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Heart Disease (Expert Forum)
Bradycardia - Tired of being confused.
Answered by
This forum is for questions and support regarding heart issues such as: Angina, Angioplasty, Arrhythmia, Bypass Surgery, Cardiomyopathy, Coronary Artery Disease, Defibrillator, Heart Attack, Heart Disease, High Blood Pressure, Mitral Valve Prolapse, Pacemaker, PAD, Stenosis, Stress Tests.
Bradycardia - Tired of being confused.
by Karen, Aug 11, 1999 12:00AM
Hi! I've posted here before - you all are so helpful, I really appreciate it.
I've lived with fatigue and low energy for YEARS it seems. WHen I first mentioned it to a doctor about 5 years ago, he told me I was depressed and offered me Paxil, which I declined. I'm not depressed. I'm 28, healthy other than bradycaria which was finally diagnosed when my doctor sent me to a cardiologist in March. Resting rate in the low 40's. I used to get dizzy EVERY time I stood up, but increased salt and fluids have helped that. I do run or at least do some kind of cardio activity every daily; have been for about 6 years. I know bradycardia is common in fit people, but to be honest I do the working out to try and get my heart rate UP, so I'll fell better.
Family history - My grandmother has(had?) heart block and a pacemaker, mom has mitral valve and sister has a murmur, same grandmother lost a sister in her teens from a heart condition.
My cardiologist says based on the family history and my symptoms, he assumes I have a conduction problem, although an EP study has not been perfomed. He said the next step is up to me, he'll send me for a second opinion, do the EP study, or put in a pacemaker if I want - it's my choice. I don't know what to do! I'm actually scared to step up and say let's do the next study because of that doctor that blew me off and told me it was depression and all in my head. What if the study cames back normal and it is all in my head? I don't think it is. This is not how a young, strong woman in her 20's should feel. Thyroid tests and blood work have all come back normal. I've heard a tilt table test mentioned. What would that prove?
Thanks for you input. I'm getting to my wits end at not having the energy to enjoy my life.
Karen
I've lived with fatigue and low energy for YEARS it seems. WHen I first mentioned it to a doctor about 5 years ago, he told me I was depressed and offered me Paxil, which I declined. I'm not depressed. I'm 28, healthy other than bradycaria which was finally diagnosed when my doctor sent me to a cardiologist in March. Resting rate in the low 40's. I used to get dizzy EVERY time I stood up, but increased salt and fluids have helped that. I do run or at least do some kind of cardio activity every daily; have been for about 6 years. I know bradycardia is common in fit people, but to be honest I do the working out to try and get my heart rate UP, so I'll fell better.
Family history - My grandmother has(had?) heart block and a pacemaker, mom has mitral valve and sister has a murmur, same grandmother lost a sister in her teens from a heart condition.
My cardiologist says based on the family history and my symptoms, he assumes I have a conduction problem, although an EP study has not been perfomed. He said the next step is up to me, he'll send me for a second opinion, do the EP study, or put in a pacemaker if I want - it's my choice. I don't know what to do! I'm actually scared to step up and say let's do the next study because of that doctor that blew me off and told me it was depression and all in my head. What if the study cames back normal and it is all in my head? I don't think it is. This is not how a young, strong woman in her 20's should feel. Thyroid tests and blood work have all come back normal. I've heard a tilt table test mentioned. What would that prove?
Thanks for you input. I'm getting to my wits end at not having the energy to enjoy my life.
Karen
Doctor's Answer
by Cleveland Clinic, MD, Aug 11, 1999 12:00AM
, Aug 11, 1999 12:00AM
A pacemaker would be a last resort and then only if there is a clear relation between your symptoms and a slow heart rate. A tilt table test looks for autonomic causes of dizziness and may be a good idea in your case.
I hope you find this information useful. Information provided in the heart forum is for general purposes only. Only your physician can provide specific diagnoses and therapies. Please feel free to write back with additional questions.
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.
I hope you find this information useful. Information provided in the heart forum is for general purposes only. Only your physician can provide specific diagnoses and therapies. Please feel free to write back with additional questions.
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.
