Aa
treatment
Have been told I have an irregular heartbeat and been given toprol XL 50 mg a day. Cause is unknown and I'm waiting to see if further study is necessary.
Yes, he did say he'd do more on my next visit next week and I concur with you about the second opinion. Always have an interpreter ( prevents fishy business :D)
I cannot recall feeling a "vibration", but I know other people have mentioned that. Please post your question as a new question so some of the other members will see it. You could title it "heart vibration" or something that will catch the attention of other people who have felt that sensation.
I still don't like that your cardio is "dumbfounded." But, perhaps he just needs more information before making a more definitive diagnosis. Do you take an interpreter with you, to your appointments? Please keep us posted. If you do not feel more comfortable after the next visit, you may want to consider a 2nd opinion.
I still don't like that your cardio is "dumbfounded." But, perhaps he just needs more information before making a more definitive diagnosis. Do you take an interpreter with you, to your appointments? Please keep us posted. If you do not feel more comfortable after the next visit, you may want to consider a 2nd opinion.
AND I forgot to ask . Does anyone know or have experienced a feeling like a sort of growl ( stomach growl), but from your heart? It was the strangest feeling I ever had and that the best way I can describe it, like a vibrate kind of feeling.
here's an update: my cardio emailed me back and says he's really dumbfounded and wants to do more on my next visit which is next week. I sure did have to prod him to admit it.
Thanks for the come back, Connie - I had to laugh a little when you told me about "post a question". It's been staring me in the face but it didn't connect as they say. I've just been jumping in and adding my posts under "your comments". Now I know how to use the posts correctly. Couldn't figure it out. Guess we have to learn thru experience - just like the meds. I look forward to reading your comments along with the others. It's really been helpful. Hope things are going well for you.
Hi gram!
Yes, I remember because I loved your screen name : )
A Holter Monitor can pick up the difference between PAC's and PVC's. You can have periods where you have one or the other, both, or none at all. Holter monitors can generally give information such as: average heart rate, highest heart rate, lowest heart rate, quantity (or estimate) of the number of extra beats (pvcs and pacs), whether you had any tachycardia (fast rhythm), bradycardia (slow rhythm), whether you had multiple pvcs/pacs in a row.
I've had lots of Holter exams and always had pvcs. I never had any indication that I had any pacs. Then, I had my first ablation and lo and behold some pacs showed up on Holter (after years of never seeing that). Anyway, don't worry if you sometimes have pvcs, pacs or both. Hopefully, the atenolol will help you to feel more comfortable.
You may want to start a new post so others can also chime in. Just go to the top of the page and click on "post a question." Give it a try now that you're a pro at this ; )
Connie
Yes, I remember because I loved your screen name : )
A Holter Monitor can pick up the difference between PAC's and PVC's. You can have periods where you have one or the other, both, or none at all. Holter monitors can generally give information such as: average heart rate, highest heart rate, lowest heart rate, quantity (or estimate) of the number of extra beats (pvcs and pacs), whether you had any tachycardia (fast rhythm), bradycardia (slow rhythm), whether you had multiple pvcs/pacs in a row.
I've had lots of Holter exams and always had pvcs. I never had any indication that I had any pacs. Then, I had my first ablation and lo and behold some pacs showed up on Holter (after years of never seeing that). Anyway, don't worry if you sometimes have pvcs, pacs or both. Hopefully, the atenolol will help you to feel more comfortable.
You may want to start a new post so others can also chime in. Just go to the top of the page and click on "post a question." Give it a try now that you're a pro at this ; )
Connie
Don't know if you remember but a few nights ago you answered my post - you were very supportive and really seemed to know what you were talking about. I have a question which I asked the cardiologist's nurse today regarding the Holter Monitor. She was not too clear with the answer which did not help. My question is: does the Holter Monitor tell anything more than just they rythm and pulse rate. Does it identify PAC from PVCs. My results came back "intermitent PACs/PVCs but when I had my stress test, other tests, I was told I had only PACs. I am so confused. What else can a Holter Monitor identify, if anything ? Doc. suggests I increase my atenolol adding a dose at night as well as in the morning. Web definition does not go into detail. Any comments on the Holter will be greatly appreciated.
The fact that you are deaf does not preclude you from knowing about your condition. I agree, it sounds as though he is consistent, but you are still entitled to more answers. Kudos to you for pursuing!!
Yes. I have been trying to get more information. I think he purposely keeps it simple cuz I am deaf, but I just sent him another email with another question. I've asked him 3x tho whats the problem called, in person on paper, via interpreter and via email. His answer has been consistent to say the least or he really is dumbfounded.
He doesn't have a name for it and he's going to treat you? If this were me, I'd want more information.
My cardio has said I have a beat (heart rhythm) problem, its a sustained problem..and I am assuming its a tachycardia thing. But he says he doesn't have a name for it, which makes me wonder all sorts of stuff. He's thinking of trying antenol next since the toprol doesn't seem to be having any effect at this point.. trial and error period.
cardio said he wants to try medication before further study, so I think he wants to exhaust his options before doing more aggressive/invasive procedures.
I guess it depends on the source of tachycardia. Many things cause tachycardia. I have inappropriate sinus tachycardia and was given metoprolol to take to lower my heart rate. I took it for almost 3 weeks but then decided to stop taking it. I make sure to stay very hydrated, don't eat too large of meals (increases heart rate) definately no caffeine, stay well rested, and try to watch my stress levels. I was good for 2 weeks but now today my heart rate is higher than I would like it to be. It just depends why you have the tachycardia. Have they recommended an EP study?
I didn't realize it was tachycardia, I thought I was getting an occasional ectopic beat, however I've been told its a sustained tachycardia given that on every EKG i've had they've showed up very, very clearly and thats including today AND i was on the medication. No holter done, but I followed up today and my cardio says there's only been a slight improvement, I have to go back in 2 weeks and if there's no improvement then he's switching the meds. I feel somewhat like a guinia pig to be honest. Thanks for the info though. Its possible if the meds don't work there's options, right?
Glad to hear you've seen a cardio. The beta blocker is to help with the tachycardia (fast heartrate). Have you worn a monitor? What type of follow up will you have? Just curious, did you realize you were tachycardic? Hope the medicine works well for you.
the rx is actually from the cardio, he said my heart was "too fast" and he's trying it to see how effective the meds might be given my age. however he didn't mention pac or pvc, just saying too fast. I've had a nuclear stress test and 3 ekgs all came back abnormal.
Without knowing the actual diagnosis, it is difficult to point you in the right direction. Did the doctor mention pvc's (premature ventricular contractions) or pac's (premature atrial contractions)/ Toprol is a beta blocker and they are often used to supress or lessen the intensity of pvcs/pacs (extra beats). It is common for GP's to prescribe beta blockers, but if there are unanswered questions, a cardio referral can't hurt.
anyone have any advice? The cardiologist hasn't given me any more information other than what I posted so I'm wondering alot.
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