arrythmia

[kelle619]

Hi. Currently I'm in the middle of cardiac testing. I have been having fast, slow and skipped heartbeats along with extreme dizziness. I had a chest cray, and echocardiogram. Both normal ..I'm going for nuclear stress and holster this week. My question is I know I have an arrhythmia. How do I find out what kind I have? Should I ask for more tests? Also, what is the best treatment, preferably meds, for arrhythmia, and can it help with severe dizziness. My heartbeat changes constantly but beats irregular a lot. Thank you..

[kelle619]

Btw I'm also in the process of having my thyroid checked. I may have a thyroid condition.

[kelle619]

Thank you so very much. I just want to know what kind I have and stop this irregular beat and dizziness. It also pounds a lot!!!. I am very stressed and have anxiety and panic disorder. I just want to feel better. I will definitely keep you updated. ;)

[kelle619]

Btw what med are you taking for your arrhythmia?. Did you also have dizziness and did it help

[kelle619]

Thank you both should very much. I don't know what I would do without this board. Hopefully meds will work. Also do you think I need any further tests, example: mri, Cath and angiogram, etc...

[bigkev414]

The tests and monitor will show what kind of arrhythmia it is and the doctor will then prescribe the appropriate medication to control it.
Be very careful of agreeing to an ablation - only as a last resort. Most times the medication will work.
As Michell says, stay calm and let us know what happens. I've been going through this for over 15 years and I'm still here!

[MichelleP_3811]

If these are daily symptoms then the holter should catch it all but if you only get some of the symptoms some days then a 30 day monitor may be needed to catch everything.  The other tests will tell the doctor if any of your arrhythmias are a danger to you.  If the tachycardia turns out to be a treatable kind like ones caused by extra muscle fiber in the heart that can be cured with an ablation.  The hallmark of this kind of tachycardia is that it starts and stops in what feels like one beat.  One minute you are fine and the next for seemingly no reason your heart is beating upwards often in the 200s.  If it is a slower tachycardia that can be a bit harder to treat and is often managed with meds.  As well the same with the skipping beats.  Unless you are falling into a more dangerous kind of tachycardia like vt then most of it is really benign and nothing to worry about in a healthy heart.  So finish the testing and come back and let us know the results but try not to stress as you get it all sorted out.  The worst think you can do is stress out about it because it will make the symptoms increase.  I know it is hard to try and go with the flow during this time but it will help you feel better if you can.  Your heart is a very resilient muscle and the vast majority of the time heart rhythm issues are not an immediate threat to us.  They are more of a nuisance than anything but it is good you are being checked out properly to hopefully get control of what is going on.  Until then try and avoid caffeine and sugary/carbohydrate foods and drink lots of water.  Take care and keep us posted on how you are doing.