Tachycardia during surgery

  During surgery I have experienced tachycardia and high blood pressure, this also occurs when blood is being taken for a blood test, or if I cut myself and loose a substantial amount of blood. I have had every type of heart test known to man - worn a holter twice...had an echocardiogram...many ecg's and a 24 hour urine test. All have come back normal, except for showing I have PAC's now and then...though that is a seperate issuse. I was just wondering if you could shed any light on the matter of why this seems to happen. Obviously it must have something to do with my body going in to a stress reaction due to the loss of blood. Should I be worried about this occuring? Why does it occur in an otherwise healthy heart ?
  Thanks,
  Peta

[CCF Cardio MD - MTR]

Dear Peta, thank you for your question.  It sounds like you've had a thorough investigation
for the tachycardia and high blood pressure that occurred during surgery.  The echo, holter,
and 24 hour urine exclude significant hormonal or cardiac abnormalities.  During surgery,
the body is exposed to many stressors that otherwise would not occur.  Responses like
increased blood pressure and tachycardia are normal as long as they are not sustained.
You appear to have no intrisic heart disease so your prognosis is excellent.  I suspect
you may have had a reaction to the anesthetic that was used during your case
or to the loss of blood but you should ask your doctor about that possibility.  PAC's are
benign and shouldn't cause worry in your case.  I hope you find this information useful.
Information provided in the heart forum is for general purposes only.  Specific diagnoses
and therapies can only be provided by your physician.
your case.