Questions posted in the Heart Forum have been answered by doctors from The Cleveland Clinic Foundation.

Question Title: bradycardia, irregular heartbeat, heaviness in chest,

Forum: The Heart Forum
Topic: Bradycardia

Posted by Irv on June 11, 1999 at 12:48:03

I have had a low pulse rate for many years since treating a hyperactive thyroid with radioactive iodine. Through the years this rate has gradually decreased from about 55bpm to 40 and sometimes upper 30's presently. I also have a very irregular heartbeat, not the typical "skipped" beat. I may have three rapid beats followed by a few "regulars" followed by a faint beat followed by regulars, etc. Lately I've been experiencing heaviness in the chest on exertion (gardening, e.g.), but I may walk 2 miles without this symptom. I am 77 years old, and the low pulse has not bothered me until the past month or two. I am on 150mg avapro, 2mg cardura, 0.137 mg levoxyl daily. Catheterization and pacemaker have been recommended. Are there any preliminary diagnostic tools prior to such drastic procedures? Could any of my medications be exacerbating the symptoms?

I'll be looking forward to your reply.

Posted by CCF CARDIO MD - DLB on June 11, 1999 at 13:47:14

Dear Irv

I do not think it is your medications. A 77 year old with a new onset of chest heaviness on exertion sounds like it is probably coronary artery disease. A cardiac catheterization sounds reasonable. If your low heart rate causes symptoms, a pacemaker is indicated also. It would be useful to also check your thyroid function tests (blood work) now. A stress test could possibly be performed before a catheterization, but even if it were normal, your doctors would probably still worry that you had coronary artery disease that the test missed.

I hope this has been useful. I wish you the best of luck. Feel free to write back.

Information provided here is for general purposes only. Specific questions should be addressed to your own doctor. If you would like to make an appointment at the Cleveland Clinic Heart Center, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE or inquire online by using the Heart Center website at www.ccf.org/heartcenter. The Heart Center website contains a directory of the cardiology staff that can be used to select the physician best suited to address your cardiac problem.

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