Re: High and Low heart rate rhythms

Posted By Jessica on August 01, 1999 at 13:11:31
Dear Cardiologist:
I am a 36 year old female with history of pernicious anemia, thalaseemia minor, factor V leiden, and meniere's disease.  I am currently taking 6 mg of Coumadin for the factor V.  As of July 2nd, I have experienced five episodes of tachycardia with a heart rate of 189 - 200 bpm.  These episodes occur mostly in the early am hours (3:00 - 4:30 a.m.).  I do not have any chest pain or shortness of breath, but it sure is a frightening experience. Afterwards, I feel extremely fatigued and the next morning, I have chest pain in the middle of my chest with a low heart rate of 38-66 bpm.  I am currently wearing a 30 day event monitor and have been able to capture three of these events.  The cardiologist/electrical physiologist has ruled out the thyroid, but just recently had me go in to see if I had high level iron stores.  Those results have not come back yet.
I have yet to placed on any medications..is this a normal approach to wait and see for 30 days before prescribing any medication?   I have heard that magnesium may help relax the heart prior to bedtime and my reduce the tachycardia..is this an option that I should discuss with the cardiologist?
Thanks for your help, I have enjoyed this website since my first incident and I am ecstatic that I can finally post a question!!

[jesica__0__0]

Posted By jessica on August 11, 1999 at 16:35:30
Dear Cardiologist:
After wearing the 30 day event monitor, the cardiologist/electrophysiologist advised me that these events appear to be either an AV node re-entry issue, a concealed bypass tract, or PSVT. He is suggesting an EP study with possible catheter ablation (last resort- pacemaker).
Since I have the factor V issue, could a blood clot occur during or after the procedure? Or, even worse, a pulmonary embolism?   Also, is this invasive procedure the best way to go?  He advised me I can try a beta blocker "Sectral" while awaiting for his schedule to open up for the EP Study (which is 8 weeks away).  If the beta blocker works, is the EP study necessary and can you stay on a beta blocker without any serious consequences for long term use.  Can this beta blocker interfere with the Coumadin therapy?
Last, but not least, before doing an invasive procedure, such as this EP study, do you suggest getting another opinion?
Thanks, as always for your comments.











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