Three different opinions for my arrythmia

[raymondresq]

I have frequent episodes of rapid, irregular heart rate. Finally, we caught it on an event monitor and it was diagnosed as Paroxyxmal Atrial Tachycardia. I assume this is the same as PSVT? Due to relocation, change of doctors, etc., I have ended up with three doctors all giving me different advice. They all agree that it is benign, but aggravating. I get lightheaded, cough and feel somewhat "confused" when it happens. Nevertheless, they've assured me it's ok. My concern is, all three cardiologists have written different prescriptions, and all three docs have assured me that "this med is the best choice." They are Lopressor, Propranolol and Atenolol. Quite frankly, I'm not crazy about any beta blockers because 1.) my blood pressure is normally quite low (107/70), and 2.) I have Reactive Airway Disease. From what I can tell, shouldn't they be prescribing a Calcium Channel blocker instead?

[ireneo]

Funny - I can handle animal debris (I work with wildlife), some cigarette smoke, pollen and dust but if I get a cold, my lungs are toast. Those bad air days in the summer (smog) will get to me too.

The first time they gave me Verapamil; had some bad reactions to it and ended up in ER. More recently they gave me Diltiazem and it was fine. Just the usual couple of weeks to adjust to it (some fatigue, headaches, dizziness).

[raymondresq]

I guess "Reactive Airway" is also known as Viral Induced Asthma -- I only have problems when I have a cold. What CCB do you use?

[ireneo]

Reactive Airway Disease? Haven't heard of that but I do know beta blockers are contraindicated in folks with asthma (like me). I was prescribed a CCB for my tachy. And yes, PAT is the same as PSVT.