Tachycardia with swollen ankles

[twinsmomplus2more]

My ankles and calves have been swollen every day and my heart rate has been between 125-135 at rest.  This has been going on for a few weeks.  A couple of days ago, I went to see my GP to check on a case of Shingles, which I've had for about 3 weeks.  He was very concerned about my fast heart rate and ankles.  I was also having quite a bit of trouble breathing (I do have severe asthma and spent 10 days in the hospital last month with asthmatic/bronchitis.).  He sent me right over to the hospital to be evaluated.  I was immediately admitted to the Cardiac Care Unit, where many tests were performed, including an EKG and echocardiogram.  They also took tons of blood and urine.  It was determined that my heart was fine, although for the 2 days that I spent there, my HR never went below 115, even while sleeping.  It was also determined that it was not my asthma medication or any of the other meds that I'm on that caused it.  I also have severe GERD, migraines, and frequent headaches.

One test that did come back with somewhat of an answer showed that I have very low albumin (2.8) and hypoproteinemia, or very low protein levels in my blood.  The doctor said that this was probably not because of diet, but that the protein was "leaking" out somewhere.  She also said that it could be an indicator of something much more serious.  The hospital took more blood and urine to test, and then discharged me.  I still have the swollen ankles and very fast HR (it's 133 as I sit here typing).

My questions are; Can sustaining this tachycardia be dangerous to the heart?  What things should I be concerned about with a very low blood protein level?  Should I be concerned about cancer?  My dad died of Lymphoma at age 49.  I'm 47.  Could all of this be asthma or GI related?  I do have GI issues, in fact I have an endoscopy scheduled for this Monday due to swallowing problems.  The discharge instructions mention a work-up for hypoalbuminemia including myeloma and lymphoma, also.

Please help me.  I'm a little scared.  Actually, I'm a lot scared!!

Thank you

[Mom2four85]

I'm so sorry to hear you're going through this.  Alot of us here have many different symptoms & diagnosis, so hopefully someone can help you.  It sounds like you're having alot of different problems, some may be heart related. I would definitely keep track of your symptoms - a journal and then see a doctor and start at the beginning and be completely checked out - JUST in case.

I have been to a cardiologist & 2 Ep's now because of my VT & NSVT (non sustained & sustained - under 30 sec duration & over 30 sec duration) all 3 of these doctors tell me NSVT over a "short period of time", can cause Cardiomyopathy which weakens the heart muscle and causes it to stop working as well as it should.  However, VT can be more serious problems quickly and needs to be addressed accordingly.

I think if you ask doctors, you may get different answers on nsvt - and we as patients may be told different things.  For myself I've just found out I have had pvc's & problems for 5 years and been undiagnosed which have gotten to the point that I have to have ablation surgery with a normally structural heart.

I've had swelling in my ankles off & on to the point I can't see my toes - then it will go away with no cause.  I've had shortness of breath, pounding & numbness in left neck & chest into jawline,dizziness, fainting/blackouts & fatigue with no discernable pattern and was told there was nothing wrong with me.  My EP yesterday shook her head and said you've got to be kidding me - your file shows classic problems.

All my bloodwork with the exception of sodium (135) and  EGFR (59) is perfectly normal.  I've had tests for genetic things as well as diseses, and they are all normal.  I got lucky and can't thank my PCP  enough - I went to him with broken toes and he picked up on my PVC's and mild valve problems.

The EP I went to yesterday said to me - just because you didn't have an SVT on a test, doesnt mean you aren't having them - the tests only show what's going at that given point/time.  

Some doctors may only go on a particular test result, makes me shake my head.  I'm glad I found a doctor who doesn't do that even though that's the reason I'm at the point I am now.

Good luck and hope you find some help with your heath problems - keep us posted and if you need to talk feel free to PM me.

[SassyLassie]

That is an extremely high heart rate for resting, even for exercising. I am surprised the docs did not give you something for it. I am also surprised that it was not the asthma meds not causing it, usually, they can be the culprit.

This fast rate will not hurt your heart as long as it does not keep it up for too long. I would get all the recommended tests done, and also, if there is one in your area, see an EP cardiologist, these specialize in the "electrical" part of the heart.

I would not think that GI disorders would cause such a fast rate, I would say asthma meds if anything.

After you get all this taken care of, and if the tests come back normal but you still are having trouble, then I would see a chiropractor. Believe it or not, when mom's vertebrae in her upper back were out, she would get weird heart beats and such, but when adjusted, they would get better. But, I would do this ONLY after you see the other doctors to rule out any majour problems.

If you do not have a cardiologist, now is the time for one, along with the EP cardiologist. I wish you luck, please keep us posted as to how you are doing.