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Hello @sandra1953 , welcome to the Mayo Clinic Connect. Very scary to say the least and it really does wear you down physically and emotionally. A rapid pounding heartbeat, as you described it, doesn't sound "normal" to me and it is obviously very distressing to you. My experience with those symptoms was due to mitral valve prolapse. I was prescribed beta blockers to help with the rapid heartbeat (tachycardia) and the pounding heartbeat. The beta blockers along with staying very active did the trick. I have not had the pounding heart in many years now, knock on the wooden desk I'm sitting at. The mitral valve prolapse has left me with frequent PVC's which I continue to frustratingly tolerate and try to ignore.
I do not know what it is causing your symptoms. As Colleen mentioned the diagnosis is up to your cardiologist. Generally they will want to do a few test that are not very invasive, you may have already had them done. I'm not clear on what test your physician and cardiologist has performed and why the offer was made to start you on a beta blocker but I would certainly consider giving it a try "if your cardiologist approves". At first I was afraid to take the beta blockers, I hate meds, but they were "very" well tolerated. I did not even know I was taking them. I stayed active while I was taking them which I think helps. I have taken a beta blocker for about 37 yrs. and have only good things to say regarding them. Since you have low blood pressure I would not recommend starting them without the blessing of both PCP and cardiologist. Have there been any comments about the your low blood pressure possibly being the cause? That is something I would ask about.
I'm confident that if you work with your PCP and cardiologist you will get your problem resolved and feel much better. It may take a little effort and maybe some lifestyle changes along with the medication but it will be worth it.
Best wishes,
@vdouglas
Von
Replies to "Hello @sandra1953 , welcome to the Mayo Clinic Connect. Very scary to say the least and..."
Hello @sandra1953 , I do understand your concern about taking beta blockers with low blood pressure. I am not familiar with POTS but did a little checking and found some information that addresses POTS or postural tachycardia syndrome. Reading this information completely will offer some suggestions beyond medications and exercise. You may have already read this but if not you can with this link: https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-clinic-q-and-a-all-about-pots-postural-tachycardia-syndrome/
In this Mayo Clinic article the doctors name is cited and may also be a valuable resource: https://www.mayoclinic.org/biographies/cutsforth-gregory-jeremy-k-m-d/bio-20213586?_ga=2.203123158.672909782.1517284842-1947922716.1453860097Dr. Jeremy Cutsforth-Gregory, Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
If there is any interest, you can also ask your doctor about another medication used to treat POTS called Flourinef. I read that some patients take .1 mg and .3 mg of Flourinef per day. Flourinef helps your kidneys retain more salt, which in turn helps your kidneys conserve water, which in turn increases your blood volume, which increases your blood pressure and in theory lessens your symptoms.
I hope you find this information useful and maybe someone with POTS experience can offer some advice.
Best wishes to you,
@vdouglas
(Von)
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Thank you for reading. I have had all non invasive heart tests. Cardiologist suggested see a neurologist specializing in POTS. He did not diagnose that, I asked him about it as my sister has it, and similar symptoms. He then said they don't treat it with meds but with exercise. I see no reason to pay to see someone to tell me to exercise, if I could I would. It was my primary that ordered the last test, an echocardiogram, and she who mentioned beta blockers. I feel afraid to take that , as my blood pressure is already low.,and have been trying to reach her, it's a 2 week deal to get a message and reply. Does anyone here have suggestions on POTS besides exercise? I tend to think since my heart has so far appeared normal, that is likely the problem.