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Heart Disease (Expert Forum)
Life time Condition
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Life time Condition
by Paul S, Dec 01, 2000 12:00AM
Brief Background:
I am a 35 year old male in good shape I work out frequently in a gym. I am what you would classify a definite type "A" personality!! About 3 years ago after a big lunch and 2 diet cokes, I wound up in the emergency room with Atrial Fib. I converted easily but since I continued to have a racing pulse and PAC's I spent a few days in the hospital.
Tests
At the time showed Wall irregularities some mitral valve thickening and a borderline 40mm left atrium. The Cardiologist at the ER felt the Left Atrium and high BP 160\100 (when admitted) contributed to my condition. He felt this was temporary once my BP was under control and he recommended doing more cardio instead of lifting weights (which he said contributed to my condition)
It has been on Verapamil 240mgs for about 3 years, recent tests including a nuclear stress test and an echo show no irregularities at all! I have had no Atrial fib or Pac's since.
Cholesterol is excellent!
Except still a borderline 40mm LA.
Recent 24hr Bp study shows an average BP of 116\68.
1. Why do my symptoms return when I try to go off my meds?
2. A few nites ago my BP was at 108\62 pulse at 62 bpm, before retiring. I awoke with a feeling of nausea within a few minutes my pulse when to 180+ BPM! (this was after cutting my dose of Verapamil to 120mgs from 240 for about 6 days)???
Beta blockers make me feel lousy, the Verapamil has been giving me Acid Reflux (according to my gastro doc).
3) What other meds can I take for my condition?
4) Is my condition permanent??
Thank you for responding
Paul
I am a 35 year old male in good shape I work out frequently in a gym. I am what you would classify a definite type "A" personality!! About 3 years ago after a big lunch and 2 diet cokes, I wound up in the emergency room with Atrial Fib. I converted easily but since I continued to have a racing pulse and PAC's I spent a few days in the hospital.
Tests
At the time showed Wall irregularities some mitral valve thickening and a borderline 40mm left atrium. The Cardiologist at the ER felt the Left Atrium and high BP 160\100 (when admitted) contributed to my condition. He felt this was temporary once my BP was under control and he recommended doing more cardio instead of lifting weights (which he said contributed to my condition)
It has been on Verapamil 240mgs for about 3 years, recent tests including a nuclear stress test and an echo show no irregularities at all! I have had no Atrial fib or Pac's since.
Cholesterol is excellent!
Except still a borderline 40mm LA.
Recent 24hr Bp study shows an average BP of 116\68.
1. Why do my symptoms return when I try to go off my meds?
2. A few nites ago my BP was at 108\62 pulse at 62 bpm, before retiring. I awoke with a feeling of nausea within a few minutes my pulse when to 180+ BPM! (this was after cutting my dose of Verapamil to 120mgs from 240 for about 6 days)???
Beta blockers make me feel lousy, the Verapamil has been giving me Acid Reflux (according to my gastro doc).
3) What other meds can I take for my condition?
4) Is my condition permanent??
Thank you for responding
Paul
Doctor's Answer
by CCF CARDIO MD - DLB, Dec 04, 2000 12:00AM
1. The verapamil slows down your heart rate and is thus effective when you take it. However, it is not really "curing" any predisposition to heart rate problems.
2. Likely, your body has gotten used to having the verapamil around and may not tolerate decreasing the dosage well.
3. Beta blockers and calcium channel blockers are probably best for you. Clearly, the verapamil has been working. Verapamil can worsen acid reflux, but it may be easiest just to treat the acid reflux. There are other medicines for specific arrhythmias - all tend to have even more side effects. If you choose to go this route, consultation with a cardiac electrophysiologist is advisable.
4. Probably, you will continue to have this same prediposition.
2. Likely, your body has gotten used to having the verapamil around and may not tolerate decreasing the dosage well.
3. Beta blockers and calcium channel blockers are probably best for you. Clearly, the verapamil has been working. Verapamil can worsen acid reflux, but it may be easiest just to treat the acid reflux. There are other medicines for specific arrhythmias - all tend to have even more side effects. If you choose to go this route, consultation with a cardiac electrophysiologist is advisable.
4. Probably, you will continue to have this same prediposition.
