Need some advice please

[I'mallheart]

Thanks for taking your time answer this. I am 28 yr old male,a little over a yr ago i went to the ER for fast heart rate etc. went thru the event, holter test and ekg and echocardiogram, all were fairly normal. never had a stress test! well the cardio put me on atenolol, 25mg a day. well about 7 mos later after being tired and all my DR had me go to it everyother day. well sometime at night i get my pulse to like 40. Is this Normal? should i switch it? like  any peole in this forum i have trouble sleeping on the left side,and have had a few bouts of fast heart rate and dizziness so i take an atenolol and about 15 mins later back to normal. should i seek another opinion? why does this happen, i do suffer from anxiety, but thats because of all this heart related stuff makes me nervous, Also is it normal to see my heart beat in my throat and neck and tummy? i am about 30 pounds overweight, want to do exersise but everytime i feel wierd,fainity feeling, i know i am deconditioned! use to be in great shape, this is taken a damper on my life. i have lost a few jobs cause at work get fast heart, fainty and leave to go home,i feel traped in my house. what should i do? should i continue with atenolol? i am young and dont want to be medicine dependant, was on Zoloft alsofor anxiety depression, it helped but gainied like 20 pounds and cant ejackulate so i went off it! anything you can explain that would be great! i have no insurance, not till march. my mom says i should go on disablity to getmoney,wife works hard and we have a 10monthold and another on the way! sept19.itshardtolive wit

[Cleveland Clinic]

allheart,

Thats quite a outpouring of questions. I feel your pain.

At 28, your likelyhood of a false positive stress test is higher then a true positive. Unless there were other reasons, I would not routinely test a 28 year old.

Overall, the main focus you have is this history of high heart rate.  I would need to know what the rhythms you had on your holter and ecg at the time you had the heart rate were.  To judge exactly how I would treat you.

If all of your cardiac workup was normal, maybe we should change your name to im-NOT-allheart.  I seems that your overly intense focus on your cardiac problems has unfortunately left you in quite a fix.

At 28, the most important thing for you now would be a refocus away from your heart to your mental and overall physical health.  Seek a second opinion to reassure you on your cardiac rhythm. If ok, lose weight, get healthy and focus on ways to treat and cope with your anxiety.  It sounds like you have a lot of things to be healthy for.

[I'mallheart]

also i get wierd beats and faster heart rate when eating, like fainting feeling also, is that normal? i dont know whay alsoo this is happeinig..also i had a bad case of pneumonia two yrs ago, could this be the problem?

[flower-Fairy]

hi there.

i have the same problem. i am 34 yr old female and i have a fast heart beat. my blood pressure was taken and i have had 3 ECGs to trace my heart and both have been normal. my heart rate was 133 bpm about a month ago. doctor says its stress but i am worrying myself silly that its something more serious. so my GP has referred me to see a cardiologist. i am on beta blockers and now my heart rate is 62 bpm but i am so down in the dumps with it all. i dont know who to turn to. i have 3 daughters and my boyfriend but i dont want to burden them with my problems. so i completely understand. i dont want to go out the house lately and i have trouble sleeping. i cant seem to settle. anyway conrats on the new arrival when it happens. i hope you and your family have a long life and god bless you.

[panicy]

I would just like to tell you that I will be remembering you in thought and prayer.. it is hard to live with anxiety and battle this @ the same time.

tricia

i go to a great website to chat with friends that i have met since 2001 who battle anxiety and panic disorder. i would like to share that with you.
www.anxietypanicsupport.com

please check it out

love, panicy

[dquenzer]

First of all I'm 49.  So what I'm going to share with you happened to me over 25 years ago.  Hopefully this will encourage you.

When I was about 24 I went through a very stresful time.  As a result one day when I was playing basketball my heart just started doing wierd things.  I went to the emergency room but they didn't catch it.

But I remember that I would have tachycardia incidents.  Sometimes during exercise and other times after being anxious.  I was a runner so I completely stopped running.  The doctor did put me on a beta blocker, but I felt wierd on it and went off of it.

My life slowed down some, and I started just walking to get into an exercise mode again.  I played golf and other things and made sure that I didn't over exert myself.  Slowly I started running again.  Once in awhile my heart would race, but I would slow down and it would quit.

Over time my heart got in shape and eventually the tachycardia and irregular rythmns went away.  At age 36 I ran a half marathon.

The reason I say this is that your anxiety is probably causing some of the problem.

I would encourage you to do three things:
1.  Get another opinion to help you settle that there is nothing wrong with your heart.
2.  Get back to exercising slowly but steadily to loose the weight and just to feel better.  Exercise lets out certain hormones that are natural relaxers.  So it's very important.
3.  See a counselor to help you deal with the anxiety.  You can do this through adjusting your thinking or biofeedback.  

[uptowngirl]

Just wanted to let you know you are in my thoughts also.  I agree with the other comments.  I did think that commment by the Dr. was uncalled for and unnecessary about changing your name.  It sounded a bit caustic.

Anyway, all the best,
Uptown

[pms_barbie]

Sometimes I dont think some drs get it.  We are not doctors and dont know all about how much a heart can take.  We tend to get panicky over our hearts because we only have the one heart.  They are the professionals but they need to keep in mind we are not.  So therefore we are full of concerns and question.

[Cleveland Clinic]

Maybe sometimes we do get 'it'.

i'mallheart posted similar symptoms asking for help in October 2003.  His preoccupation with his cardiovascular status has led him to a state of considering disability.

He and many othes that I encounter, often continue to seek medical advice for their cardiovascular status despite a negative workup.  This often leads to inappropriate testing and continued worry instead of dealing with the issues underlying the problem.

I do not minimize his or anyone elses worry of any of their physical ailments.  

My recommendation of seeking a 1) second opinion and 2) if in agreement with his physician, then potentially refocusing his treatment plan to include other systems outside the cardiovascular realm was not designed to be callous or dismiss his question.  Rather, it was designed for what this forum entails and what he asked for..advice.  

[arthur]

The doctor's commentary was not callous.  It was to the point and factual.  Anxiety breeds a constant need for reassurance, and rather ironically, a complete distrust of that same reassurance.  It's a hopeless cycle until the afflicted individuals become enlightened enough to see themselves objectively.  This statement is also not callous, simply factual, and the good doctor's advice of seeking other possible causes for the perceived malady is an excellent one.

Of course, there's normal anxiety and that's not an issue.  It's when it becomes obsessive that all reasoning fails.

-Arthur

[NBCT]

Very well said.

[blueangelz]

I see the doc's point...(also because I am preoccupied with it too)I also wanted to tell him thank you because no one told me that anxiety would cause a slow increase where as arrhythmia causes the jump so now I know that it is anxiety because I can feel it slowly going up so now have to look into other ways to deal with this. So thank you.

[zabo]

Hi, I live in england.  I had heart palpatations on two occasions last year.  The cause was anxiety. Since then it made me very anxious and aware of my heart beat.  I have ectopics which are worse when i'm anxious or worried.  I have had a stress test, ecg and ecosound.  all of which were ok. I still keep very fit, I run four times per week and weight train 2-3 times per week. My advice to anyone with the same problem is to address the cause of their anxiety, talk about their problems and feelings.  Last year was the worst year of my life, I am just starting to see a glimmer of hope which is pulling me out of my depression.  I hope these few words help someone feel better about themselves.
zabo.

[pms_barbie]

I wasnt trying to be rude to you or offend you in my comment.  I have just encountered bad experiences with some drs here at home where I live.  When I first started having problems my gp just chalked it up to depression because my sister had recently died.  Keep in mind  He never even touched me that day to even take my temperature.  Let alone listen to my heart or take a pulse.  It took me going to the er and ther dr picking up my extra beats and my heart murmur.  I was simply written off as depression because I had a traumatic event in my life.  It wasnt like I had ever in my life gone to the dr for any petty reason at all.  I admit I dont like the fact that I have anything wrong with my heart no matter how ingsignficant it may be.  So maybe I fall into the category as being neurotic or obsessive.  I also remeber being put on sotalol which made me very bradycardic.  I wasnt in bigeminy either.  I went to my local cardio and I admit I was in tears I had never gone through having a pulse that low while trying to do something.  Anyways he laughed in my face and that really made me mad.  Needles to say there are three of those drs at that clinic.  I have made it perfectly known if I have to see him just let me die.  So some drs dont get it.  I have an ep dr there at Cleveland who is wonderful about answering questions and trying to take the time so you can understand whats going on.  You would know better than me about peoples post on this forum I havnt been here but since like May of last year.  So I dont know whats going on with all the members.  So if I offened you in any way I am very sorry.  I value the opinon of the drs on this forum and you guys have helped me also in some things I didnt think to ask my dr there.  Again I apologize if my comment offended you in any ways.

[I'mallheart]

thanks for you comments all... i know ive posted awhile back, but thinkgs arent getting better..ive been tru counsceling etc. taken anxiety meds and all and i keep having these attacks..i think the docs jst scrug it off, but look at how many young people have problems with their heart.even death! i knowof about 3 in my small town.. i just know its a probably both anxiety and somthing else.. i never had trouble 2 yrs ago..i am not tring to focus on my heart.. it will feel fine for like a month or two and than go hey wire again..i guess i am confussed.. and oh on one of my ekg it shown atrial fibrillation when i first was taken to the ER in 2003..i just dont want to feel this anymore..i want my life back,,seriously i am trying dam hard to not think about and say i am okay, but these are real symptoms and i am not making this up.. i think Doctors are good with good intentions but they just want to treat the symtoms..instead of getting to the root cause.. like they give me atenolol and say take this..well why should i?my body is atenolol deprived, i just think they arent compassionate, yes you will get one every know and then but most just want to make there 6 figures and be on with it!!! thats why i didnt go to med school. cause of the hype of the money and then ou go into it with your heart in it then go out like a brain washed book worm!! i have friends who are ER docs and they are leaving the states cause of this. the want to help people and not be caught up in the politics.. well thanks..i dont think ill be back on this forum.. and this forum should be ashamed to let HANK go
thanks i said my peace
GOD BLESS US ALL
DAVE

[uptowngirl]

I stand by my comments.  
Imallheart:  I hope you will be back to the forum. I hope you keep seeking and find closure to your issues.
uptown

[uptowngirl]

By the way I did not say the comment appeared "calloused" but "caustic".  I was misquoted.
Thank you.
Uptown

[pms_barbie]

I have had the exact same feelings as yourself.  Its hard to deal with the drs telling you theres nothing wrong and you still feel no better.  You think how can I have a healthy heart and it act the way it does.  There are so many of us with nasty pacs pvcs afib and the list goes on.  I know how nasty they feel but there comes a point when so many drs have told you its ok when you have to try and believe it.  I dont know how many drs you have seen or anything but try and find you one that will take the time to answer all your questions and try and give you the answers you need.  I have seen 3 ep drs and been told basicaly the same thing. Except the ep dr in cleveland did help me with my bigeminy and I am so grateful for that.  Dont leave the forum because one day soon you may find the answers you seek and may be able to help someone else out that feels as lost as you do.  Take care and I hope you do get your answers.  I hope to see you still around the board.  However you have to do whats best for you and your situation.

[NBCT]

Please take the advice of the MD. Seek a second opinion from a known compassionate cardiologist in your area,they are out there, you need to reference friends, relatives, neighbors etc. to find one with an excellent reputation. Then, start from scratch. Review your symptoms, testing as ordered, know the results of tests and have the MD explain the findings to you.

I know you are trying to make the best of how you feel and having someone you trust in, and receptive to your concerns is a new start.
Good Luck and Best Health to you.

[mmfd]

Thank you for your comments!

[dquenzer]

You are EXACTLY in the same place I was at age 40.  I started having PAC's on a regular basis and I was incredibly fixated on them.  It really ruined my lifestyle.  Everytime I went somewhere or did anything I would check my heart.  I was a basket case.

I finally decided that either they were going kill me and my life or else it was time for me to take control and get my life back.

So I started back at running.  I decided if they hadn't killed me in 2 years they won't kill me now.  I started running and went back to having a normal life and they didn't bother me after awhile.  Oh, once in awhile they would act up and be a pain, but I decided that this too shall pass.

At age 47 the arrythmias turned into AFIB.  Thought I was going to die.  So I got on meds and had the same attitude.  I continued to run.  It wasn't until the meds stopped working I had an ablation that fixed it.

Bottom line is that a counselor isn't going to fix you.  All a counselor can do is direct you to make choices.  You can choose to fixate on the PAC's or not to.  But the bottom line is that you have to look at them like an enemy that needs to be conquered.  Choose not to let them take control.

I know that's hard!  I'm speaking from experience.  But it can be done.  There are numerous people on this forum who have done it.

[dquenzer]

You are EXACTLY in the same place I was at age 40.  I started having PAC's on a regular basis and I was incredibly fixated on them.  It really ruined my lifestyle.  Everytime I went somewhere or did anything I would check my heart.  I was a basket case.

I finally decided that either they were going kill me and my life or else it was time for me to take control and get my life back.

So I started back at running.  I decided if they hadn't killed me in 2 years they won't kill me now.  I started running and went back to having a normal life and they didn't bother me after awhile.  Oh, once in awhile they would act up and be a pain, but I decided that this too shall pass.

At age 47 the arrythmias turned into AFIB.  Thought I was going to die.  So I got on meds and had the same attitude.  I continued to run.  It wasn't until the meds stopped working I had an ablation that fixed it.

Bottom line is that a counselor isn't going to fix you.  All a counselor can do is direct you to make choices.  You can choose to fixate on the PAC's or not to.  But the bottom line is that you have to look at them like an enemy that needs to be conquered.  Choose not to let them take control.

I know that's hard!  I'm speaking from experience.  But it can be done.  There are numerous people on this forum who have done it.

[starion]

Confused about conflicting advice about frequency & degree of monitoring for possible cardiomyopathy.

Doctor, you recommended that i'mallheart get a second opinion to reassure himself about his cardiovascular status.  That makes good sense to me.

I am 47 year-o;d female with idiopathic severe emphysema (never smoked) but am in otherwise excellent health & weight, no relatives with heart problems until they're 80-100+ years old.  I was having frequent chronic tachycardia from about 6/2003.  I had a cardiac work-up and from comparing holter monitor testing on & off my bronchodilators, we determined that they are a major factor in my sinus tachycardia in 7/2004.  That cardiologist recommended I return to him for repeat echocardiogram and repeat stress echocardiogram annually to be sure I don't develop cardiomyopathy.

I saw a new cardiologist 1/2005, who said based on looking at the results of all the testing I brought from the former cardiologist, he sees NO reason to have any further testing other than whatever annual EKGs or other testing the internist wishes to order because he rarely has patients have any cardiomyopathy from even severe emphysema (only right-sided heart failure from insufficient O2).

I'm confused about whether an annual EKG by internist is sufficient to check for cardiomyopathy under such circumstances (of course, I continue to take bronchodilators, but my tachycardia presently is less frequent because I have discontinued one of the meds that seemed to cause most of the tachycardia).  Do you have any recommendations?
Thanks--really appreciate all your insightful answers and help.  It's so confusing to know what to do when we get conflicting opinions and answers.
Aloha,
Starion

[starion]

The doctor & everyone is NOT saying that it is easy to live with the things that happen in our lives and with our bodies.  It is important to learn which things are dangerous and can and should be treated and which things are part of "normal variation," and we learn to have to live with.  Some of us have to learn to live with a things that are a lot more difficult to tolerate than others.

It is true that a good exercise program and trying to reach and maintain a healthy weight can only improve nearly everyone's health.  Please consider the advice offered by the doctor and everyone else in the good and helpful spirit in which it is offered.  

Good luck & health to all.
Starion

[Barbarella]

About second opinions etc. what is so irritating to me for example my Cardiologist prescribed certain meds for my high BP and ordered certain tests.  He sent the results to my doctor.  Here this doctor who is not a Cardiologist questions in front of me "why" I've to take these meds and "why" the Cardiologist ordered these tests. Instead of picking up the phone and calling the Cardiologist.  Some people might wonder and ask themselves i.e. "did I need these tests, do I need these meds". Not me, I let him talk and think to myself "the Cardiologist specializes in this field not you".  Sometimes regular doctors want to override the Specialists.

As for dealing with symptoms and conquering symptoms yourself I agree with the post above.  Therapists do NOT understand unless they suffer from it themselves.  They too only spend a few minutes with you and are ready to send you on your way to a shrink who has an ink pen in his hand ready to write you a prescription for downers.

[worriedsilly]

That was a very helpful comment.  Keep the positive comments coming.