At risk for sudden cardiac death?

[miamilatin]

I am a 26 year old hispanic obese male (5`8" 260lbs) and i am concerned about my heart. About 2 years ago i was taking diet pills to help me lose weight and also was on nicotine gum to help me quit smoking when i had my first attack of palpatations (my rate was about 160) i went to the ER and i was told to get off the diet pills and the gum which i did and had about 3 more episodes a few months after that. I had a ECHO done which was fine, stress test, which was also fine. They diagnosed me with General Anxiety Disorder (which i do have a family history of pysc. problems) and was started on Zoloft 100mg and Xanax .25mg BID. About a year ago i began having occational PVCs (maybe on average 10 a hour) which i do feel and it the feeling the best way i can describe it is the feeling you get when someone jumps out and scares you. I do get slightly dizzy but have not passed out or have not been diaphoretic. Also a new symptom has come more recently where i get a very generalized chest pain. Its sometimes in the left side of my chest or on the middle of my back or on my left shoulder (which only lasts about a few mins and is usually sharp ut at times it is pressure) I did go to my doctor and he said since all my tests where fine its more a neuromuscular pain. EKG showed Sinus Rhythm with early repolarization.

My question is, should i be concerned? Am I at risk for sudden cardiac death? If i do get a second opinon, is there something specific i should be asking?

Thanks!!!!

[Sweetwaterguy]

   Individually, obesety and smoking are huge risk factors for early heart disease.  If you are still smoking, the combination of the two are especially dangerous.  I am sure you already know that.  
   Making a lifetime commitment to good health is easy to do, but difficult to practice--particularly if you are off to a rocky start.  But it can be done.  What ever it takes to get your weight down to healthy levels--do it.  What ever it takes to quit smoking (if you haven't)--do it.  And do what ever it takes to get control of your anxiety.  
  Your age is a positive.  You have time if you get started now to reverse any of the negative health effects from the issues you raise.  I should end by wishing you good luck, but luck is not what is required.  It is commitment and just doing it.  

[MAB22]

I also am hispanic.  I was placed on Atenolol a year ago for a fast heart rate.  I'm 44 yo, 5'8", 185 lbs right now (I was as high as 202).  I have lost the weight over the last year by not lifting heavy weights as much and counting my calories.  I have also cut back on the fast food a bit.  I did get to 181, but have gained some weight recently.  I would like to get to 175 at least and probably lower than that.  I agree with sweetwaterguy.  Try to start losing weight and start an exercise program that you can stick with or adapt a healthier lifestyle.  Your age is on your side, however, if is very important to lose the weight and quit smoking.  How about Weight Watcher's or something.  I joined them online (didn't want to go to meetings) but they cut calories back too far for me.  But they are very successful.  I swim, ride a bike, walk, lift weights probably once per week (pretty light), do the elliptical machine, stair climber, and rowing machine once in a while.  By doing all of this cross training, I have been able to avoid injury, somewhat.  Lord willing, I am improving my cardiovascular fitness.  Both of my parents are prediabetic (in their sixties) and as hispanics, we are more prone to type 2 diabetes, which can be prevented, perhaps, by attaining a healthy weight.  To quote sweetwaterguy "It is committment and just doing it".  Well said.  Best wishes miamilatin and let us know how you are doing.        

[MAB22]

P.S.  Do not do those diet pills and check on any other pharmaceutical before trying for weight loss, as those can speed up the heart.  Lose the weight by cutting back the calories and exercise, good old fashioned way.  

[greendave]

Great advice from sweetwaterguy. I was a heavy drinker and smoker until 31 when i ended being taken by ambulance to the cardiac ward. here I am 27 years later still going strong but with a massive change in lifestyle - i am even a veggie and have ben for years.
Take sweetwaterguy's avdice but do it now - don't end up like I did - it really does work.
I still have problems but my healthy lifestyle gives me a lot more good days then bad and you are young with lots of good years ahead.
dave