16 Year Old on Atenolol For Tachycardia?

[LexiCullen]

I'm a 16 year old female, 5'2" and about 105 pounds. I've been on Atenolol for a few months because I have a rapid heart rate at times. I'm also a very anxious person and a hypochondriac, which doesn't help matters. Back in May, I was put on the Atenolol 25 mg to control my rapid heart rate and my anxiety, and I was doing well on it. But then I choked on the pill once and completely freaked out, so I began dissolving the pill before swallowing it. After a few weeks of doing that, I started to feel like I had previous to the Atenolol-- rapid heart beats, extremely anxious, shaky, etc. I called my cardiologist and he told me to start taking it whole again and I should be okay. This was about 2 1/2 weeks ago, and I've been experiencing side effects that I don't recall having the first time around. Now, I have a rapid heart rate still, although not AS high as it was, I'm shakey, and I've been having dizziness and naseua spells. I've also been experiencing chest pains and tightness throughout my upper body and back, as well as tension in my shoulders and down my inner arm. My cardiologist said that this is normal, because I'm readjusting to the medicine and that a lot of the tension and pains may be growing pains (I am only 16 after all) or tension from my anxiety. But I'm still terrified that something is wrong. I know that the risk of heart failure or heart attack for someone my age and in good general health is extremely low, but this does little to calm my nerves. Any advice?

[LexiCullen]

You know, you aren't the first person to tell me that it may be anxiety. I've tried speaking to my mom about it, but she swears up and down that it's taken care of, that I don't need therapy, and that they'll just put me on more medications. So if I want to see a therapist, which I do because I honestly think that anxiety is the base of al this, I have to wait another year and a half until I'm 18 because she refuses to let me go. But thank you for the advice, it's good to know I'm not alone. :)

[LexiCullen]

I forgot to mention that, actually. I did have a Holter Monitor on for 24 hours, and it showed that the tachycrdia episodes weren't necessarily triggered by anything, except probably my anxiety. Honestly, I'm beginning to think that this isn't my heart at all. I've had several people tell me that it may an anxiety disorder, since there was no reason for me to develop tachycardia or anything like it. I excercise, I'm active at work (waitressing), I drink water, I eat healthy. As for the EPS, my cardiologist told me that if the medication wasn't working, he would do one of those. However, the medication WAS working, up until I stopped taking it correctly. So I think that now that I'm taking it correctly and whole, these symptoms may go away. I feel exactly how I did previous to the medication, so I'm going to wait it out and see if it goes away. In the mean time, I could use a little reassurance-- I can't die from this, at my age, correct? Thank you for your advice!

[bluesky4]

When I was 20 years old, many years ago, I was starting my first job in the big city and I had so many of the very same symptoms you describe.  When I was nervous, I had problems swallowing, I was lightheaded and shaky. I had chest pain and tightness and thought I just might die I was so scared.  A friend suggested it may be an anxiety disorder and to see a psychologist.  Well, that changed my life!  I learned how to deal with fear & panic, especially the frightening physical symptoms.  I am NOT saying that you shouldn't be seeing your cardiologist by any means.  I think that in addition to your doctor, it would be so beneficial to have someone help you with your very normal anxiety about your symptoms.  Sometimes we are so scared it makes everything seem insurmountable.  I have great empathy for you because I have been in your shoes.  What I want to tell you is that you CAN feel calm and at ease again.  Besides seeking help from a therapist, things you can do on your own to deal with stress & anxiety: a walk in the park with a friend, meditate (google how to meditate), see a really funny movie & take good care of yourself.  You are just beginning your life and you can beat this!!  Fast forward 40 years and here I am--not without worries or fears--but with a way to cope with them and be at once calm and content.  My thoughts are with you, young one -- you will be just fine!

[Cleveland Clinic]

I think you need an EPS to fully diagnose the type of the arrhythmia that you have and probably treat it. Has anyone considered placing a Holter monitor on to see what the exact arrhythmia is? If not then this would be the first step.
Given your high degree of anxiety related to these episodes I would seek help in the next 1-2 weeks, perhaps through referral to on electrophysiologist. If one cannot be found nearby, or you are close to cleveland, you may make an appointment to see one of our 15 electrophysiologists by calling 216 444 2200.

[LexiCullen]

Oh, and also, I've been through many tests. I've had several EKGs, an echocardiogram, blood tests, and a CT Scan of my chest. In case this is helpful.