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Tachycardia?
Hi,
I'm a 22 year old female who goes to the gym 5 times a week. I've had palpitations on and off for the past 5 years. My resting heart rate is around 65bpm.
Last Wednesday (five days ago) I was at my usual spinning class when I checked my heart rate monitor because my head all of a sudden came over very light. It said 200bpm (where I usually never exceed around 185bpm), before dropping to 120bpm, going back up to 190bpm, dropping back down to 90bpm, and so on. My arms and legs were going numb and I felt like I was going to pass out. I left the class and went home, where the episode carried on – I was shaking, I felt numb all over, was having strong palpitations, lightheadedness, and my heart rate was continuing to fly up and down.
I phoned a paramedic who couldn't get my heart rate to come down past 145bpm, even though I was sat resting for 2 hours or so. He phoned an ambulance and they took me to the hospital where they took multiple ECG's, a chest x-ray and a blood test. I know that my heart was palpitating during one of the ECG's, but when I saw a doctor I'm not sure he was looking at that one in front of him.
My chest x-ray was fine. My blood tests showed no problems, except a slightly underactive thryoid – something I know about and don't need medication for – and a reasonably high white blood cell count. He said that my ECG showed that my heart rate was regular, if a bit fast, but again I'm not sure whether I was experiencing any palpitations during that ECG. He said that it doesn't look like atrial fibrillation, since the beats are regular, and requested a 24 hour ECG and an appointment with a cardiologist the following Wednesday. He also gave me beta blockers to take: 1.25mg of Bisoprolol every day.
I left the hospital and felt totally drained, but I expected that since my heart was racing up and down, well above 140bpm for around 4-5 hours. I wasn't feeling well a couple of days later, but decided to get up and go for a short, slow stroll with my dog. Once I got back, I sat and watched TV and I had another episode – the same symptoms as before. Again, my heart rate was flying up to 170bpm, back down to 80bpm etc, along with the same lightheadedness, shortness of breath, etc. I went back to the hospital, where they basically just monitored me until it calmed down a bit and told me that there were no signs of damage to my heart, so I didn't have a heart attack, and to wait until my appointment with the cardiologist.
Ever since Wednesday I have been feeling really ill. I have no appetite whatsoever, I've lost around 9 pounds in one week, which is quite a lot for a 5ft 8, 126 pound (now 117 pound) girl. I am constantly exhausted. I have other feelings that come and go too: tightness in my chest, numbness in my left leg, pressure on my head and jaw, and still palpitations every day. I also get waves of what feels like adrenaline wash over me.
I'm sorry for the really long post, but my real question is – what is going on with me? The doctor wrote on my discharge form (from Wednesday, the first episode) 'ECG sinus tachycardia' – but could he tell if it were another kind of tachycardia if I wasn't having an episode during the ECG? I appreciate I should probably just wait until Wednesday and see what the cardiologist says, but I feel so ill and I've had what feels like two more episodes about to come on, that I've 'breathed away' – I wasn't measuring my heart rate then but I think it stayed pretty normal, nowhere near as high as the previous two times when I went to hospital.
I'm desperate to know why I'm feeling so poorly with such odd symptoms. People have suggested it could just be anxiety, but I'd love to know whether it's likely to be panic attacks, or a form of tachycardia, or could it possibly be a fever that's causing these episodes?
Thanks for reading and thanks in advance for your opinion.
I'm a 22 year old female who goes to the gym 5 times a week. I've had palpitations on and off for the past 5 years. My resting heart rate is around 65bpm.
Last Wednesday (five days ago) I was at my usual spinning class when I checked my heart rate monitor because my head all of a sudden came over very light. It said 200bpm (where I usually never exceed around 185bpm), before dropping to 120bpm, going back up to 190bpm, dropping back down to 90bpm, and so on. My arms and legs were going numb and I felt like I was going to pass out. I left the class and went home, where the episode carried on – I was shaking, I felt numb all over, was having strong palpitations, lightheadedness, and my heart rate was continuing to fly up and down.
I phoned a paramedic who couldn't get my heart rate to come down past 145bpm, even though I was sat resting for 2 hours or so. He phoned an ambulance and they took me to the hospital where they took multiple ECG's, a chest x-ray and a blood test. I know that my heart was palpitating during one of the ECG's, but when I saw a doctor I'm not sure he was looking at that one in front of him.
My chest x-ray was fine. My blood tests showed no problems, except a slightly underactive thryoid – something I know about and don't need medication for – and a reasonably high white blood cell count. He said that my ECG showed that my heart rate was regular, if a bit fast, but again I'm not sure whether I was experiencing any palpitations during that ECG. He said that it doesn't look like atrial fibrillation, since the beats are regular, and requested a 24 hour ECG and an appointment with a cardiologist the following Wednesday. He also gave me beta blockers to take: 1.25mg of Bisoprolol every day.
I left the hospital and felt totally drained, but I expected that since my heart was racing up and down, well above 140bpm for around 4-5 hours. I wasn't feeling well a couple of days later, but decided to get up and go for a short, slow stroll with my dog. Once I got back, I sat and watched TV and I had another episode – the same symptoms as before. Again, my heart rate was flying up to 170bpm, back down to 80bpm etc, along with the same lightheadedness, shortness of breath, etc. I went back to the hospital, where they basically just monitored me until it calmed down a bit and told me that there were no signs of damage to my heart, so I didn't have a heart attack, and to wait until my appointment with the cardiologist.
Ever since Wednesday I have been feeling really ill. I have no appetite whatsoever, I've lost around 9 pounds in one week, which is quite a lot for a 5ft 8, 126 pound (now 117 pound) girl. I am constantly exhausted. I have other feelings that come and go too: tightness in my chest, numbness in my left leg, pressure on my head and jaw, and still palpitations every day. I also get waves of what feels like adrenaline wash over me.
I'm sorry for the really long post, but my real question is – what is going on with me? The doctor wrote on my discharge form (from Wednesday, the first episode) 'ECG sinus tachycardia' – but could he tell if it were another kind of tachycardia if I wasn't having an episode during the ECG? I appreciate I should probably just wait until Wednesday and see what the cardiologist says, but I feel so ill and I've had what feels like two more episodes about to come on, that I've 'breathed away' – I wasn't measuring my heart rate then but I think it stayed pretty normal, nowhere near as high as the previous two times when I went to hospital.
I'm desperate to know why I'm feeling so poorly with such odd symptoms. People have suggested it could just be anxiety, but I'd love to know whether it's likely to be panic attacks, or a form of tachycardia, or could it possibly be a fever that's causing these episodes?
Thanks for reading and thanks in advance for your opinion.
I would keep the appointment with the cardiologist and get a monitor to try and catch this. It could be you are cycling in an out of an accessory pathway svt that gets triggered with exercise. There was another fellow on here who seemed to have very similar symptoms triggered by heavy exercise. Mine would generally start and stop for no reason but did not cycle like yours but it is possible the spot it is in is allowing this to happen. Good news is if it is an accessory pathway svt they are easy to fix but try to take it easy for a while and give your heart a chance to rest and recover from the stress it has been under. I would also highly suggest getting your thyroid reevaluated. Problems with the thyroid can cause all sorts of tachycardia issues and if you were low it best just to have it checked to see if something has changed. Well hang in there and drink lots of water. It will help your heart function better and hopefully help you feel better as well. Stay strong and try not to stress. Do as much deep breathing as you need to, to ward off any anxiety. And please do keep us posted on how you are doing.
Hi Michelle,
Thanks for getting back to me. Did this other guy post recently? I'd be interested to read his post and see how similar his symptoms are to mine.
Do you, or have your heard of anyone, ever feel really unwell for about a week after their attack of tachycardia? I'm wondering whether perhaps it could just be a bug that I've caught that's causing my heart rate to fly up and down – although maybe this is more unlikely since I've experienced palpitations for 5 years now.
Thanks again,
Lara
Thanks for getting back to me. Did this other guy post recently? I'd be interested to read his post and see how similar his symptoms are to mine.
Do you, or have your heard of anyone, ever feel really unwell for about a week after their attack of tachycardia? I'm wondering whether perhaps it could just be a bug that I've caught that's causing my heart rate to fly up and down – although maybe this is more unlikely since I've experienced palpitations for 5 years now.
Thanks again,
Lara
As an "experiencer" (I never use the word "sufferer") of SVT for 54 years, I can't honestly say that a major episode left me drained for more than a day. If you're working out at high respiration levels, and you hearts jumps into SVT, then converts back to NSR, your respiration rate may cause your heart rate to be high. So if you're working out and you go into SVT at 170, if it drops out on it's own (Which mine never did), your normal rate may have fallen a bit but not back to a resting pulse. Make sense? Also, the shot of adrenaline we all experience when our hearts take off will have a tendency to keep you rate higher than normal when you drop out to NSR.
Hi Tom,
Thanks so much for your reply. I understand what you mean, so perhaps my heart was dropping in and out of SVT, which caused the jumps up and down in my heart rate? My heart rate did remain high for around 5 hours until I took a beta blocker, but perhaps it was raised because the whole thing was quite anxiety-provoking!
I wish I had some answer as to why I feel so unwell. I absolutely love my food so to have so little appetite that I drop 9 pounds in a week is quite something. I've tried looking around online to find if other people have felt very unwell for a long time after, but nobody seems to. Much like you, they seem to be drained for maybe a day afterwards.
All I can find is that maybe I have some kind of illness that is causing my heart rate to go a little crazy. It would make sense with the fact that my white blood count was high when I went to the hospital, but it doesn't really sound like such massive jumps in my heart rate could be caused by illness. Have you ever heard of anyone suffer from tachycardia due to illness or is this wishful thinking on my behalf?
Thanks again for your reply, I really appreciate it.
Thanks so much for your reply. I understand what you mean, so perhaps my heart was dropping in and out of SVT, which caused the jumps up and down in my heart rate? My heart rate did remain high for around 5 hours until I took a beta blocker, but perhaps it was raised because the whole thing was quite anxiety-provoking!
I wish I had some answer as to why I feel so unwell. I absolutely love my food so to have so little appetite that I drop 9 pounds in a week is quite something. I've tried looking around online to find if other people have felt very unwell for a long time after, but nobody seems to. Much like you, they seem to be drained for maybe a day afterwards.
All I can find is that maybe I have some kind of illness that is causing my heart rate to go a little crazy. It would make sense with the fact that my white blood count was high when I went to the hospital, but it doesn't really sound like such massive jumps in my heart rate could be caused by illness. Have you ever heard of anyone suffer from tachycardia due to illness or is this wishful thinking on my behalf?
Thanks again for your reply, I really appreciate it.
Here's part of the problem, if you are not eating and drinking you are weak from malnutrition, your bp could be pretty low which would compound the issue. You have to try and eat and drink lots of water and see if it helps you feel better. Just some soup or soft foods, things that are easy to get down and digest.
I will say I did let one episode go for way too long, 8 hours with a heart rate in the 230s and I basically stressed my heart really bad. I don't remember how long it lasted but I had trouble functioning for at least a few days. I could barely walk I was so exhausted but with rest and no svt episodes too closely following it, it got better. I also had it another time while I was in surgery for another issue though back then I was not aware I had svt, I thought I was hyperventilating so I didn't pursue the issue when the doctor talked about it but I did have a very difficult recovery feeling like I couldn't function. After I had the 8 hr svt I put 2 and 2 together but again I eventually recovered all my heart strength in both instances.
On another note I also got very sick when I had a ton of ectopic activity after my ablation. I actually felt very similar to you, unable to eat or breath well but it wasn't tachycardia, it was extra beats that felt like my heart was doing jumping jacks and pausing. I think for a good week I was getting around 15,000 of them a day which made me feel very sick. Luckily they only lasted about a week. I would be a little concerned that you are also cycling in and out of svt and an ectopic storm. When you feel your pulse without being in tachycardia how does it feel. Does it feel steady or jumpy, double beats and pauses?
I would still stress getting a deeper thyroid test done as opposed to just T3 levels, not sure what they gave you in the ER but it was likely just a basic test. And maybe a fuller blood panel with your gp to investigate the white blood cell count issue. If you are fighting something and becoming dehydrated it could very well cause your heart to act all erratic.
I wish I remembered the guys name but he posted in the last 3 to 6 months. Time moves kind of fast for me but I know it was sometime this year.
I will say I did let one episode go for way too long, 8 hours with a heart rate in the 230s and I basically stressed my heart really bad. I don't remember how long it lasted but I had trouble functioning for at least a few days. I could barely walk I was so exhausted but with rest and no svt episodes too closely following it, it got better. I also had it another time while I was in surgery for another issue though back then I was not aware I had svt, I thought I was hyperventilating so I didn't pursue the issue when the doctor talked about it but I did have a very difficult recovery feeling like I couldn't function. After I had the 8 hr svt I put 2 and 2 together but again I eventually recovered all my heart strength in both instances.
On another note I also got very sick when I had a ton of ectopic activity after my ablation. I actually felt very similar to you, unable to eat or breath well but it wasn't tachycardia, it was extra beats that felt like my heart was doing jumping jacks and pausing. I think for a good week I was getting around 15,000 of them a day which made me feel very sick. Luckily they only lasted about a week. I would be a little concerned that you are also cycling in and out of svt and an ectopic storm. When you feel your pulse without being in tachycardia how does it feel. Does it feel steady or jumpy, double beats and pauses?
I would still stress getting a deeper thyroid test done as opposed to just T3 levels, not sure what they gave you in the ER but it was likely just a basic test. And maybe a fuller blood panel with your gp to investigate the white blood cell count issue. If you are fighting something and becoming dehydrated it could very well cause your heart to act all erratic.
I wish I remembered the guys name but he posted in the last 3 to 6 months. Time moves kind of fast for me but I know it was sometime this year.
In your circumstances, *I* would certainly feel some anxiety! So, yeah, anxiety could definitely be a player. However, that you feel ill and have lost a great deal of weight so fast--those are significant symptoms.
This is a total long shot, and your symptoms don't match perfectly, but there's a rare condition called pheochromocytoma that maybe you should google.
This is a total long shot, and your symptoms don't match perfectly, but there's a rare condition called pheochromocytoma that maybe you should google.
You mentioned that you have mild hypothyroid. Thyroid problems can cause tachycardia, but it's usually associated with hypothyroid. ERs usually only check your TSH. I would strongly recommend that you see an endocrinologist, or at the very least get your Free T3, Free T4, and thyroid antibodies (TSI, TPO and Tg) checked at your doctor's office ASAP.
Are you on any medications? Certain medications can cause tachycardia (including over the counter medications).
Are you on any medications? Certain medications can cause tachycardia (including over the counter medications).
Hi again Michelle,
I agree, the lack of food is probably making me feel worse. Yesterday I forced some food down me and it did start making me feel more myself.
Out of tachycardia my pulse is definitely completely regular. During palpitations, it tends to feel like a pause before a stronger beat followed by normal beats. I listened to what an irregular beat sounds like online and mine definitely sounds nothing like that. Does that rule out any types of tachycardia?
Okay, sounds like an endocrinologist is probably my next step (after my 24 hour holter monitor). My discharge form says: "TSH 5.46, Free T4 20.1", but from the sounds of it they can do more in-depth tests?
Thank you again so much for replying to me, it's very kind of you.
I agree, the lack of food is probably making me feel worse. Yesterday I forced some food down me and it did start making me feel more myself.
Out of tachycardia my pulse is definitely completely regular. During palpitations, it tends to feel like a pause before a stronger beat followed by normal beats. I listened to what an irregular beat sounds like online and mine definitely sounds nothing like that. Does that rule out any types of tachycardia?
Okay, sounds like an endocrinologist is probably my next step (after my 24 hour holter monitor). My discharge form says: "TSH 5.46, Free T4 20.1", but from the sounds of it they can do more in-depth tests?
Thank you again so much for replying to me, it's very kind of you.
Hi,
Thank you so much for replying. I took a quick look into pheochromocytoma but oddly during my tachycardia my blood pressure isn't high at all (116/75) so I'm not sure if that rules that one out. I'll definitely take a deeper look into it though.
I've really tried to get a handle on how anxious I am about this the past few days. I am quite an up-tight person and a bit of a worrier, so after the first episode it scared the life out of me and I haven't stopped researching and worrying since!
After really focusing on keeping myself calm, I haven't had an episode since. Perhaps I was so anxious that I lost my appetite?
The only thing I can't really explain away with anxiety is the fact that my heart rate was jumping up and down like crazy. I've looked around online and I can't really find anyone who has panic attacks where their heart rate increases suddenly, decreases, increases again, and so on. Plus I have had palpitations (with no tachycardia that I'm aware of) for the past 5 years.
Maybe I do have some kind of SVT. I don't feel like I will have an episode during this 24 hour monitor since I've actively tried staying calm about the situation – I'll definitely have some palpitations though because I have them every day. If they can't pick up anything in the 24 hours, do you suggest I ask for a monitor for a longer period of time?
Thanks again for taking your time to reply to me – it's really helping me so much!
Thank you so much for replying. I took a quick look into pheochromocytoma but oddly during my tachycardia my blood pressure isn't high at all (116/75) so I'm not sure if that rules that one out. I'll definitely take a deeper look into it though.
I've really tried to get a handle on how anxious I am about this the past few days. I am quite an up-tight person and a bit of a worrier, so after the first episode it scared the life out of me and I haven't stopped researching and worrying since!
After really focusing on keeping myself calm, I haven't had an episode since. Perhaps I was so anxious that I lost my appetite?
The only thing I can't really explain away with anxiety is the fact that my heart rate was jumping up and down like crazy. I've looked around online and I can't really find anyone who has panic attacks where their heart rate increases suddenly, decreases, increases again, and so on. Plus I have had palpitations (with no tachycardia that I'm aware of) for the past 5 years.
Maybe I do have some kind of SVT. I don't feel like I will have an episode during this 24 hour monitor since I've actively tried staying calm about the situation – I'll definitely have some palpitations though because I have them every day. If they can't pick up anything in the 24 hours, do you suggest I ask for a monitor for a longer period of time?
Thanks again for taking your time to reply to me – it's really helping me so much!
Hi Jenn,
I just had a look at my discharge form and it says TSH 5.46, Free T4 20.1 – but from what you've said they can look into this more? Lots of people are suggesting I check out my thyroid so I think that ought to be my next move!
I'm only on the contraceptive pill called Rigevidon (I understand this is just another name for Microgynon). I'm from the UK though, I'm not sure if they have the same names in other countries.
The odd thing is that I've been on the pill about the same amount of time that I've had palpitations. Recently I've taken two packs together, without a break, twice in a row because I went away on two holidays. It's a stab in the dark, but I wonder if the built up hormone in my system could make a difference to my heart rate?
Thank you so much for getting back to me!
I just had a look at my discharge form and it says TSH 5.46, Free T4 20.1 – but from what you've said they can look into this more? Lots of people are suggesting I check out my thyroid so I think that ought to be my next move!
I'm only on the contraceptive pill called Rigevidon (I understand this is just another name for Microgynon). I'm from the UK though, I'm not sure if they have the same names in other countries.
The odd thing is that I've been on the pill about the same amount of time that I've had palpitations. Recently I've taken two packs together, without a break, twice in a row because I went away on two holidays. It's a stab in the dark, but I wonder if the built up hormone in my system could make a difference to my heart rate?
Thank you so much for getting back to me!
Hormones will have all sorts of effects on your body. Are you sure your Free T4 reading is correct? From what I see on line the top end is 2.0 and you are saying it is 20? You may want to relook at that as well maybe talk to some people on the thyroid forum here to see what kinds of symptoms they have. I think the Free T4 was the other test I was talking about but now you say you are on birth control that could be part of the problem too. I would discuss your symptoms with the prescribing doctor, tell them how you took the meds and see what they say. If you took more than you should that could possibly have had an effect.
What you describe with the tachycardia sounds like extra beats. The pause and strong beat sounds very much like a pvc and if you are throwing a lot of them your heart can react by beating faster as well the anxiety you feel over all of it may increase the amount of them you have causing you to feel very ill as you say. But I am glad to hear eating helped you feel a bit better. Drink lots of water too. Hopefully the holter will give you a better indication of what is going on but sometimes we need a thirty day to catch the really intense stuff so if you don't sense you caught the worst of it during the monitor wear don't hesitate to ask for a 30 day as well. It is important that it gets recorded for accurate diagnosis and these things tend to come and go so it can take a while before it is finally captured. The doctor mostly needs to see the beginning of the even right before the tachycardia starts to distinguish if it is possibly an accessory pathway svt or something else. Well best of luck with it and keep us posted on how you are doing.
What you describe with the tachycardia sounds like extra beats. The pause and strong beat sounds very much like a pvc and if you are throwing a lot of them your heart can react by beating faster as well the anxiety you feel over all of it may increase the amount of them you have causing you to feel very ill as you say. But I am glad to hear eating helped you feel a bit better. Drink lots of water too. Hopefully the holter will give you a better indication of what is going on but sometimes we need a thirty day to catch the really intense stuff so if you don't sense you caught the worst of it during the monitor wear don't hesitate to ask for a 30 day as well. It is important that it gets recorded for accurate diagnosis and these things tend to come and go so it can take a while before it is finally captured. The doctor mostly needs to see the beginning of the even right before the tachycardia starts to distinguish if it is possibly an accessory pathway svt or something else. Well best of luck with it and keep us posted on how you are doing.
Hey Michelle,
Yep, definitely 20.1 on my Free T4 reading, although I had a look online and it says the 'normal' range is 10-24, so that seems pretty normal. Maybe the UK uses a different measurement to over there? But my TSH levels are definitely a bit high so I will ask them to do a further investigation into my thyroid – they didn't look at Free T3 at all.
Thanks again for all of your help. I am getting my holter monitor fitted today so I'll let you know how I get on!
Take care.
Yep, definitely 20.1 on my Free T4 reading, although I had a look online and it says the 'normal' range is 10-24, so that seems pretty normal. Maybe the UK uses a different measurement to over there? But my TSH levels are definitely a bit high so I will ask them to do a further investigation into my thyroid – they didn't look at Free T3 at all.
Thanks again for all of your help. I am getting my holter monitor fitted today so I'll let you know how I get on!
Take care.
Ok, that is good to hear. It does sound like the range numbers are different in the different parts of the world. And being within range they likely will deem your thyroid normal. I tend on the low side of the TSH scale very close to the bottom and the doctors think nothing of it. Well as much as I don't want you to feel sick I do hope you have your symptoms during the monitor so you can get this properly diagnosed. Please do let us know what comes of it. Best of luck.
"The only thing I can't really explain away with anxiety is the fact that my heart rate was jumping up and down like crazy...If they can't pick up anything in the 24 hours, do you suggest I ask for a monitor for a longer period of time? "
If you have more episodes like this, yes, I think it would be a very good idea.
Frankly, I doubt your estrogen dosage has much to do with it. Most steroids such as estrogen are slowly effective (take hours to days to have an effect) and long-lasting.
A hyperfunctioning thyroid can cause weird heart rhythms, but your numbers pretty convincingly point to hypofunctioning.
What you have sounds more like some malfunctioning of your heart's pacemaker. Have your docs mentioned 'Inappropriate Sinus Tachycardia'? With this problem, because the beat arises in the sinus node, the pattern on an ordinary EKG looks normal, but longer monitoring will show strange fluctuations, the kind of thing you describe.
Some experts think IST is a manifestation of a condition called "dysautonomia" rather than a heart problem per se, but whatever the root cause, I do think IST is something that should be investigated in your case.
If you have more episodes like this, yes, I think it would be a very good idea.
Frankly, I doubt your estrogen dosage has much to do with it. Most steroids such as estrogen are slowly effective (take hours to days to have an effect) and long-lasting.
A hyperfunctioning thyroid can cause weird heart rhythms, but your numbers pretty convincingly point to hypofunctioning.
What you have sounds more like some malfunctioning of your heart's pacemaker. Have your docs mentioned 'Inappropriate Sinus Tachycardia'? With this problem, because the beat arises in the sinus node, the pattern on an ordinary EKG looks normal, but longer monitoring will show strange fluctuations, the kind of thing you describe.
Some experts think IST is a manifestation of a condition called "dysautonomia" rather than a heart problem per se, but whatever the root cause, I do think IST is something that should be investigated in your case.
From what I've been reading, I think you're probably right. I've got the 24 hour monitor on now so we'll see if that shows anything.
To be honest, the doctors haven't mentioned any kind of possibility as to what it might be. I've just been told I don't actually have an appointment with a cardiologist, but another doctor will review my holter monitor and get back to me in 2-3 weeks. I can't stand to lose any more weight for another 2-3 weeks! I'm desperate to get some answers.
Do you know if it is Inappropriate Sinus Tachycardia, do they leave you or do they treat it?
Thank you again for your help.
To be honest, the doctors haven't mentioned any kind of possibility as to what it might be. I've just been told I don't actually have an appointment with a cardiologist, but another doctor will review my holter monitor and get back to me in 2-3 weeks. I can't stand to lose any more weight for another 2-3 weeks! I'm desperate to get some answers.
Do you know if it is Inappropriate Sinus Tachycardia, do they leave you or do they treat it?
Thank you again for your help.
IST is treated both medically and surgically. It can be difficult in that each case has is different and has to be approached individually, but you are *not* just left alone to deal as best you can. There are support groups on the internet, which you can find by googling IST.
However, before you rush off in that direction, let's get back to that 'reasonably high white cell count.' We have different types of white cells designed to do different jobs, but a significant elevation of any them should always be investigated. They can signal infectious diseases, autoimmune phenomena, and assorted inflammatory conditions.
Based on your other symptoms, I think you should call your doctor back, especially describing your 9 pound weight loss in one week--plus your sense of being ill--and ask for a much earlier appointment. Yeah, your ticker is behaving strangely, but there may be something else going on. That white cell thing needs to be addressed.
However, before you rush off in that direction, let's get back to that 'reasonably high white cell count.' We have different types of white cells designed to do different jobs, but a significant elevation of any them should always be investigated. They can signal infectious diseases, autoimmune phenomena, and assorted inflammatory conditions.
Based on your other symptoms, I think you should call your doctor back, especially describing your 9 pound weight loss in one week--plus your sense of being ill--and ask for a much earlier appointment. Yeah, your ticker is behaving strangely, but there may be something else going on. That white cell thing needs to be addressed.
Also, have you had your electrolytes checked (including magnesium! Doctors usually don't check magnesium). Electrolyte imbalances can cause heart related issues, especially sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium.
Your tachycardia and high TSH could also be caused by a pituitary problem, because your TSH is high and your Free T4 is closer to the high end (see http://www.pathologystudent.com/?p=2031). You may want to have an MRI done to rule out TSH secreting adenomas, just to make sure. TSH secreting adenoma is a rare condition, so you probably don't have it, but it's better to be safe than sorry. TSH secreting adenomas can cause increased TSH levels, tachycardia, weight loss and palpitations(see http://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/adult/pituitary-tumors/tsh-producing-tumors and http://pituitary.mgh.harvard.edu/pitsympt.htm for additional information and symptoms).
I'm not a doctor so I don't know much about this, but based on Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thyroid_function_tests#Free_thyroxine), The upper bound for Free T4 is 18 or 23 (pmol/L), so maybe your Free T4 could be related. You may want to get your Free T3 checked just to make sure that's not causing your heart problems.
Your tachycardia and high TSH could also be caused by a pituitary problem, because your TSH is high and your Free T4 is closer to the high end (see http://www.pathologystudent.com/?p=2031). You may want to have an MRI done to rule out TSH secreting adenomas, just to make sure. TSH secreting adenoma is a rare condition, so you probably don't have it, but it's better to be safe than sorry. TSH secreting adenomas can cause increased TSH levels, tachycardia, weight loss and palpitations(see http://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/adult/pituitary-tumors/tsh-producing-tumors and http://pituitary.mgh.harvard.edu/pitsympt.htm for additional information and symptoms).
I'm not a doctor so I don't know much about this, but based on Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thyroid_function_tests#Free_thyroxine), The upper bound for Free T4 is 18 or 23 (pmol/L), so maybe your Free T4 could be related. You may want to get your Free T3 checked just to make sure that's not causing your heart problems.
I went back to the doctor today who totally wasn't interested. I actually sat and cried in front of him! He still wasn't fussed.
I explained that I can't eat and I'm not due to hear back from my holter monitor for another 2-3 weeks, and I can't wait that long to sort out my appetite. He completely dismissed me with anxiety and depression and even offered me tablets for these! I guess the crying probably didn't help my case. I suggested perhaps it could be due to a viral infection since my white blood count was high...
Anyway, I didn't leave until he gave me another blood test that's going to look at my thyroid, blood count, and electrolytes. Apparently my last thyroid test showed that my antibodies have no problems, so although my levels are a little all over the show, my actual thyroid function is not underactive.
He said if it's been going on a while then it's probably sinus tachycardia, due to my age and gender, but if it's just recent then it could be a viral infection. I tried explaining that although I've had PVC's/PAC's for 5 years, I've never had the racing heart rate that jumps up and down with all the numbness/lightheadedness until last Wednesday and Saturday.
I asked him if sinus tachycardia could cause these jumps in heart rate during these episodes. His response: 'errr yeahhhh'. Doesn't fill me with much confidence. I think I need to keep pushing for an appointment with a cardiologist. Bloody NHS!
I explained that I can't eat and I'm not due to hear back from my holter monitor for another 2-3 weeks, and I can't wait that long to sort out my appetite. He completely dismissed me with anxiety and depression and even offered me tablets for these! I guess the crying probably didn't help my case. I suggested perhaps it could be due to a viral infection since my white blood count was high...
Anyway, I didn't leave until he gave me another blood test that's going to look at my thyroid, blood count, and electrolytes. Apparently my last thyroid test showed that my antibodies have no problems, so although my levels are a little all over the show, my actual thyroid function is not underactive.
He said if it's been going on a while then it's probably sinus tachycardia, due to my age and gender, but if it's just recent then it could be a viral infection. I tried explaining that although I've had PVC's/PAC's for 5 years, I've never had the racing heart rate that jumps up and down with all the numbness/lightheadedness until last Wednesday and Saturday.
I asked him if sinus tachycardia could cause these jumps in heart rate during these episodes. His response: 'errr yeahhhh'. Doesn't fill me with much confidence. I think I need to keep pushing for an appointment with a cardiologist. Bloody NHS!
Hi Jenn
I went back to the doctor today and he's sent me for another blood test to look at my electrolytes, blood count, and thyroid function.
Although as I said to achillea, he said that my thyroid function is actually fine. Perhaps they did more in-depth tests previously than I realised. He seems to have results of the antibodies.
Thanks for sending that link over. I had a quick look but I'll look into it properly, although the symptom of a high appetite definitely isn't one I have! Maybe the blood test will shed some more light on this.
I went back to the doctor today and he's sent me for another blood test to look at my electrolytes, blood count, and thyroid function.
Although as I said to achillea, he said that my thyroid function is actually fine. Perhaps they did more in-depth tests previously than I realised. He seems to have results of the antibodies.
Thanks for sending that link over. I had a quick look but I'll look into it properly, although the symptom of a high appetite definitely isn't one I have! Maybe the blood test will shed some more light on this.
From your description of your doc's reluctance to work you up further or refer you to a specialist, I wondered if you were dealing with the NHS. And you are.
Sigh.
By all means, continue to push to see a cardiologist. The basic workings of the heart can be understood by anyone, but cardiology is a special business that shouldn't be attempted by a general practitioner, no matter how large his ego. I I had extremes of heart rate, I'd certainly demand a referral.
Second, when the results of blood work come back, if your white cell count is still up, pin the doc down about details: There are basically five different types of white cells:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leukocytosis
so which were increased and by how much? Is there evidence of a viral OR a bacterial infection (which would explain your feeling ill, of course)?
Finally, since you know you have a tendency towards anxiety, if you are offered pills for this problem, ACCEPT THEM, even if only to store for emergencies. I know many people fear addiction or feel a kind of moral weakness about anxiety, but I believe this is an inborn trait that can be crippling, and sometimes a little medication is a great help in a crisis.
Sigh.
By all means, continue to push to see a cardiologist. The basic workings of the heart can be understood by anyone, but cardiology is a special business that shouldn't be attempted by a general practitioner, no matter how large his ego. I I had extremes of heart rate, I'd certainly demand a referral.
Second, when the results of blood work come back, if your white cell count is still up, pin the doc down about details: There are basically five different types of white cells:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leukocytosis
so which were increased and by how much? Is there evidence of a viral OR a bacterial infection (which would explain your feeling ill, of course)?
Finally, since you know you have a tendency towards anxiety, if you are offered pills for this problem, ACCEPT THEM, even if only to store for emergencies. I know many people fear addiction or feel a kind of moral weakness about anxiety, but I believe this is an inborn trait that can be crippling, and sometimes a little medication is a great help in a crisis.
As achillea said, you should push to see a specialist. If your doctor refuses, you could go to some other doctor (assuming that your insurance allows it) and try to get a referral to a specialist. Also, it can't hurt to get a second opinion.
You mentioned that you're unable to eat and that you've lost weight. A few years ago I had medication/drug-induced tachycardia and I was also underweight and unable to eat for several days. I ate as much as I could (which wasn't much), drank lots of nutritional drinks, protein shakes, gatorade, ginger-ale and broth. I made myself eat a little bit of food (by forcing food down) and and drank as many nutritional supplements, protein shakes and sports drinks as I could. It was really really hard but doable. Also, lying down helped my tachycardia, nausea and dizziness and standing up and walking made it significantly worse.
Here is a list of nutritional supplements and protein shakes:
* Ensure (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Ensure-Plus-Vanilla-Bottle-220ml/dp/B002DQWAE8/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1409866191&sr=8-1-fkmr1&keywords=%22ensure+enlive%22)
* Boost/Build Up
http://www.amazon.com/Boost-Plus-Chocolate-Brikpaks-case/dp/B001D3RRH2
I think the UK equivalent is Build Up Nutrition Shake:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Build-Nutrition-Shake-Strawberry-sachets/dp/B0045XABAC
* Ensure Enlive
http://www.amazon.com/Ensure-Clear-Mixed-Berry-Brikpaks/dp/B004DJ2ZN4
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Ensure-Enlive-Apple-Brikpaks-6-7Oz/dp/B004HPJ1W2
* Boost Breeze
http://www.amazon.com/Boost-Breeze-Resource-Drink-Orange/dp/B004L5MYP4
* Scandishake (I wouldn't take much of this one because it contains trans fat!, http://www.amazon.co.uk/Scandishake-Vanilla-Mix-Axcan-Scandipharm/dp/B000GG0HM4/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1409865310&sr=8-3&keywords=Scandishake)
You should be able to get some of these at your local pharmacy or grocery store.
Dehydration can make your tachycardia worse. Ginger-ale, Gatorade/Powerade/Isostrar, and broth can help keep you hydrated.
You could also try consulting a nutritionist. Nutritionists often know how to give the body what it needs without having to eat much.
You mentioned that you're unable to eat and that you've lost weight. A few years ago I had medication/drug-induced tachycardia and I was also underweight and unable to eat for several days. I ate as much as I could (which wasn't much), drank lots of nutritional drinks, protein shakes, gatorade, ginger-ale and broth. I made myself eat a little bit of food (by forcing food down) and and drank as many nutritional supplements, protein shakes and sports drinks as I could. It was really really hard but doable. Also, lying down helped my tachycardia, nausea and dizziness and standing up and walking made it significantly worse.
Here is a list of nutritional supplements and protein shakes:
* Ensure (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Ensure-Plus-Vanilla-Bottle-220ml/dp/B002DQWAE8/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1409866191&sr=8-1-fkmr1&keywords=%22ensure+enlive%22)
* Boost/Build Up
http://www.amazon.com/Boost-Plus-Chocolate-Brikpaks-case/dp/B001D3RRH2
I think the UK equivalent is Build Up Nutrition Shake:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Build-Nutrition-Shake-Strawberry-sachets/dp/B0045XABAC
* Ensure Enlive
http://www.amazon.com/Ensure-Clear-Mixed-Berry-Brikpaks/dp/B004DJ2ZN4
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Ensure-Enlive-Apple-Brikpaks-6-7Oz/dp/B004HPJ1W2
* Boost Breeze
http://www.amazon.com/Boost-Breeze-Resource-Drink-Orange/dp/B004L5MYP4
* Scandishake (I wouldn't take much of this one because it contains trans fat!, http://www.amazon.co.uk/Scandishake-Vanilla-Mix-Axcan-Scandipharm/dp/B000GG0HM4/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1409865310&sr=8-3&keywords=Scandishake)
You should be able to get some of these at your local pharmacy or grocery store.
Dehydration can make your tachycardia worse. Ginger-ale, Gatorade/Powerade/Isostrar, and broth can help keep you hydrated.
You could also try consulting a nutritionist. Nutritionists often know how to give the body what it needs without having to eat much.
Thanks for your advice. Just sharing my experience with people that can relate and give an informed opinion is really helpful. I guess we'll wait and see what the holter monitor and blood tests say! Even if they try to tell me it's just anxiety or panic attacks, I think I'll definitely keep pushing for an appointment with a cardiologist. If it IS anxiety, which I really don't feel like it is, then I can't learn to cope with that until I know for sure my ticker is okay!
Thanks again for talking to me about it.
Thanks again for talking to me about it.
I'm from the UK so we don't have insurance for health care, we just have the NHS. Although we can pay for private health insurance, which is what I wish I had done! I will keep pushing to see a cardiologist and if I have no luck, I'll just pay to see one.
Thank you so much for all of those links. I have been drinking protein shakes to get some kind of nutrition in me! Yesterday I managed to eat a little and it definitely made me feel a lot better. I guess I just need to keep forcing it down until I get my appetite back!
Thanks again.
Thank you so much for all of those links. I have been drinking protein shakes to get some kind of nutrition in me! Yesterday I managed to eat a little and it definitely made me feel a lot better. I guess I just need to keep forcing it down until I get my appetite back!
Thanks again.
Hi all,
I've had an update in the mystery that is my heart: my blood tests came back all normal. They checked my thyroid, electrolytes, full blood count, and two other tests for infection (ESR and CRP).
I guess that leaves either a type of SVT or anxiety... or a mix of the two. I have an appointment with a cardiologist on the 14th November!!! Seems like a ridiculously long time to wait. I guess they can't be too concerned by whatever it is. I should also expect the results from the holter monitor within 2 weeks.
Last night I went out for the first time to the cinema and I felt my heart start to race again. I'm not sure how quickly, but within a few minutes and some deep breathing I got it back to normal. If I have this kind of control over it with breathing, does this rule out an SVT?
I'm still taking the beta blockers that the doctor prescribed when I first had an episode, but I honestly don't feel like I need them. When I'm not having an episode my heart rate is completely normal, so keeping my heart rate down constantly seems a bit like giving treatment before a diagnosis has been made. What do you think – if you were me would you be reluctant to stay on the meds?
Thanks
Lara
I've had an update in the mystery that is my heart: my blood tests came back all normal. They checked my thyroid, electrolytes, full blood count, and two other tests for infection (ESR and CRP).
I guess that leaves either a type of SVT or anxiety... or a mix of the two. I have an appointment with a cardiologist on the 14th November!!! Seems like a ridiculously long time to wait. I guess they can't be too concerned by whatever it is. I should also expect the results from the holter monitor within 2 weeks.
Last night I went out for the first time to the cinema and I felt my heart start to race again. I'm not sure how quickly, but within a few minutes and some deep breathing I got it back to normal. If I have this kind of control over it with breathing, does this rule out an SVT?
I'm still taking the beta blockers that the doctor prescribed when I first had an episode, but I honestly don't feel like I need them. When I'm not having an episode my heart rate is completely normal, so keeping my heart rate down constantly seems a bit like giving treatment before a diagnosis has been made. What do you think – if you were me would you be reluctant to stay on the meds?
Thanks
Lara
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