Tachycardia, sweating, near fainting???

[cindyx4]

Hello,

I have a history of MVP, MVR.  I had a stroke at the age of 23 due to MVP and birth control pills.  I have graves disease.  I had a thyroidectomy in Feb of this year.  Since then, my TSH levels have been very hyper.  My meds have been reduced but so far I haven't noticed my difference.

I was only taking Atenolol (50mg) 1-2 times a week for the past couple of months.  This past week, I have been shaky and have had to take atenolol 2-3 times a day.  Last Friday I reached above my head and had the most severe pain in my left shoulder.  The pain was so bad I was panting to breath.  I continued to have the pain the remander of the day.  Last night I woke up at 11 and felt some nausea and tachycardia.  It wasn't enough to make me get up and take atenolol.  I fell back to sleep and woke up at12:30.  This time when I woke up I was sure I was going to throw up.  Headed to the bathroom where I broke out into a sweat (literally soaked my clothes!), had severe tachycardia and nearly fainted.  My husband brought me 2 atenolol and then practically carried me to bed.  Once I layed down and the atenolol started working I felt better.  I haven't felt bad since.

After telling you all of this, what do you think is going on?  I am seeing my doctor today but I'd like some info before I go.

Thanks.

Cindy

[aljarrah]

Hi there, I am an Iraqi doctor
I just have a comment about cindy's problem
I just want to ask why did you ignore the relief of her after taking heavy dose of B-blocker , it's a good drug for anxiety and it may a real cause of her shake esspacially that she is having a real disease,
second did her doctor make a thyroid functin test for her?
third , she didn't tell anything about her investigation , RBS as exaple because she has the symp. of diabetes
thank you very much
Dr.alnazzal

[CLM]

It is amazing how hormones can affect all systems -- during my "good" times (meaning very few arrhythmias) I really only notice problems during ovulation and pms.  I also have friends with "normal" hearts who have begun to experience palpitations now that they are in perimenopause.  I wonder, are hormone-mediated rhythm problems more benign than other causes?  Or would there be no difference?  I suppose people who have actual heart attacks are often under extreme stress that acts as a trigger... so that is another set of hormones (adrenaline).  Hmmmm.

But Cindy, clearly something has shifted in your system and needs attention.  I hope they run the appropriate blood tests, etc.  You may need a specialist in addition to a cardiologist as some of your symptoms could be related to things other than heart stuff.  Dosages of beta blockers are tricky at times -- I started w/ 25mg atenolol as needed, then upped to 25mg daily, then when I recently doubled it (as suggested by my cardiologist for very frequent, symptomatic pvcs) it made my pvcs WORSE!  And, since I was fully expecting improvement, you would think that at the very least I would have had some "placebo effect" benefit!  Not at all... so now I am all the way back down to 14mg per day  and feel better.  BUT, in some people the atenolol is very effective and helps a variety of conditions.  It is also very important to move gradually -- up or down -- with a beta blocker so as to not trigger nasty side effects.  Just my two cents.  Best wishes!

[cindyx4]

Thanks everyone.  I saw my doctor a few minutes ago.  I had an EKG done in the office and it was normal (30 second one).  My doctor said he could hear a very loud, distinct, murmur.  He is referring me to a cardiologist for an appt asap.  Until then I am to take 2 50mg Atenolol a day to try to avoid what I had happen last night.  I am hoping this alleviates some of my shaking!

Thank you again for posting.

Cindy

P.S. One good thing he did say was that he did NOT feel this was from anxiety.  He feels strongly that I have something going on whether thyroid or heart related we don't know.

[Dr. Erik]

Get your rear end to your doctor now!

[Momto3]

Cindy, I also think you should seek the advice of a physician today. Because you have had a change in your symptoms, etc. it is always advisable to check with a doctor in person. The doctors on this forum (Hi Dr. J!!) are great, but without seeing you it would be difficult to assess your personal situation. Call the doctor today. Best of luck....Feel better and keep us posted.

[EricaM.]

I know that this isn't my place to post a question- but I keep trying to post one and it always says it is full.  Can you tell me when I can post a question on the East Coast (NY)?  Thanks!

[sheryl1945]

Best of luck...glad your ekg was normal.  Please keep us informed; we get to "know" each other here :)

[Momto3]

You are definitely among friends our this board. I have MVP and MR so I can relate to your anxiety about your new symptoms.  Please take care of yourself and keep us posted.

[Anne 35]

My symptons also worsened during my period.  I have wondered that same thing.

Hope you feel better soon.


Anne

[cindyx4]

One more thing, I don't know if this is related or not but I am due to start my period today or tomorrow.  Could my elevated hormone levels affect how my heart performs?

Cindy

[CCF-M.D.-RCJ]

Cindy,

Thanks for the post.

In brief, I don't know.

Several possible explanations exist.  One is that you are still hyperthyroid.  Another is that you are experiencing beta-blocker rebound from the sporadic dosing -- beta-blockers work effectively when you take them on a consistent basis, not on an as needed basis.  A third explanation is that you are taking too much beat-blocker, which has lead to low blood pressure, which lead to sweating and increased catecholamines, which lead to faster heart rate.  A fourth explanation is that you have developed an arrhythmia, like a fib.

Many other possibilities exist.  There is no substitute for talking to your doctor.

Hope that helps.