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Cardiovascular health question
Hello everyone I'm a 27 year old male and here is my story,
I've been dealing with some major issues for a while now. Over the past couple of years I have been diagnosed with gerd and have to take daily medication for it. At the time, I was also experiencing bad lightheaded and dizziness episodes so went to a cardiologist. About a year ago I was given a 24 hour holter monitor and a stress echo, both which came back negative for any serious issues. These tests didn't get rid of my symptoms but did assure me things were okay with my heart. Fast forward about a year later, I've been dealing with extreme lightheadedness, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, headaches, abdominal/chest pain, ect. About a week ago, working out to any pulse rate around 130+ have lead to presyncope. In addition, I was in the hospital last Friday with pvcs/palpitations. The ECG looked fine otherwise and so did the blood tests. They sent me home knowing that my immediate death wasn't imminent. Following the weekend, I saw my cardiologist who said we will redo the tests ( unfortunately they aren't schedules for about a month) and that I'm fine and have nothing to worry about, relax and take 250 mg magnesium, pvcs are common and I won't die from them. Over the past 7 days I've had good days and bad days, taking ativan when needed to try and push through them when I feel absolutely horrible. The question I have for all of you is what do you think might be wrong? I'm worried that there is something really serious going on with my heart, since he said a heart can dramatically change within a year. In addition, this is as bad as I've felt in really my entire life. It is difficult to get out of bed in the morning, I also wake up constantly throughout the night because of my heart rate. Even though I don't show high blood pressure often, I do at times have a high resting and moving heart rate of 100+. There are times I want to go to the ER to try and get started on the issue now, but I know if I go they are only going to check my ECG and some blood work then send me home. I need that damn stress echo to really show everyone what is going on inside. Let me know what you think and what I could do while I wait for my tests at the end of August. I will answer any questions you throw my way. Thank you.
I've been dealing with some major issues for a while now. Over the past couple of years I have been diagnosed with gerd and have to take daily medication for it. At the time, I was also experiencing bad lightheaded and dizziness episodes so went to a cardiologist. About a year ago I was given a 24 hour holter monitor and a stress echo, both which came back negative for any serious issues. These tests didn't get rid of my symptoms but did assure me things were okay with my heart. Fast forward about a year later, I've been dealing with extreme lightheadedness, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, headaches, abdominal/chest pain, ect. About a week ago, working out to any pulse rate around 130+ have lead to presyncope. In addition, I was in the hospital last Friday with pvcs/palpitations. The ECG looked fine otherwise and so did the blood tests. They sent me home knowing that my immediate death wasn't imminent. Following the weekend, I saw my cardiologist who said we will redo the tests ( unfortunately they aren't schedules for about a month) and that I'm fine and have nothing to worry about, relax and take 250 mg magnesium, pvcs are common and I won't die from them. Over the past 7 days I've had good days and bad days, taking ativan when needed to try and push through them when I feel absolutely horrible. The question I have for all of you is what do you think might be wrong? I'm worried that there is something really serious going on with my heart, since he said a heart can dramatically change within a year. In addition, this is as bad as I've felt in really my entire life. It is difficult to get out of bed in the morning, I also wake up constantly throughout the night because of my heart rate. Even though I don't show high blood pressure often, I do at times have a high resting and moving heart rate of 100+. There are times I want to go to the ER to try and get started on the issue now, but I know if I go they are only going to check my ECG and some blood work then send me home. I need that damn stress echo to really show everyone what is going on inside. Let me know what you think and what I could do while I wait for my tests at the end of August. I will answer any questions you throw my way. Thank you.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hi, A stress echocardiogram is used to diagnose coronary artery disease. Under stress/exercise if the heart muscle is getting adequate blood supply. This assesses the ejection fraction. The ejection fraction is a useful measure of left ventricular performance. The normal range is 63-77% for males and 55-75% for females. It reflects the pumping capacity of the heart. Low values can cause symptoms of lightheadedness due to inadequate pumping capacity of the heart. Hope diabetes has been ruled out. And like you mentioned you could see if the relaxation techniques are helping you. Take Care.
He said the original stress echo was fine but didn't give me and details regarding it. He also never mentioned a ejection fraction value. Is this something that is easily evident in all stress echo's? My blood pressure is fine and in the ER they did blood work to scratch off anemia and thyroid problems. I'm in the process of seeing if relaxation techniques and Ativan will help with the lightheadedness and fatigue. The magnesium has helped somewhat with the pvcs as I don't feel them unless my heart rate is elevated like when I go up one flight of stairs. Any other suggestions or questions are helpful, thank you.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hi there, the stress ECHO, did it show any problems with the valves and what was your ejection fraction? How is your blood pressure, low pressures can cause syncope. Also, the increased heart rate could sometimes be due to other causes like hyperthyroidism or anemia. Check with your doctor to rule out these conditions. Anxiety can also increase the heart rate. Only frequent PVCs associated with underlying heart disease and periods of ventricular tachycardia need therapy. Occasional PVCs require no treatment. Good luck with your stress ECHO. Regards.
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