Re: Constant irregular beats, almost fainted, HELP!!!

Posted By CCF CARDIO MD - MTR on March 30, 1999 at 23:09:17:

In Reply to: Constant irregular beats, almost fainted, HELP!!! posted by Kathy on March 28, 1999 at 16:14:08:






I'm 34 and have had irregular beats for 10 years.  However,
they were never too bothersome, and I take InderalLA 60mg daily.
For the past few months I have been having episodes where my heart
is totally out of rhythm (not just the skipped beat ever third or
fourth time)  I mean totally no rhythm uniformity!!!
Last week I had an episode that lasted 2 1/2 hours and I was very
uncomfortable.  I work with an RN who listened to my heart and told
me it was extremely irregular.  As she was trying to take my pulse
and listen to my heartbeat at the same time, I started to get extremely
dizzy and almost fainted.  They had to get smelling salts for me.  They
took me straight to my doctors, who put on a Holter monitor.  But by the
time I got to the doctor's office, my heart was beating fine, and nothing
showed on the Holter.
What could this be, as now I am afraid of going anywhere alone or driving
a car.  I can't believe how terrible I felt.  Was this Atrial Fibrillation,
or is there any way for ME to tell if it happens again?  What should I do
if this does happen again?  Go to the ER?
The nurse told me I wasn't "profusing", not hearing "lubb dubb".  What does
that mean??  Since I only get these continuous irregular beats every few weeks,
is there any monitoring that is done longer than 24 hours?  Someone mentioned
an "Event Monitor"  How does that work and can you shower when it's on or
hook it up yourself?
I was diagnosed by Echocardiogram as Miral Valve Prolapse with slight leakage,
but told it was not the "dangerous" kind.
Any help from ANYONE is very much appreciated!!!!  I need advice!
- Kathy




Dear Kathy, thank you for your question.  The fainting spell is worrisome, so I suggest that you see a physician as soon as possible.  You may be having atrial fibrillation or another arrhythmia like supraventricular tachycardia, but I can't determine that in this forum.  An event monitor is a portable cardiac monitor that is worn for 1-2 weeks to record the heart rhythm during periods of symptoms.  It is possible to shower and do normal activities while wearing an event monitor.  
I hope you find this information useful.  Information provided in the heart forum is for general purposes only.  Only your physician can provide specific diagnoses and therapies. Please feel free to write back with additional questions.  Good luck!
If you would like to make an appointment at the Cleveland Clinic Heart Center, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE or inquire online by using the Heart Center website at www.ccf.org/heartcenter.   The Heart
Center website contains a directory of the cardiology staff that can be used to select the physician best suited to address your cardiac problem.