Scared on King of Hearts

Hi,  I am currently on the King of Hearts 30 day monitor.  I have called in several episodes this week and all were fine, but today I had one that felt like 3 beats together really fast and a little light headed afterward.  When I called this one in they put me on hold and told me to record a follow up recording and that they were going to fax it to the dr.  Of course this scared me to death and sent me into panic mode.  I called my cardiologist office but my dr was not in today, so the nurse showed it to another cardiologist and he said try not to worry about it, it looked like I had a few extra beats but to come in to see my regular dr on Monday.  I am so worried about this and am afraid what the dr will say on Monday.  I also had to go for an echo this afternoon but he won't get that report until next week. Has anyone had them do something like that while you were on the monitor?  I have had the monitor years ago but they didn't have to contact the dr on any of my recordings.

Scared,
Anita

[ireneo]

I just finished up with my monitor last week (had to do it as a pre-surgical test). In the past I didn't have to do a follow-up recording. With this company, I did. I would download the recording over the phone, they'd say clear it and record another while standing there. Did that each time. All they said was thank you and remember to reset the monitor. If it was a big problem they would ask you to call 9-1-1.

Three quick beats close together probably isn't all that serious. Apparently I have triplets and no one's very excited about it. And my tachy times last a lot longer than 3 beats; again, no danger, just annoying. Good luck on Monday when you talk to your doctor.

[poohbear2026]

Thank you.  I have sent many recordings to this company but this was the first time they had me do another one....they said they saw something the dr needed to see.  I'm just worried what he is going to say.

[ireneo]

Sure you're worried. It's hard not knowing what's going on in there. That's why we get the monitor glued to us in the first place (hope your skin is OK with those electrodes). If you have time, pop back and let us know what the doc says. Take care.

[jessegirl]

I also have felt exactly what you are describing.  I have had PAC's (with occasional PVc's, Tachy and Brady) for well over 10 years.  They have gotten worse in the last couple of years with the whole anxity/depr. thing.  I have had about five episodes of the back-to-back beats in the last two years.  Mine did not get caught on either the 24 hr. or 30 day monitor.  They scared the **** out of me also.  Try to look on the bright side, at least they were caught so you will know what your are dealing with and how to proceed.  There are options.  If it makes you feel any better, I have over 5,500 palps. a day.  I'm worried that they have increased, so I will be getting a monitor next month for my next 6 month check up with the Electrophysiologist (sp?).  I wish you luck and please check back with what he says, I would sure like to know, for both our sakes. Kaz

[poohbear2026]

Thanks so much for your responses. Well I went to the cardio today and he said the recording did catch 4 beats together.  He said this is called non sustained ventricular tachycardia.  He wants me to come in Thursday for the nuclear stress test.  He said if that and the echo check out okay then it is okay to have those extra beats in a normal heart he just has to rule out any cardiac disease.  I also have alot of blood test to do this week. I've had a nuclear test done about 2 years ago...but he said if it was longer then 6 months I would have to do another one.  I really don't like the idea of having all that radiation but I guess the peace of mind is worth it. (except then I will be worried about cancer from the radiation, as I have a family history of breast cancer).

Anita

[Barbmag]

So glad that you reported back after your visit today b/c I was wondering how it all went. You are so lucky that you captured the event an I bet everything will be fine w/your heart. Are you on any meds for this or did he say if you would be?
I also have a history of breast cancer in my family...my sister was diag 2.5 yrs ago w/stage 4 and she is still getting chemo and taking one day at a time..so strong and hopeful but I get so scared and worried. I am 62, she is 65, but has always lead the healthiest  lifestyle. No other family history of it as far as we know.
Let us know what happens after your tests and I hope they all come out well!!!

[ireneo]

That's pretty good news. Sorry about having to go through another stress test but so far it sounds like you're going to be fine. Like I said, I found out I have triplets (just one beat short of yours) and they think I'm fine too. We just have exciting hearts. Take care.

[poohbear2026]

Thank you all, of course now I have been reading about NSVT and gotten myself scared again.  The things I read about it sound scary.  No meds for it yet but it looks like he will probably want me on something.

Anita

[MilitaryWomenVO]

I didn't know they were supposed to tell you results over the phone. Every time they tell me that the EKG came through fine and it would be sent to the doctor. So I have to wait until the 30 days are up to know if any of them came up different or if there is anything going on. It's stressful.

MilitaryWomanVO

[ireneo]

Typically the monitoring company won't tell you anything. It's not their job to interpret the recordings. They can pick up on the obvious things and will forward it immediately to your doctor or if it looks real bad and you're feeling bad, they'll have you call 9-1-1. Every time I've worn a monitor, I had to wait for my doctor to tell me what happened. Then again, I've never had a life-threatening arrhythmia.

[poohbear2026]

Just to let you know, I went to the cardio today and he has cleared me for 6 months.  He said my echo and my nuclear stress test were both normal and he is 99.9% sure that the pvcs, nsvt and pacs are anxiety related.  He said he would give me a beta blocker if I wanted or I could just treat the anxiety. I have chose not to go on the beta blocker and just up my dose of lexapro and ativan.  


Thanks,
Anita

[ireneo]

Well, I guess that's good news. It's nice to know the heart is healthy. Hope the stress and anxiety eases up for you.