Viral/flu complication

[nancy]

Around Christmas I came down with flu like symptoms, cough, chills, shaking,extreme fatigue. These symptoms lasted in varying degrees for about 4 to 5 weeks. Each onset was characterized by 2 or 3 rapid, heavy heartbeats then an accelerated heart rate of about 90 to 120 beats per minute . The rapid heartbeat would last for about 5 minutes then settle to about 70 resting(which is high for me). Then I would shake violently for some time.  I was checked for elevated white count, liver and kidney function, pneumonia, lyme titer, all which came back normal.

I am recovering almost back to normal, but every week or so my heart will have this same 2 or 3 heavy beats and will elevate to about 100 to 120 beats per minute, Sometimes I have chills with this.  Any ideas? My primary thinks it is the virus moving through my blood stream. I am discouraged that it is occasionally still occurring and could it be a symptom of some viral heart damage? What do I ask my primary to check for???

Thanks!
Nancy

[nancy123]

Thank you for your comments...I think that an endocrine or thyroid problem may be up here. I'm having that checked. I also had metabolic panels done (normal) and a blood culture done (looks like that will be normal-final read today) sed rates will be in soon.  In response to the last comment,we do have propane heat in the house with carbonmonoxide detectors. I seem to be the only one of 5 with symptoms. Thanks for the kind words!

[Cheryl]

Do you have gas, oil, wood burning stove, furnace, etc. in your home?

[CCF CARDIO MD - DLB]

YOu could try wearing a Holter monitor for a couple of days to try and record your fast heart beat to have your doctor see what it is. If you are having recurrent chills that are accompanied by a fever, you should also see an infectious disease specialist.

[nancy]

By the way, I am a 40 year old female, active, seemingly healthy. I forgot to mention that during these episodes I can get a numbness on the outer part of my left hand. Odd. Occasionally I can feel a sensation in my throat of a stepped up heavy heart beat but it passes after only lasting for an hour or so.

Thanks!

[Victoria]

Maybe Cardio Doc will advise you wear a holter monitor to see what your heart is doing when these events are happening.(tachycardia,other arrythmia's and pac/pvc's etc.)  If you have a thyroid issue, perhaps get those levels checked as well.  Did the doc check your electrolyte levels, as that is important too, especially when sick with cold/flu. Good luck in whatever you find!