Sarcoidosis and Tachycardia

[lisa]

I am a 39 yo overweight female who has had sarcoidosis since 1989. I was originally assumed to have myocardial sarcoid, along with lung, skin, and joint involvement. My original symptoms were chest pain and sinus tachycardia 120-140 resting. I had ST changes and an MRI with a suspicious area of sarcoid involvement. I also have a mild MVP with fibromyalgia syndrome which was diagnosed before the sarcoid. Currently, my heart rate is 110 resting, and I recently had a stress test that showed a very poor exercise tolerance with a heart rate of 170 within 2 minutes, and they only let me go 3 1/2 min. total due to hr, sob, and sever headache. The newest problem seems to be that I can not do any type of aerobic exercise without getting a severe headache, sob, and tachycardia. My resting bp is usually normal. I also have a constant low grade headache. I got a note from the cardiologist stating my stress test was normal or unchanged, and I certainly am not feeling normal when I try to exercise. I am
currently off on disability, as I am feeling very fatigued, and having constant headaches. I am wondering if my heart condition is worsening, or if there could be an excess of hormones in my body that make my heart beat so fast. I would appreciate your thoughts on this scenario. Thank You!

[jan]

Does it matter that the correct spelling is "arrhythmia"?

[jan]

I was hoping somebody would start a chat. Not knowing very much about such things, I couldn't. I had wanted to ask my son, who is very knowledgeable, but his weekends home are so busy. I think it will be great! Thanks.

[CCF CARDIO MD - DLB]

Sarcoid can definitely involve the conduction system of the heart, sometimes needing a pacemaker placement. It is more unusual to lead to an isolated sinus tachycardia though; this could be due more to the overweight and poor exercise tolerance. You could see a cardiac electrophysiologist to further evaluate the tachycardia. If the headaches are bad, it might also be worthwhile to see a neurologist to make sure that you do not have any sarcoid involving the brain.