Unexplained Fast heart rate :(

[AniaS]

I am a 30 year healthy female. At 5'4 I weigh 113 lbs. I've stared having problems about a year ago with elevated heart rate. I've been to the er twice, saw 3 cardiologists that say they don't know what is causing my heart to race. They say it might be a form of Sinus Tachycardia. I've had several EKGs, a heart echo, chest x-ray, CT-scan of chest and 2, 24 holter monitors. All were  normal even though the holters showed my heart rate go up as high as 160 but the cardiologist said it was within safety limits.It would drop to 55 when I was sleeping. My average HR was 82 on one and 79 on the second one.  The problem is when I measure my HR in the morning before getting out of bed it's in the low 60's buy as soon as I stand up it shoots to low 100's and stays around there throughout  the day. I feel when I have an elevated HR because I have this uneasy feeling and some pressure in the stomach/lower chest area. As soon as I sit down it goes down to the mid 80's. Now I've noticed that I can not tolerate the heat. When its over 80 F my HR is over 120 just standing. Very debilitating... I start feeling better by the evening when it's cooler out or if I'm submerged in the pool...the HR goes down scientifically. I'm also experiencing skipped beats through the day. I stared having panic attacks because I thought I'll die from this but after talking to a psychologist that seems to be under control. I don't know what to do. I'm tired of feeling this way. I have two young kids and would love to enjoy the outdoors with them.
I've also had tons of blood work done which showed nothing abnormal and didn't show thyroid problems.  Any advice would be so greatly appreciated

[Nichelle37]

Um, I was looking this up and I just made an account just so I could comment but, I'm 17 and I read your thing and well the same things is happening to me right now. And it's been this way since I passed out a couple years ago for no reason. I don't know what it is or anything :/

[becharris]

Hey there AniaS, I know this is an old thread but I've been having a similar problem, especially when I get out of bed or sit out in the sun, and after a fair bit of research I've started  wondering if it could be a simple magnesium deficiency? D3 needs magnesium to bind with in order to become usable by our body, so if you have low levels already,  then the sunlight/D3 may be draining your reserves even further to the point where it becomes obviously symptomatic (dizziness, fatigue, elevated heart rate.)  Magnesium is an electrolyte and so has a LOT to do with electrical nerve impulses (including heart rhythm.) Here's an article that links POTS with magnesium deficiency.

http://drcarolyndean.com/2010/11/magnesium-for-p-o-t-s/

I'm not a doctor but it might be something worth investigating.  I've only just started supplementing with magnesium so we'll see how it goes :)  Hope you've been feeling better since you last posted!  

[tom_h]

The term, "acts up" could mean a number of things.  Could you detail what you're feeling, and why POTS is something you might be concerned about?

[Dyzyre7]

Hey what type of doc should I see to diagnose pots? My heart acts up with movement , sneezing, holding heavy objects .....anything. Horrible

[Rubiiedoobie]

Im a 18 year old female. And im having complications with my heart rate going up and down. I was in the ER this past weekend cause of it. I get to a point that I just faint. My heart will go up too 185 orsometimes up to 190. Then when Iit gets under control Iit will drop to 104. I had a CT done and also X RAYS on my chest but they seem to find nothing. I just dont understand what could the problem be. May I get some suggestions here please cause I get worried about my heart and my life could be on the line without me knowing. Thank You, Rubie

[Diash]

Please could you update me too Madamebrianne?  as I have similar mystery syptoms, and get acid rushes (veeery painful) that sometimes start off the rapid AF.  Could this be connected with the vagus nerve? I had Af very high some years ago whn I lived in Mallorca, and had electrocardioversions, then catheterisations, and had a wire passed through the aorta into the heart valve where some cuateriszarion took place and cured the problem.  Six year later and here in England it is all starting over.  Frequent Af, very high at times bp 180 and upwards of that, Now comes at the same time as the acid rushes which are agonising,  I want to collapse whereever I might be, and can hardly breath.  On NHS here in the uk, no private insurance anymore, cannot seem to get any attention from the cardios, been waiting six months to see someone!!!  What treatment do you think I might need, when I finally get to see someone?

[jadeemma]

im exactlly the same as you lot! mine started when i was in labour with my son i was never ill before was in labour my heat rate went up and has bn the same snce 4 years later iv been on beta blockers im now on another tablet whch nuffng has worked for me iv had all the test you lot have had i feel soo ill all the time noones helpng me im very anxtious now beacuse some days i feel like im dieing my chest klls me my back really hurts cant breeth properly im constantly dizzy feel tired 24/7 loosing loads of hair ect .. i  just duno what to do

[madamebrianne]

Hello,

Please look into Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). It is a very unheard of nervous system disorder that prevents the body from being able to properly adjust to the pull of gravity. Therefore, symptoms arise, such as: rapid heart rate upon standing, low or high blood pressure, dizziness, fainting, fatigue, sweating, anxiety-like symptoms, headaches, shortness of breath, inability to exercise, digestion problems, etc. The symptoms are endless and vary person to person day to day. Very few doctors are familiar with this illness and often misdiagnose patients.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Best wishes,
Brandi

[AniaS]

Just thought I'll give an update. I went back to my primary doctor 2 weeks ago because I really wasn't feeling good. The chest tightness started to really get to me. The tachycardia when standing started getting really bad..i felt like my heart was racing away and I was getting more and more thumps in my chest. Some seemed more like a flutter felt in the throat but some were really strong...almost like I couldn't breathe for that second...and then I would get the adrenaline rush...SCARY!! I mean this can't be normal! So they once again took gallons of my blood for testing hoping something will turn out this time. I also had another echo and a carotid Ultrasound.. Blood showed nothing out of the ordinary except for elevated histamine levels...  My doctor said I need to see an allergist because food allergies can cause all different kids of symptoms. Still waiting for the results of the other two. Oh and  he also checked my blood pressure and hr while sitting and then again when I stood up. Definitely noticed the jump. Told me it could be postural tachycardia syndrome but he's not sure yet. I'll update again after getting the rest of the results :)

[updownleftright]

I've had the same problem for about 2 years now. I used to be in very very good shape, and then out of the blue I started experiencing sustained elevated heart rate, and it's been very difficult to deal with. I've seen 2 cardiologists, 1 electrophysiologist, 2 endocronologists, and the best neurological disorder dr in Vancouver, and they have all agreed that there is something wrong, but they all give me conflicting diagnoses. 2 Cardiologists said I have IST. The electrophysiologist said I have IST, but that it's hormone related and not heart related. The endocronologists both said this isn't hormonal and that it's heart related, and the top neurological disorder dr said I have symptoms and signs of adrenal abnormalities, and neurological disorders, but nothing could be diagnosed for sure.

Beta blockers help, but it seems my body became tolerant quickly and I've had to change doses or meds a few times which is quite odd since people shouldn't adapt to their beta blockers in a matter of months.

All i can say is good luck, and send a message my way if you find something that could be useful since I'm at a loss right now.

[Dimitri4216]

I didn't think it would matter, and sadly I was wrong. For anyone on this forum who thinks its okay to go through an ablation and then smoke marijuana, I would really not recommend it. I smoked earlier today, and I'm feeling terrible. I really hope it hasn't screwed with my heart too much, but my heart really really feels awful and I'm getting a ton of hard beats (usually the ones that would cause an SVT attack) but it doesn't start one up, which hopefully means the ablation was a success. I'm incredibly tired and I really wish I didn't smoke. I'm definatly staying away from it until I go to my cardiologist for an appointment in a couple weeks. I don't believe vaporizing has the same effects though. It's probably just the smoke. It's also making me think quite oddly. Oh well, back to watching Dark Matters: Twisted But True!

[Mom2four85]

there are many tests and treatments; you need to find one of the ANS specialists with a lab to find what's going on such as Vanderbilt

here's the link that talks about diagnosing ANS issues and dr's:
http://www.medhelp.org/health_pages/Neurological-Disorders/Diagnosing-Dysautonomia/show/827?cid=196

a tilt table test is a very important tool for Dysautonomia; not just syncope - it will show what your heart rate and blood pressure do at certain time frames and positions; as well as being a tool to diagnose unexplained fainting.  if they have the right equipment they can also test blood volume; hemodynamic response as well as autonomic reflex test; but many local sites do not have the right equipment to do these

for some; salt and water loading; binders/compression garments and meds such as Beta blockers, Midodrine or Flucortisone (sp?) work wonders; for others like me lifestyle changes, meds, ablation and even a pacemaker haven't worked; so dr's say we've done all we can you just have to live with what you're given - learn my triggers and avoid them at all costs

each of us have such different genetics and compositions that it depends on your body how treatment works for you; it really depends on what specifially is wrong...also, some of us have mixed ANS problems along with other things such as genetic and AI (auto immune)  problems

keep searching until you find a doctor who understands what you're going through

[AniaS]

No sorry but I don't have any new answers. For the past 2 months I've learned to avoid triggers and that has helped somewhat. Summer has been really rough because of the heat i haven't been able to go outside much during the day. It's so weird how within the minute of being out in the sun my heart rate goes up easily to the 130s. It makes me feel lightheaded and I need to go inside or at least sit down. I can not tolerate the heat at all!. Can't wait for summer to be over. I feel worst when standing especially for longer periods of time..I'd rather just keep moving. I'm trying to get at least 7- 8 hours of sleep at night and stay well hydrated. I may go back to the cardiologist and have another holter monitor cause last year when I had the last one I didn't notice the thumps in my chest that I've been having lately. The fact that I have an anxiety and panic disorder only makes things worse because i never know if what I'm feeling is anxiety or health related.
If I ever get any new answers i will post them! Hope i find them soon!

[AniaS]

Very interesting! Is there any treatment for this?? Any test that confirm this?

[Mom2four85]

it really sounds like you have some ANS issues going on; have you check ed out the Dysautonomia forum here?  http://www.medhelp.org/health_pages/Neurological-Disorders/Autonomic-Dysfunction-FAQ/show/181?cid=196

there's lots of useful info as well as a list of doctors who are familiar and treat autonomic disorders; and  some examples of specific dysautonomias

http://www.medhelp.org/health_pages/Neurological-Disorders/Dysautonomia-Specialists/show/717?cid=196

sometimes it takes years and many tests to find out what's going on; it took me from age 9 until 42 to get a doctor to take me seriously that anything was wrong with me

also the National Dysautonomia Research Foundation and Dysautonomia Information Network have excellent information

[hmbf88]

Hi,
Did you ever get any other answers?  Just wondering, because your post explains my symptoms almost exactly!  I've had every type of work-up imaginable, including a heart cath at my insistence because I was certain they were missing something.  Everything normal.  I definitely understand about the heat!  My heart rate not only increases dramatically, but I also feel slightly dizzy and nauseated.  Hoping you are feeling better and that you got some answers that might also be able to help me!  :)

[AniaS]

No I have not had the tilt table test. I did ask about it when I was at the cardiologist but he said that it's mostly used to check for unexplained syncope episodes....  so I didn't push it further. I've always had pretty low blood pressure and it never caused me any problems.. I started checking it regularly along with my heart rate just to get an idea on how low it really gets and it averages 90-100/58-70 with my HR being as low as 62 when sitting to as high as 128 when standing. I have noticed  that it also really speeds up after I sneeze or after drinking alcohol... not heavy drinking just a glass of wine.
Thank you all for posting. All of the suggestions are greatly appreciated :)

[whisperwolf]

Have you ever had a Tilt Table Test to check for Orthostatic Hypotension? It means your blood pressure is fine when lying down or sitting, but drops when you stand. Your body will compensate by making your heart rate shoot through the roof.

[AniaS]

Thank you for your input. Yes I have had my thyroid tested at the ER and then had it re-tested at my doctors office so any problems with that would probably show. I did see a Electrophysiologist twice, he was the one that ordered the second holter monitor and he didn't seem concerned at all. My HR is never over 100 when I'm sitting down, it only goes over 100 when I'm moving around although I have noticed that it is often higher when I'm simply standing rather than walking around ...strange :) And as I mentioned in my previous post it surely reacts to the heat...    
What have you been diagnosed with?

[tekNO]

Have you had your thyroid tested? Side effect of hyperthyroidism is fast heart rate, palpitations, etc. Just a thought?

Also I was never diagnosed with an EKG or 24 hour heart monitor. I had to wear a 30 day halter monitor before I was actually diagnosed. Cardiologists never diagnosed me either, but it took me going to an Electrophysiologist before I was properly diagnosed.

Moral of the story, if you feel like your symptoms are limiting your life then there is a problem and you can find the answers/ solution. Having a high heart rate over 100 when resting is abnormal.

I am 33 years old and was experiencing symptoms for 13 years before I made an appointment with an EP. I wore a 30 day halter monitor, was diagnosed and have been cured after having a cardiac ablation. Don't give up!

[MichelleP_3811]

That is a somewhat low bp.  It could be that your 160 rate happens when it dips lower than your average.  You may want to consider adding a bit of sodium to your diet to see if that helps.  Obviously you will want to do this carefully but maybe worth a shot.  Also, I do believe there are different types of meds that work differently so you may want to discuss with your doctor if there are other types that might work better for your body.  Not sure if there are but worth asking.  Take care.

[AniaS]

Thank you so much for your comment.  Keeping a journal sounds like a very good idea..who knows maybe it will show something that I am missing :) Also I was on a beta blocker for a month but stopped taking it because of the side effects. My BP is usually 100/60 sometimes even a bit lower. Even the lowest dose made me very sleepy. I've been between 110-115 lbs since I was 15 and can not put on a pound more lol I have a pretty fast metabolism and was never on a diet.

[MichelleP_3811]

Unfortunately no one on the forum can say for sure what is going on but it sounds like you have had a number of tests that deem your heart to be structurally normal and your tachycardia to be a run of the mill sinus tachycardia.  From my perspective as a lay person the things that jump out at me are possible dehydration issues, especially since this seems to rear it's head when you are over heated.  Or it is even possible there is a stomach issue causing your problems.  Many with acid reflux have heart rhythm issues because the vagus nerve gets irritated sending signals to the heart causing it to act up.  Your heart rate in general is pretty similar to mine.  In the 60s while sleeping and generally tending towards the 80s to 90s during the day and 100s moving around though I don't often have an issue with a 160 rate unless I was out drinking the night before and got dehydrated or over did my work out.  I believe smaller women tend to have low bp and faster heart rates.  Your weight seems to me to maybe be a bit under normal which may be part of your issue.  Not that you are old but with your advancing age if you body is a bit under nourished the heart may struggle a bit to pump effectively or it could be causing some low bp which will make the heart pump faster to compensate.   But for the most part your heart rate seems generally OK though I can imagine the 160 rate is probably a bit taxing on you.  I would say try to keep a journal when that rate appears to see if you can find some sort of commonality that might give you a reason why it gets elevated at those times and hopefully something will pop up that you can address and correct the issue once and for all.   But if all else fails and you continue to experience a 160 rate often then you might want to revisit the doctor and see if there are any meds that may help slow your rate.  I would try to do that as a last resort because meds have side affects but if all else fails and you are struggling with these symptoms sometimes beta blockers have been able to help those with an elevated sinus rate though if your bp tends to be low this may be an issue but talk with your doctor to find out if meds might be a good route for you.  Take care and keep us posted on how you are doing.