Super low blood pressure & mitral valve prolapse

[Me_too555]

my heart rate (pulse) runs low (resting=48). Dropped below 40. Exteme dizziness & called 911 ->ER. They had hard time trying to figure out what was wrong. Maybe interaction from cleansing herbs + antibiotic Clarithromycin for dental work. Fingers, toes, tongue all tingly-numb. Also, dry heaves.
Previously (recently) diagnosed w/mitral valve prolapse. Doc didn't think pace maker was needed. Told me to eat more salt, exercise less (for real).
Question: Need a cardiologist who is really good. Should I get a interventionist or someone in another specialty area of cardiology?

[travelgal84]

hi, your stories have all made me feel slightly etter and consoled.

I am 25, was diagnosed with mitral valve prolapse, have occasional palpitations, when i listen to my heart beat, sometimes it skips a beat and then then nexxt two or three beats will be sped up.

recently when i sit or lie down with my arms perfectly straight, I feel numbness on both my arms. Its really scary and would really appreciate  if someone who has the same problem or similar experiences to share it with me.

I'm only 25, and I used to be severely underweight with a BMI of a whopping 12.3. I havve since force fed and gained back weight to have a BMI of 17.8. I realy don't know if this heart problem / prolapse was due to me being underweight in the past.

One more thing, can someone enlighten me on why the doc adviised you to eat more salt? I do not have a habit of eating high-salt foods though I indulge more in sugary stuff- esp when I get nervous when I experience palpitations. I will eat sweets or bascically anything.

can anyone tell me if feeling regular palpitations (almost every other day) and numbness in the  arms (once a week) is a normal symptom?

I have no family history of heart disease and I exercise almost everyday- run, swim blade.

please help.

[Me_too555]

Thanks for your reply. What is SSS? About the antibiotic: After dental procedure, there was infection. It was not a preventative measure. So have you passed out from low bp?

Do you know what a Cardiac interventionist is or does? Thanks and good luck. I will consider the electrophysiology area of expertise. Are you happy with your level of care? I hope so.
From Me too

[awlright10]

Late last December my heart rate dropped to 40 and, of course, I felt a bit dizzy, but if you can exercise and bring it up I don't believe it's too serious. I had something to eat and it went back up to my rate, which exactly like yours--48. I too have mitral value problems. (Most people, even those with heart disease, don't need to take antibiotics before a routine dental of surgical procedure anymore. The fact is that bacteria gets into the blood stream even if one takes an antibiotic and can cause infection.Although no large studies have been done to test whether or not taking antibiotics before dental work actually prevents endocarditis, if it does, the effect is so small that hundreds of people would have to take antibiotics to prevent a single case of infective endocarditis. Why not take the antibiotic "just in case?" Because there are side effects to be considered that can be deadly. You don't need antibiotics if you have Mitrial Valve Prolopse or other valve disease unless you're having a procedure like having a tooth pulled or your teeth cleaned that's is going to break the skin.)

I don't know if my heart rate is related to my Mitrial Prolopse. I suspect I have SSS, although that diagnosis has never been given to me or another problem with my sinus node. I am presently on an event monitor for 21 days and expect some answers after that time is up.

Yes, on finding another doctor. Look for one who is a cardiologist with a sub-specialty in electrophysiology. Any doctor who tells you to eat more salt and exercise less has no repect for your health.  All the very best of luck.
                                                           Awlright.  

[banglamom]

what was your blood pressure?  When I get super low bp, I also get the hands, feet, tongue and lips all numb.  It's a very odd feeling to be sure.  Have you passed out before?  Has an event like this happened before.  I see cardiology docs for years and have to eat a very high sodium diet.  Just go see a regular cardiologist.  If it was a one time event, it may have been a vasovagal event- in which case, it won't be a cardiologist problem to solve unless it happened so often to just get a backup pacemaker.  

Ask more questions anytime you think of them.  Hope you are feeling all right soon.