Heart Rhythm Episodes - AFib; Tachycardia, High Blood Pressure

I experienced a jump in heart rate to the 160 - 170 level while out for a run. I saw it happen looking at my Apple Watch as I had no symptoms. My bpm would go back to normal soon after breaking into a walk. I have no idea what my blood pressure was doing as the episodes were no more than a minute or so. My doctor sent me to a cardiologist. He diagnosis is Proximal Supra Ventricular Tachycardia (PSVT). I tried a beta blocker and calcium blocker medication to suppress the pulse jump but had strong fatigue side-effect for both so stopped. Although the cardiologist said PSVT is "rarely" fatal, I decided to stop running and get my exercise by walking or biking. Unlike you I never had symptoms (maybe fatigue).

You just discribed what i used to experience prior to my heart transplant. I had Cardiomyopathy and ventricular tachycardia which when my heart would go into a bad rythme would go up to about 150 or higher. I would get out of breath and feel lousy. Now in my case i had a pacemaker which would either pace me back into rythme or have to shock me. The episodes are called arrythmyias which is a type of heart beat that the heart just quivers and no blood flowes which is why you feel out of breath. This is a serious condition and usually for me ment a trip by ambulance to the er. So if i were you i would see a cardiologist soon and if ypu have an episode call 911.

Hi Dan! Thank you for your post. I did call 911 and had to go to a hospital that is not my usual hospital for emergencies. They said my EKG was fine. This is the second intense episode in 6 weeks. Was your EKG ok? Did they do further testing? My PCP wants to give me meds to lower heart rate and lower BP only when it is taking place. I feel it's covering up the real issue. Thanks again for your feedback. I'm going to get to a cardiologist.

@jayhawk57 yes usually unless i was in an episode yes ekg look pretty normal. Because i had a pacemaker it records any episodes so when i would get to the hosp they would download and see what happen. And i was also on meds to slow down my heartrate . The first step i would say is a cardiologist. But realize this particular problem is electrical. So there are specialist in this field that are also cardiologist but are called EP specialist. The ep stands for Electrophysiologist. Have you ever been tested with a halter its a device you ware for a period of time like 25 to 48 hours. Depending on how often you have these it will also record what your heart is doing like an ekg. I also knoticed you mentioned eating. Another condition that ive been told by a friend who has it is a condition called afib. Less dangerous than what ive been talking about but he would sometimes have episodes after eating. There's a nerve called the vegas nerve that runs between your brain and thru your heart and stomach. So also mention that to the cardiologist. I look forward to hearing how you make out.

Thanks so much for your information. Very helpful. I will keep my updates posted! Have a blessed evening.

Thank you for your reply, I appreciate it. I'm setting appointment up with cardiologist to move forward on possible causes.

Please go to a doctor? It could be atrial fibrillation (afib) that can be assisted with the right medicines.

Thanks for your reply. I'm in the process.

The best advice any of us on this forum can give you is to see a cardiologist, and the sooner the better. There are too many stories, too many variations, too many drugs and procedures.....we can all tell you OUR experiences. Each of us will have SOME things in common, but each of us is an individual with issues unique to us. The ONLY person who will be able to figure that out and treat YOUR issues is your cardiologist. Please don't put it off. I wish you the best. RubyWitch…..LIVING with CAD, 2 cardiac stents, an ablation and popping blood thinners every day. LIVING being the operative word!

Rule of thumb: with chest pain and any other heart related symptoms: see doctor asap, blog later!