Inappropriate Sinus Tachycardia

[flipflopgirl]

I've recently been diagnosed with IST, after months of tests, meds etc. I also have very frequent runs of bigeminy and short runs of NSVT (5-6 beats at a time. I have a few questions I'd like to hear your opinion about...as I wait to see my own doctor
1. What is the likelihood of developing cardimyopathy from IST? If I don't take medications I can have rates up to 150-170 for hours at a time, despite making all the usual lifestyles changes (no caffeine etc.)
2. Is ablation an option to treat IST? If so is it usually successful?How risky?
3. Is the IST and the ventricular ectopy related. Since I have a normal heart by echo, I wondering if the IST somehow causes the venticles to be irritable as well.
If it's of any consequence I'm 29, female...exercise regularly,relatively stress free good cholesterol, mild HTN, don't and never have drank or smoked...and sadly now , no coffee either :(
I'd appreciate any answers you can give and thanks for providing this great service.

[LisaLoo]

Hi, I have not been diagnosed with IST or any other heart problem, but here is my story. About 2-3 months ago, I awoke in the middle of the night with my heart about to beat out of my chest. I thought it was a panic attack and that it probably wouldn't happen again for awhile. Well, it has happened again several times. The episodes are getting more frequent and seem to be much worse at night. And, I am constantly aware of my heartbeat, even hearing it in my ears a lot. I thought someone was driving by my house with their bass turned way up and it was just my heart beating loudly and reverberating in my ears. I am going to schedule a doctor's appt. ASAP. I just wondered if anyone's problems started out like this? Thanks for any help!

[Fran71]

Thanks so much for the very interesting site. It is really reassuring! It confirms what the great doctors on this site keep telling us...And it's so nice to know it may improve with age. The suggestion that an increased salt intake might help in some cases is a bit odd, but who knows...

Thanks again and best wishes

[tickertock]

All the best and a Happy New Year. Go to this website,very informative on IST.

http://heartdisease.about.com/cs/arrhythmias/a/IST_2.htm

[Fran71]

Sorry, of course I meant "go to the ER"!

BTW, does sinus tachycardia really improve with age in some cases? That sure was great news to start the year...!

Thanks again

[Fran71]

Hi everyone and happy new year from Italy!
I have a question that I would like to put to the doctors when I manage to click at the right time :-) but maybe you can help me. I suffer from sinus tach and PVCs. I can be OK for months and then have an episode. My cardiologist says my heart is healthy, PVCs are benign, etc, and that I must not let it scare me. But sometimes I lay there in bed at night, scared to death, with a racing heart, just praying for it to end. It usually goes away with a beta blocker which I take when needed, as prescribed.
My question is: when should we bo to the ER? Is it OK to just lie there and wait? Are there specific symptoms we should watch for? My cardiologist just tells me to wait till it goes away and not be frightened....easier said than done!

Thanks for listening and again have a wonderful, healthy new year

Fran

[flipflopgirl]

If my rate is high for a long period I get short of breath, with some chest tightness...not pain per se. Also when I get the runs of PVC's together there is usually a little chest tightness. This always stops as soon as the rate or PVC's are under control. I think this type of discomfort is normal....but I would be concerned that it's lasting days for you.