Arrhythmia

Posted By Christine on March 28, 1999 at 10:06:44:







I am a 50 year old female taking hrt for about 2 1/2 years.
For the past 18 months I have experienced rapid heart rate.  This began on the first day of taking erythromicin for a sinus infection.  I have worn a halter monitor - 1000 extra beats in 24hours - had a stress test - pvc diagnosed - adenosiene thallium which detected a small mi ( which I knew I had about 3 weeks previous to test and did not seek medical teatment, denial had set in) - echo in which one valve did not come out clear.  I think I should have another echo to get a better look at the valve that did not come out clear.  My tells me not to be concerned.  I am on 240 mg verapamil, but still have symptoms; waking in the early morning hours with chest discomfort, unable to do strenuous activity using upper body i.e. shortness of breath and cold sweat.  In addition my cholesterol went up to 262 at the time this all started.  Previously it was 160.  My md sees no connection in any of this.  I belong to an hmo and can't get past my promary to a cardiologist.  Since having has the mi and sitll having symptoms, where do I go from here?  Is the drug therapy enough to prevent another mi? We did try other meds, but they dropped my blood pressure too low.  What do yo suggest.  Thanks for any information and advise you can offer.
Christine