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Heart Disease (Expert Forum)
Heart palpitations
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Heart palpitations
by TommyG, Nov 28, 2002 12:00AM
I am a 28 year old male, though I was is good health. Three months ago while watching TV I had a slight pounding in my chest along with a heart rate of around 150. Went to see the Doc the next day and they did an EKG and he tells me everything is fine with my heart but my BP was high so he put me on ToprolXL. Since then I have had random days of feeling bad with palpitations, slight chest pain, SOB and sometimes I feel lightheaded. I went to the ER once because of this and they did an EKG, chest Xray, and they put a dye in my arm while they did a cat scan of my chest (name?). The docs there tell me also that there is nothing wrong with my heart. I was told I have Hashimoto's Thyroiditis and I am on .o5mg of Synthroid a day. And now on 100mg a day of the ToprolXL to control high BP and the palps. There are days that I feel great and I think I'm getting over this, but then some days it just scares me so much that I think I'm going to die. It seems when I tell my Doc about whats going on he dosnt seem to think its a big deal. Im wondering is it serious or is my Doc right about this?
Thank you.
Thank you.
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-M.D.-KE, Nov 30, 2002 12:00AM
Dear Tommy,
Sorry to hear about your heart palpitations. Palpitations are sensations of one's own heart beat. Before being able to comment on your palpitations further, I think it is reasonable for you to undergo an echocardiogram and a holter monitor test. An echocardiogram is an ultrasound of the heart, which evaluates for structural abnormalities. A holter monitor study is a test which records the electrical activity for 24 to 48 hours in an effort to detect rhythm disturbances. If the holter monitor does not detect any abnormalities a loop recorder may worn for approximately 1 month which will record the heart's electrical activity. I would also have your thyroid gland followed closely because an overactive thyroid may cause similar symptoms. I would recommend avoiding caffeine, tobacco, alcohol and stimulants such as those found in decongestants all of which can worsen palpitations.
Follow-up with your doctor closely for your high blood pressure to ensure it is adequatedly controlled. I would also recommend having your cholesterol checked along with dietary and exercise modifications.
Thanks for your question,
CCF-MD-KE
Sorry to hear about your heart palpitations. Palpitations are sensations of one's own heart beat. Before being able to comment on your palpitations further, I think it is reasonable for you to undergo an echocardiogram and a holter monitor test. An echocardiogram is an ultrasound of the heart, which evaluates for structural abnormalities. A holter monitor study is a test which records the electrical activity for 24 to 48 hours in an effort to detect rhythm disturbances. If the holter monitor does not detect any abnormalities a loop recorder may worn for approximately 1 month which will record the heart's electrical activity. I would also have your thyroid gland followed closely because an overactive thyroid may cause similar symptoms. I would recommend avoiding caffeine, tobacco, alcohol and stimulants such as those found in decongestants all of which can worsen palpitations.
Follow-up with your doctor closely for your high blood pressure to ensure it is adequatedly controlled. I would also recommend having your cholesterol checked along with dietary and exercise modifications.
Thanks for your question,
CCF-MD-KE
My suggestion is that you start exercising. I am 47. I have lone AFIB with lots of PAC's. When I exercise I feel 100% better, don't have as many PAC's and AFIB bouts. It will take awhile for you to get into the regime, but it is critical. It will also lower your BP and may get you off the meds.
There probably isn't anything wrong with your heart and at your age if you don't start exercising now it is going to get much worse later to get into it.
I am on Toprol XL and that will definately lower your Heart Rate. Mine was in the 90's - now its 60-70 like yours. I am on the minimum dose (1/2 of the 50) which is 25 ml. I have experienced minor chest pain since being on it - but it doesnt coincide w/exercise or anything like that - I read the adverse reactions list on Toprol and it can cause in some people, angina type pain. So you may want to ask your dr if you can try another bp med. I love toprol, dont get me wrong - its just like any drug - soem people it may not agree with. Your going to have to be a guinea pig for awhile until you get the right meds for your body - and the rest are right - EXERCIS _ I noticed when I exercised - I got rid of a lot of my pvcs - I felt much better.
Sheila