Re: Sinus tachycardia and migraines

Posted By Michelle on August 03, 1999 at 17:20:43
I'm a 25 year old female and I have had heart palpations accompanied by a tightening in my chest since I was about 10.  When it began I went to a pediatric cardiologist and to the best of my recollection was given a "best guess" of mitral valve prolapse.  Later when I was about 18 I discussed this with my doctor again and after many tests he came up with sinus tachycardia.  At the same time he looked into the headaches that I had been having.  These are much like a thin metal rod being pushed through my head (usually originating in my eye although not always).  This was diagnosed as atypical migraines.  I was prescribed Propranolol for both.  I thought at the time that this would be something I took for one prescriptions worth.  Both problems got better for a time but returned a while later.  My doctor gave me a refill (this was maybe a year later) but here I sit still dealing with these problems. Even though neither of these conditions are earth-shattering I don't enjoy them and would rather be able to control them.  Having said all that my questions are these:  How are these two problems related?  Are there new treatments which might be effective? and Is this something that will restrain my activity in the future (I am considering the Peace Corp after finishing my current degree)?

[Cleveland Clinic, MD]

Posted By CCF CARDIO MD - CRC on August 04, 1999 at 09:07:35
I don't think there is an association but there may be a single medication such as a beta-blocker that your doctor can give you that will help both problems.  I would talk to your doctor about this.
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.
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