoping to get some answers and/or help! I am 60..." + (show)
@judylynn

Hello! I am new here and hoping to get some answers and/or help! I am 60 years old and on my second pacemaker. I have the in home monitor that sends readings automatically. Recently I received a phone call from my cardiologists office saying my pacer sent an alert that my heart was beating too fast. When I went for my visit she said it actually had sent 5 alerts. They asked if I was having chest pain and I told them I had but thought it was just indigestion. My cardiologist put me on Metoprolol. I have done nothing but sleep since taking it!! I can’t stay awake. I even take it before bedtime. I went back to the office because of being so tired and was told by his physician assistant to continue the medicine and then scheduled me for a stress test. I went yesterday and was called by my doctor office everything came back fine. I called back to ask since it was fine so I continue the medicine. She said yes because I have sick sinus syndrome and that’s why he gave it to me. Well he didn’t tell me that!!! Anyway she is going to ask him and let me know for sure. I asked what caused the alerts and she told me to call back next week and talk to the pacemaker specialist. The reason I had to have a pacer in the beginning was because my heart rate was in the 30’s.....bradycardia. I’m upset and confused!! I absolutely cannot stand being this tired!! I can’t function like this!!! My question is what would you do? Does anyone else take this medicine? Does it make you this tired? Thank you!!!

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Thank you so much!!!!!

REPLY
grandmaR | @grandmar | Feb 22, 2018
In reply to @judylynn "Hello! I am new here and hoping to get some answers and/or help! I am 60..." + (show)
@judylynn

Hello! I am new here and hoping to get some answers and/or help! I am 60 years old and on my second pacemaker. I have the in home monitor that sends readings automatically. Recently I received a phone call from my cardiologists office saying my pacer sent an alert that my heart was beating too fast. When I went for my visit she said it actually had sent 5 alerts. They asked if I was having chest pain and I told them I had but thought it was just indigestion. My cardiologist put me on Metoprolol. I have done nothing but sleep since taking it!! I can’t stay awake. I even take it before bedtime. I went back to the office because of being so tired and was told by his physician assistant to continue the medicine and then scheduled me for a stress test. I went yesterday and was called by my doctor office everything came back fine. I called back to ask since it was fine so I continue the medicine. She said yes because I have sick sinus syndrome and that’s why he gave it to me. Well he didn’t tell me that!!! Anyway she is going to ask him and let me know for sure. I asked what caused the alerts and she told me to call back next week and talk to the pacemaker specialist. The reason I had to have a pacer in the beginning was because my heart rate was in the 30’s.....bradycardia. I’m upset and confused!! I absolutely cannot stand being this tired!! I can’t function like this!!! My question is what would you do? Does anyone else take this medicine? Does it make you this tired? Thank you!!!

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Thank you for your best wishes on my surgery.
I think you have to wait longer than a few days to see if the symptoms will subside. It is a very good med and if you can tolerate it, you should try to stay on it. Starting with a 1/2 pill for a several days (possibly a week) is a great idea. Once you have that under control then you can up it. You will probably have the same reaction. Give it time.

I certainly understand your sensitivity. Many years ago I'd take an asprin and fall asleep! Got over that quickly!

Again good luck!
ronnie

REPLY
judylynn | @judylynn | Feb 22, 2018
In reply to @judylynn "Hello! I am new here and hoping to get some answers and/or help! I am 60..." + (show)
@judylynn

Hello! I am new here and hoping to get some answers and/or help! I am 60 years old and on my second pacemaker. I have the in home monitor that sends readings automatically. Recently I received a phone call from my cardiologists office saying my pacer sent an alert that my heart was beating too fast. When I went for my visit she said it actually had sent 5 alerts. They asked if I was having chest pain and I told them I had but thought it was just indigestion. My cardiologist put me on Metoprolol. I have done nothing but sleep since taking it!! I can’t stay awake. I even take it before bedtime. I went back to the office because of being so tired and was told by his physician assistant to continue the medicine and then scheduled me for a stress test. I went yesterday and was called by my doctor office everything came back fine. I called back to ask since it was fine so I continue the medicine. She said yes because I have sick sinus syndrome and that’s why he gave it to me. Well he didn’t tell me that!!! Anyway she is going to ask him and let me know for sure. I asked what caused the alerts and she told me to call back next week and talk to the pacemaker specialist. The reason I had to have a pacer in the beginning was because my heart rate was in the 30’s.....bradycardia. I’m upset and confused!! I absolutely cannot stand being this tired!! I can’t function like this!!! My question is what would you do? Does anyone else take this medicine? Does it make you this tired? Thank you!!!

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You are very welcome!!!

REPLY
Mentor
Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Feb 22, 2018
In reply to @judylynn "Hello! I am new here and hoping to get some answers and/or help! I am 60..." + (show)
@judylynn

Hello! I am new here and hoping to get some answers and/or help! I am 60 years old and on my second pacemaker. I have the in home monitor that sends readings automatically. Recently I received a phone call from my cardiologists office saying my pacer sent an alert that my heart was beating too fast. When I went for my visit she said it actually had sent 5 alerts. They asked if I was having chest pain and I told them I had but thought it was just indigestion. My cardiologist put me on Metoprolol. I have done nothing but sleep since taking it!! I can’t stay awake. I even take it before bedtime. I went back to the office because of being so tired and was told by his physician assistant to continue the medicine and then scheduled me for a stress test. I went yesterday and was called by my doctor office everything came back fine. I called back to ask since it was fine so I continue the medicine. She said yes because I have sick sinus syndrome and that’s why he gave it to me. Well he didn’t tell me that!!! Anyway she is going to ask him and let me know for sure. I asked what caused the alerts and she told me to call back next week and talk to the pacemaker specialist. The reason I had to have a pacer in the beginning was because my heart rate was in the 30’s.....bradycardia. I’m upset and confused!! I absolutely cannot stand being this tired!! I can’t function like this!!! My question is what would you do? Does anyone else take this medicine? Does it make you this tired? Thank you!!!

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Hello @judylynn

Welcome to Mayo Connect! I'm sorry to hear of the problems you have had with heart rate. It sounds like you and your doctors have been working hard to get your heart rate problems under control. I am in my late 60's and have had heart valve problems since age 11 because of Rheumatic Fever. As a result, I've become well acquainted with heart meds, and the working of the heart. For a number of years I only took an ACE Inhibitor and that worked great. It did make me tired, so I've taken it at night.

Then I started being aware of racing heart at times and Metoprolol was added. I did not do well on it. I had a lot of dizziness, nausea and trouble sleeping - vivid dreams, etc. I looked at the med's website and saw that these were all of the side-effects. So I contacted my cardiologist and he changed me to Atenolol, which has worked quite nicely without the side-effects.

I would encourage you to talk again with your doctor again and ask to try a different med. Please remember that you always have the right to get a second opinion.

Teresa

REPLY
judylynn | @judylynn | Feb 22, 2018
In reply to @judylynn "Hello! I am new here and hoping to get some answers and/or help! I am 60..." + (show)
@judylynn

Hello! I am new here and hoping to get some answers and/or help! I am 60 years old and on my second pacemaker. I have the in home monitor that sends readings automatically. Recently I received a phone call from my cardiologists office saying my pacer sent an alert that my heart was beating too fast. When I went for my visit she said it actually had sent 5 alerts. They asked if I was having chest pain and I told them I had but thought it was just indigestion. My cardiologist put me on Metoprolol. I have done nothing but sleep since taking it!! I can’t stay awake. I even take it before bedtime. I went back to the office because of being so tired and was told by his physician assistant to continue the medicine and then scheduled me for a stress test. I went yesterday and was called by my doctor office everything came back fine. I called back to ask since it was fine so I continue the medicine. She said yes because I have sick sinus syndrome and that’s why he gave it to me. Well he didn’t tell me that!!! Anyway she is going to ask him and let me know for sure. I asked what caused the alerts and she told me to call back next week and talk to the pacemaker specialist. The reason I had to have a pacer in the beginning was because my heart rate was in the 30’s.....bradycardia. I’m upset and confused!! I absolutely cannot stand being this tired!! I can’t function like this!!! My question is what would you do? Does anyone else take this medicine? Does it make you this tired? Thank you!!!

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Thank you Teresa!!! I will definitely write that med down!!!

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