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Heart Disease (Expert Forum)
Husband w/ VT now has rapid heartbeat also?
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Husband w/ VT now has rapid heartbeat also?
by Mary Nessler, Nov 13, 1999 12:00AM
My husband was diagnosed with VT 5 years ago(he was 24 yrs old). He was put on Verapamil 120mg once a day. 18 months later he had a V tach and his medicine was increased to 180mg. 6 months later another V tach and an increase to 240 mg. About 1 month after this increase his pulse seems to be very fast(100) and almost fluttering. His cardioligist increased the Verapamil to 360mg and prescribed an anxiety medicine. My husband didn't believe the rapid heartbeat was caused by anxiety, so he had blood and urine test done at our family physician. The test came back perfect, so he prescibed a beta blocker. Is this appropriate with the calcium blocker? The family doctor thinks he has a sinus arrhythmia due to side effects of the calcium blocker? Is rapid heartbeat a common side effect of Verapamil? We have an appointment with Dr. Tchou in December, but I'm trying to make sense of all of this. Thank you, Mary N.
Doctor's Answer
by CCF CARDIO MD - DLB, Nov 14, 1999 12:00AM
Verapamil does not cause a fast heart rate; it actually would be expected to slow the heart rate. Combining verapamil with beta blockers issafe if it is done carefully; however, it can slow the heart rate excessively. I think evaluation by Dr. Tchou is a good idea to see if this VT is being treated appropriately.
