fast heart beat, constant pulse around 90-100

[yes123]

I am 53 years old woman and was diagnosed with Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation the last April.  I am currently feel fine and don't feel any irregular hear beat.  However, I have rather fast heart beat and the pulse is always around 90-100.  is it dangerous to have pulse this high ??   Should I take medication and get doctor's attention ?   please advise, Thanks !!

[Forum-M.D.-MJM]

Hello,
The recommended treatment for asymptomatic paroxysmal atrial fibrillation is rate control.  If your heart rate is 90-100 resting, it probably increases significantly with mininal exertion.  I would recommend rate control and a holter monitor to make sure your heart rate is controlled through out the day.  Rate control is typically with either beta blockers or calcium channel blockers.

Depending on your other risk factor, aspirin or coumadin may be indicated.  Talk to your doctor to make sure you are taking the right medications.

I hope this helps.
Thanks for posting.

[oneil420]

Im not a dr but am on this forum alot do to my pvcs but it doesnt sound bad to me, tachycardia is usually considered a pulse over 100 bpm but people average between 60 and 90 resting pulse. I get sinus tach with beats in the upper 200s. But if you are "concerned about this" and i think you are make a dr appt speak to someone you trust if for nothing else peace of mind because if you have doubht in your mind about your health(especially your heart:) ones mind tends to get the upper hand, Hope you get the answers your looking for.

[yes123]

Thank you for your quick response.  I also have low blood pressure 110/65.
Is the combination of low blood pressure and fast pulse a problem ?
I am having a colonoscopy this coming Tuesday (4/17), is it going to have problem with anesthesia ??

[oneil420]

Well i am the perfect person to answer that, i have crohns disease and have had 3 colonoscopys since my cardiac issues. First i had no problems at all. I (like you should) discussed all my concerns with the dr prior to my procedure, they have you monitored and although i know you dont want to hear this but if anything goes wrong your in the best place for it too, a OR. :) I did have some palpitations post , i dont know the doses but i was givin valium and demerol. The actuallyprocedure was fast and relativly painless but to the point, i have pacs/pvcs and sinus arrythmia and sinus tachycardia. The drs were not at all concerned with my cardiac issues effecting my outcome, so goodluck keep me informed and let me know if you have anymore questions

[ireneo]

Your BP is not really low, it's more "ideal." From most things I've read 120 bpm is considered tachy. Today mine decided to jump to 191 while walking on the treadmill. Yep, that's a little fast but I brought it down with valsalva. Make sure your doctors are aware of your heart history when you go in for the colonoscopy. They'll be monitoring you a bit more closely and be prepared to pull back if necessary. Take care.

[NurseKagome]

I wouldn't worry about your BP. At 110/65, it's great. I have heard time and time again that the age old 120/80 as being a standard for "good" BP is now that they like to see it just under that. Your BP is almost the same as mine, and mine may go to 105/58, not much of a difference. Any concerns you have, speak to your dr ok? they are being paid to help you, they are only people as we are and they provide a service to us all. They have vast information and a lot to teach us all. Best of luck.

[yes123]

Thanks to all for your comments and recommendations.  I have called the gastro office and they said they will closely monitor me during the colonoscopy procedure.   I will let you know how it goes.   After that, I think I should have my heart check it out again to make sure that my heart rate is under control because I am currently not under any medication like beta-blockers.    Thanks again !!  

[Angeliz8385]

So for those of you that have tachycardia and PVCs, did you have any problems with the junk you hve to drink prior to the test? I was told that I can not have anything stimulative and that the stuff you drink is.....
I need to have a colonoscopy and possb barium enema test.
Thanks for you input!