Pregnancy after cardiac ablation and on Toprol

[eraine79]

I am 30 years old and had a cardiac ablation one year ago for AV Nodal re-entry.  I began having tachycardia at age 12, and began having palpitations during my first pregnancy 7 years ago, and arrythmias almost 4 years ago.  I am still taking Toprol XL 50mg daily, and my average heart rate is between 90-120 bpm.  I would like to get pregnant within the upcoming year and was wondering what the risks are to my heart rate, if I can have a vaginal delivery, and if I would have any limitations during the pregnancy.  I have a 6 year old son, and during that pregnancy I had pre-ecclampsia and palpitations, but delievered vaginally with no problems.

[cindy707]

Alot of the questions you had are definately for your OB/GYN as well as your heart doc.....but as far as your concerns and my experience and the experience of others.....i was not surprised to hear that you delivered vaginally w/out incident during your pregnancy 6 years ago.  You have to remember that they did an ablation on you and from what you've explained it looks like it was pretty successful if the only meds they put you on for the other issues was toporol. As i am sure you are aware the biggest risk we have as women and pregnancy is exactly what you said...pre- ecclampsia however i am sure that the docs will tell you that is exactly the remedy....toporol for that ugly little situation.  I don't think that it would hurt to invest in a wrist or automated blood pressure cuff to take your B/P each day because the only way you are going to know when something is wrong otherwise is when an incident occurs w. the swelling, etc. and you race over to the docs office.  I would write a list for the docs on the what do i do's, the what if's, and the could this happen's for them so that you are at peace a little bit and just enjoy the possiblity of having another child.  Your heart rate of 90-120 still falls within the normal limits on the scale .  Before you leap into expanding your family get a consultation w. a heart doc to be sure both you and the baby will be safe and be sure to talk to him/her to make sure the toporol has no residual effects on your future child.  With the stats that are out there today w. people w. heart probs vs. procreation the world would stop because no one would be having kids since 4.4 million in this world suffer from some sort of heart problem and or rythm issue.....i was fine,,,,my kids are fine....good luck to you and your family and don't let this inhibit you from living your life with the what if's......talk to the docs and just jump back into your life.........

[Jerry_NJ]

Happy New Year, and welcome to the Heart Rhythm Community on MedHelp.

I have read many posts in the past about heart rhythm problems and having children, so I'm sure you'll get a response form someone who has had a similar question/experience.

It may be helpful if you give us you physical state for a heart rate of 90-120.  If that is at full rest both physically and mentally I'd say the 120 is too high in my experience.  The Toprol (or other beta blocker) should help lower you HR.  My AFib driven high HR is held below 100 at rest, mostly in the high 80s, but I take 100 mg a day (I take the generic Metoprolol).

Again, welcome to this community and I hope you get some valuable inputs, but remember your doctor is the best "official" answer you need to obtain before making a decision on any changes.