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Heart Rhythm Episodes - AFib; Tachycardia, High Blood Pressure
Heart Rhythm Conditions | Last Active: Dec 27, 2022 | Replies (112)Comment receiving replies
Thank you! I was terrified often, had absolutely no support from then spouse (who was told I "just wanted attention" or so-called friends who told me my extreme racing heart must be panic attacks and to basically shut up about it). It wasa truly life changing experience, however, because I began studying medicine and health on my own when I realized there was NO help for me - and I ended up changing career paths and actually having doctors treat me with respect and often as a colleague, ask me questions about certain research and more. I am appalled by a lot of the inaccurate so-called medical information on the internet and what passes for "health " info on sites pushing agendas and products. I would encourage people to do research to understand what constitutes factual information. And I would also encourage people to ask questions of your doctors - do not put them on a pedestal. Yes, treat them with respect but nobody is perfect and there is certainly prejudice and sometimes intellectual laziness (wanting to make the easy , quick diagnosis to get a patient out of the office, too often with a prescription medication) among physicians. Do not think understanding your body and any medical condition is above your intellectual capacity - most often, it is not. But you need to do the work to learn -- and question so you learn more.
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I agree with you 100%. I had such severe arrhythmia (atrial fibrillation) that I didn't have 3 steady beats in a row. I was tested etc..and put on beta blockers. The highest dose was required which the cardiologist said was a danger in itself and to try to lower the dose. But even reducing a bit caused the A.F. to return in full force.
I was only 45 years old and felt like an old lady. I was determined to be well again and I started my research which was before the internet...so I was in the library. I read that lower estrogen can cause arrhythmias so I got a doctor to give me estrogen (unopposed with progesterone which can lead to reproductive cancers). On the estrogen my arrhythmia stopped even after gradually getting off the beta blockers. My GP was shocked to discover I was on unopposed estrogen and prescribed progesterone to go along with the estrogen and the arrhythmia returned and required beta blockers but half the dose.
I researched some more and read that pushing the heart through aerobic exercise can steady arrhythmias. I joined a gym and did an hour of aerobics every day but Sunday. Within a month, I was off the beta blockers (gradually reducing...very important). I continued with the daily exercise for another 3 months. My cardiologist said it wouldn't last. I would soon be back. Well, here I am 25 years later with no arrhythmia. However, my heart will skip occasional beats if I drink coffee or have caffeine in any form or drink alcohol or have stimulant medications (decongestant or dental freezing) So I avoid all these things.
All this is to say that as you said, slynnb, do not put the doctor on a pedestal. I've always considered doctors as a resource with myself in charge of my case. Don't follow blindly what the doctor says without being fully informed. Do your own research and take responsibility for your own health. And make sure your sources are credible...such as the Mayo Clinic here.
What I am writing here about hormone therapy and aerobic activity working for me, you need to research and discuss with your own cardiologist.