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Heart Disease (Expert Forum)
Fast heartbeats after CABG
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Fast heartbeats after CABG
by chrisr, Oct 06, 2005 12:00AM
I have just had a 2nd CABG (5 bypasses including RIMA to replace LIMA)at CCF. All apparently went well except that I now have a HRT of 80-90 which was 60-70 prior to surgery. It is now 3+ weeks postop. Is such a fast HRT normal after such surgery?
I have unfavorable reactions to Betablockers so have been placed on Cardizem 240 now on 180. This has kept my BP at about 130/70 mostly but has not helped with the HRT problem. The Cardizem also tends to worsen swollen foot problem from which veins were harvested for CABG. Is there any other medication that I can try? I was prescribed Coreg 3.125mg prior to surgery but not postop. Is this a possibility since I was allergic to Atenolol the only BB I have tried? Appreciate any comments or assistance and thank you in advance.
ChrisR
I have unfavorable reactions to Betablockers so have been placed on Cardizem 240 now on 180. This has kept my BP at about 130/70 mostly but has not helped with the HRT problem. The Cardizem also tends to worsen swollen foot problem from which veins were harvested for CABG. Is there any other medication that I can try? I was prescribed Coreg 3.125mg prior to surgery but not postop. Is this a possibility since I was allergic to Atenolol the only BB I have tried? Appreciate any comments or assistance and thank you in advance.
ChrisR
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-M.D.-MJM, Oct 06, 2005 12:00AM
Hi Chris,
Sorry to hear you are concerned. I heart of 80-90 a few weeks after surgery is not a big concern. When you check your pulse is it a regular beating pattern or an irregular beating pattern. A regular rhythm is likely sinus rhythm. An irregular pattern could be anything from atrial fibrillation to frequent premature beats. If it is irregular, I would recommend you call your local doctor and have an EKG to check your heart rhythm.
There are benefits to beta blockers that are not present for calcium channel blockers like diltiazem. Clearly if you have an allergy or significant intolerance to beta blockers, they are not an option. Coreg is a beta blocker, in fact it is a very good one. If were able to tolerate a beta blocker, I would prefer to have you on coreg over diltizem --- but would leave this decision up to your cardiologist. You can either call your Cleveland Clinic cardiologist or your local one (depending on where you live and your preference).
The swelling in your legs should get better with time -- although you probably already know this since you are (too) experienced with bypass surgeries.
I hope this answers your questions. Please call you cardiologist to ask about changing to coreg, as long you tolerated it ok. Also, unless you have contraindications, you should also be taking an aspirin, statin (like zocor or lipator), and possibly an ACE inhibitor as well.
Hope this helps and thanks for posting.
Sorry to hear you are concerned. I heart of 80-90 a few weeks after surgery is not a big concern. When you check your pulse is it a regular beating pattern or an irregular beating pattern. A regular rhythm is likely sinus rhythm. An irregular pattern could be anything from atrial fibrillation to frequent premature beats. If it is irregular, I would recommend you call your local doctor and have an EKG to check your heart rhythm.
There are benefits to beta blockers that are not present for calcium channel blockers like diltiazem. Clearly if you have an allergy or significant intolerance to beta blockers, they are not an option. Coreg is a beta blocker, in fact it is a very good one. If were able to tolerate a beta blocker, I would prefer to have you on coreg over diltizem --- but would leave this decision up to your cardiologist. You can either call your Cleveland Clinic cardiologist or your local one (depending on where you live and your preference).
The swelling in your legs should get better with time -- although you probably already know this since you are (too) experienced with bypass surgeries.
I hope this answers your questions. Please call you cardiologist to ask about changing to coreg, as long you tolerated it ok. Also, unless you have contraindications, you should also be taking an aspirin, statin (like zocor or lipator), and possibly an ACE inhibitor as well.
Hope this helps and thanks for posting.
ChrisR
ChrisR
Please talk this all over with your CC doctor first. They are the experts and follow up with your Locals. Again, I am glad to see you post. God Bless.