Paroxysmal Supraventricular Tachycardia Questions + Metoprolol

[michigan123]

Recently diagnosed w/ PSVT. I underwent brain CAT Scan, heart ultrasound, ECGs, & blood testing; all were normal. Only after a Holter was PSVT diagnosed. Cause unknown and I do have blood tests scheduled to check for adrenal / thyroid problems. My heart rate is normally 60-70 BPM resting & BP 120-130 Systolic / 80-86 diastolic (w/o medication) but at times it goes to 100-130 BPM & 150-160 Systolic / 90-110 Diastolic. Sometimes I noticed it & sometimes not but Holter showed it. 1) What causes this?  I have noticed if I eat too much (beyond feeling full) PSVT occurs.  My BP was a little high before but is now normal even while unmedicated. I eat healthy, exercise, and in early 20s. 2) Could anxiety be the cause? I take Metoprolol (for about a week now) & my heart is 55-62 BPM. My BP is between 118-125 S and 78-82 D. 3) What is a BPM I should be concerned w/ (if my heart rate drops below *blank* BPM, seek help)? I take 50mg Meto. at 10 AM & 25mg at 10 PM. I experience an inability to get an erection. 4) Can Viagra safely be taken while on Meto. w/ my BP at 118-125 S & 78-82 D & rate at 55-62 BPM? 5) Is there another way to solve the ED while on the drug? 6) Given my dosings of 50mg and 25mg daily, what is the method to stop taking Meto.? I know you cannot stop outright but gradually decrease dosage over time until weaned off. 7) Given my dosage, what's a safe way to wean off (I will not do this until I have the ok)? 8) Will I have problems once off Meto.? I have no other heart problems & rhythms are normal even during PSVT. The PSVT was infrequent: few times monthly, if that.

[Forum-M.D.-bkj]

michigan,

thanks for the post.

1) What causes this? I have noticed if I eat too much (beyond feeling full) PSVT occurs. My BP was a little high before but is now normal even while unmedicated. I eat healthy, exercise, and in early 20s.

It is due to an abnormal pathway that the electricity takes as it causes the heart muscle to contract.  The heart is innervated by branches of the same nerves that innervate the stomach so some people get their arrhythmias with
food.

2) Could anxiety be the cause? I take Metoprolol (for about a week now) & my heart is 55-62 BPM. My BP is between 118-125 S and 78-82 D.

It may be a precipitating factor.

3) What is a BPM I should be concerned w/ (if my heart rate drops below *blank* BPM, seek help)? I take 50mg Meto. at 10 AM & 25mg at 10 PM. I experience an inability to get an erection.

I wouldnt really pay attention to a lower heart rate cutoff unless you get symptoms from a slow heart rate.


4) Can Viagra safely be taken while on Meto. w/ my BP at 118-125 S & 78-82 D & rate at 55-62 BPM?

Yes. Nitrates are contraindicated though.

5) Is there another way to solve the ED while on the drug?

Unfortunately not other than trying other drugs or doses.  Some calcium channel blockers work for PSVT and this class of drug has less of an effect on ED.

6) Given my dosings of 50mg and 25mg daily, what is the method to stop taking Meto.? I know you cannot stop outright but gradually decrease dosage over time until weaned off.
7) Given my dosage, what's a safe way to wean off (I will not do this until I have the ok)?

Many people stop outright with no problem. Others complain of rebound symptoms coming off. I would stop over a couple of days by halving your doses.

8) Will I have problems once off Meto.?

If you were having the arrythmia off the drug, probably. I would look into another drug such as a calcium channel blocker for your symptoms.

good luck

[michigan123]

Anyone?  Thank you for any help.  Bye.

[michigan123]

Thank you very much for the help, Doctor.  I will follow up with more knowledge and information when I meet with my doctor.  Thanks again,