M.S. and Pulse Spikes?

During my last M.S. relapse I had three epsiodes at night where my blood pressure shot up (a good average would be 180/110) and my pulse spiked (anywhere from 120 to 150). One sent me to the emergency room because it really felt like something was horribly wrong. The doctor said my EKG looked fine and wrote it off as a panic attack. I have had panic attacks for over 20 years (and have been on successful treatment for 10) and I can tell you that this was something different. We called my neurologist and he said he believes the M.S. is affecting my autonomic nervous system. He told me if I had any more episodes to take a Xanax and half a Toprol XL.
That was three months ago. Now, I 've been going through another M.S. relapse the last few weeks and had another spell with my heart rate last weekend. What I am wondering is, have you ever heard of M.S. affecting the heart before? I have an appt. to see my neuro at the end of March, but I am worried about my heart and wondering if I need to get a referral to a cardiologist, or just hold on until I see my neuro. My fear is that I will have an epsiode that gets so out of hand I have a heart attack or stroke!
Thank you so much for your time!

[Jerry_NJ]

You mention taking 1/2 dose of your Toprol XL which implies you have that on hand.  What was it prescribed for, and how many mg is you dose?

Your writing shows good control and thinking, so you must have a good "handle" on any emotions, not in a "panic".  Still, emotions can be subtle in our awareness of them and still cause a faster HR.

I am sorry to report I have not information/experience on your question regarding M.S., but this reply will put your post back on top, maybe someone else with more help will respond.

An examination by a cardiologist sounds like a good idea, but I can't recommend on the level of urgency, perhaps it is fine at this point to identify one to contact, your primary care or neuro should be able to make specific recommendations.  For me I also try to get an "in network" for my insurance coverage.  

[mississippichick]

Thanks!
In regard to the Toprol XL, my blood pressure had become a bit too high, so my GP put me on Toprol about a year ago. Also, I have what feels like "skipped beats," which turned out to be ectopic heartbeats (found out after doing a holter monitor) and the Toprol really helps a great deal in cutting those down as well.
My blood pressure was still spiking after I got on the Toprol (started out at 25mg daily) and they doubled it. I still sometimes have spikes even now. But now my pressure is always low in the morning and during the day. It's only in the aftns and evening when it spikes.