11wks - rapid irregular heartbeat

[lwillia1]

I am a 24 year old female with no prior heart issues, I do have a family history of heart disease. I am also 11 weeks pregnant. I have for the last several weeks had periods of my heart rate jumping up to 100 - 120 bpm in a matter of a minute or less (normal resting heart rate 75 - 80). When it happens I'm not doing anything strenuous, usually I am just sitting down watching tv or at work. It would last 15 minutes to a couple of hours and then go away. For the last 3 days it has been consistently over 100 and I can sometimes feel really strong hard beats that don't match the rhythm. My blood pressure has been just a little high, I run about 115-120 / 70 and it has been as high as 140 / 90. When I get the rapid heart rate I also feel very dizzy and short of breath. I called my OB and they suggested I go to the ER. I went in and they had my on a monitor for blood pressure and heart rhythm and took a urine sample to check for pre-eclampsia. My heart rate never went below 100 but they let me go and said that there were not issues with the rhythm and I was fine.

Also about 5 months ago I did have a stress echo and 48 hour holter monitor that both came back normal, but my symptoms feel different now than they did then.

Does any of this sound like it could be an issue that I should address further with a cardiologist? Could this all just be related to pregnancy hormones? Any input would be greatly appreciated.

[Sise]

Hi lwillia1.

I would suggest you buy one of those at home blood pressure heart beat machines. I suffered from irregular heart beats at the end of pregnancy. I was diagnosed with atrial flutter and had irregular heartbeats as well. If you think something is wrong go to the emergency room. I was a healthy 26 year old before this started. I hadn't had issues like this with my first pregnancy. My cardiologist told me it may go away after I had the baby. But 8 months later I'm still on heart meds and had a ablation procedure done to my heart and have to get it done again. If you continue to have these problems I suggest to go to the ER. My heart acted up off and on. Sometimes when I went to the ER they sent me home since the EKG didnt catch it.But I wish you the best of luck and a happy delivery.

[Elaine Brown, MD]

Hi!
I doubt that a cardiologist would have much more to offer you.  It is quite common to have an elevated resting heart rate in pregnancy.  Very soon after conception, the blood volume increases to 150% of normal, so the heart is now working at 150% capacity.
Even slight increases in exercise will cause an increase in the heart beat and shortness of breath.  It is also common for the hard working heart to miss a beat every now and then--these irregular beats are usually premature atrial contractions, but could also be premature ventricular contractions--to me, it felt like my heart was beating upside down sometimes.
If you were my patient, I would probably do an EKG, holter and echo ( you've had all of these done ). If all of those were normal, I would chalk it up to the pregnancy.
I would also suggest that you have your thyroid tested, that you drink plenty of fluids to avoid being dehydrated, that you avoid caffeine, and any undue stress.
Most of the heart rate issues will get better after the birth.
Good luck and congratulations!
Dr B

[Mackenzie1023]

Sorry to hear all the trouble your having but If I were you I would see a cardiologist just to be safe. It could have something to do with the pregnancy but it is better to be safe then sorry.