Member Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum.  ALWAYS check with your personal physician before taking any action regarding your health! MedHelp International and our partners, sponsors and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MedHelp International does not endorse the views of any user.
 | 

Do I need a cardiologist?

by nancyt1, Jul 30, 2008 02:56PM
I am a 57 year old healthy female.  Other than gallbladder removal (4 years ago) and a broken foot last summer,
I have had no medical problems.  About a month ago I went to a church blood drive and was turned down as a donor
because of a high pulse rate (over 100). BP was fair, a little eleveated in the high 120s and low 130s over high 70s and low 80s. After monitoring bp and rate for 2 days at home I saw my internist.  He ordered blood tests, including thyroid function and magnesium and potassium levels.  I also wore a Holter for 24 hours.  All blood tests came back normal and the Holter showed an average heart rate of over 100.  My doctor prescribed 25 mg of Toprol xl one time a day.  I have monitored bp and rate several times daily, and bp is good (117/67, for example) but pulse rate is still in 90's or low 100's.  I called his office today and he increased the dose to 2 times a day.  What I need to know is whether or not this is something that takes a while for the meds to take hold of, or should I follow my instinct (this IS the only heart I have) and consult a cardiologist?
Thank you for any advice you can offer.
Member Comments (1)

by RNRita, Jul 30, 2008 03:23PM
To: nancyt1
Hi there.  Toprol and the rest of the beta blockers are generally prescribed for high blood pressure.  They also help a fast heart rate so many doctors do use them for that reason.  I take atenelol and have for 21 years.  I had a resting heart rate of 96 so I know how you feel.  The atenelol worked wonders for me.  The day I started it (it was a high dose) my heart rate went down to 47.  My hubby wanted to take me to the ER and I told him to just let me alone....it felt so darned good!  Eventually, my HR went to around 72 on 25 mg.  You just need to get your dose right or find the right beta blocker.  Some do not take the heart rate down in certain people!
Post Comment
To
Comment
Post Comment
Recent Activity
April2 cornbread stuffing is done, sweet potatoes are done and pum...
April2 commented on photo
7 mins ago
ptadvoc8 commented on Thanksgiving
2 hrs ago
LindaTX enlightened
April2 commented on One thing after anoth...
3 hrs ago
Twilight_Princess isn't feeling well.. see Neurologist next week. ...
natashav2003 commented on One thing after anoth...
6 hrs ago
newzor is...
RSS Expert Activity
What You Don't Know About Breathing...
Nov 24 by Steven Y Park, MD
Thanksgiving
Nov 23 by Thomas Dock, Vet. Technician
Snoring As Your Internal Smoke Alar...
Nov 22 by Steven Y Park, MD
Community Members