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crazy heart beat and high blood pressure for no reason

Like another person here I have had a rapid heart rate going as high as 193 bpm upon climbing the stairs. My blood pressure has continued to rise over the past two yrs with no apparent reason. Used to be 110/70 forever. Then was on Bystolice to try and keep my heart from racing and it dropped my blood pressure severely so they took me off of it. It took 4 months for my blood pressure to get back to normal but then it kept going higher. I eat a well balanced diet, am active and 5 5" and 130. I dont smoke or drink or take recreational drugs. I do have Lupus. My blood pressure has been 172/110 30 min after waking up. After many trips to the doctor and ER. They say nothing is wrong. I do have a small hole in my heart but nothing serious. I have had several TIAs which are miny strokes. One that affected my ability to walk. But still they say " it is just the way my heart is built that makes it behave this way. They put me back on Bystolic for the time being. It is better than passing out. Anybody have any answers, would appreciate anything. Thank you.


This discussion is related to rapid heart rate and high blood pressure.
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875426 tn?1325528416
Did they do a plasma free metanephrines fasting blood test (best test for ruling out pheochromocytoma)?  That is a tumor that causes rapid heart beat and very high blood pressure from its emission of catecholamines.  It is usually found on an adrenal gland.  They can have silent periods where catecholamines are normal, so best to get it soon after an episode of high blood pressure and tachycardia.  Also, avoid tylenol for 72 hours prior if possible, because that medication can interfere with assaying results.
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Avatar universal
About 3 years ago this night mare started a flush then rise in blood pressure and rapid heart beat pounding out of my chest, the docs tried to say it was anxiety, gave me ativan lexapro and zannex, and told me I would feel better in the morning, all that did was make me feel worse, went to emergency rooms so much that they wanted to put me in a mental hospital, I told them it was not anxiety,  then a cardiologist took me off all that stuff, ran all the test couldn't find anything that was causing my symptoms he put me on zebeta, I have been on it for three years, still have the attacks, were coming about every three months, they now come random,  the only thing that slows the rapid heart beat down by time the ambulance gets here every time is apple cider venager.  I had another episode today, I wish someone could tell me what causes this, the doctors can't figure it out.  Anyone have any suggestions?
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Avatar universal
About 3 years ago this night mare started a flush then rise in blood pressure and rapid heart beat pounding out of my chest, the docs tried to say it was anxiety, gave me ativan lexapro and zannex, and told me I would feel better in the morning, all that did was make me feel worse, went to emergency rooms so much that they wanted to put me in a mental hospital, I told them it was not anxiety,  then a cardiologist took me off all that stuff, ran all the test couldn't find anything that was causing my symptoms he put me on zebeta, I have been on it for three years, still have the attacks, were coming about every three months, they now come random,  the only thing that slows the rapid heart beat down by time the ambulance gets here every time is apple cider venager.  I had another episode today, I wish someone could tell me what causes this, the doctors can't figure it out.  Anyone have any suggestions?
Helpful - 0
875426 tn?1325528416
Some people with dysautonomia (P.O.T.S. is one form) are sensitive to movement even when not standing from what I've seen on the dysautonomia forum.  Taking your blood pressure and pulse rates while lying down (wait at least 10 minutes), sitting (wait at least two minutes after sitting up), & standing (wait at least two minutes after standing) as way to see if you have orthostatic intolerance of some kind.

Plasma free metanephrines is a fasting blood test that measure the inactive metabolites of epinenephrine and norepinephrine (catecholamines).  It is the most sensitive test from what I've seen on line for detecting a rare tumor called a pheochromocytoma, which can make you have episodes of very high blood pressure, regardless of position.

In the hyperadrenergic form of P.O.T.S., your blood pressure will typically can spike with standing, because your body is trying to keep you from passing out.  Your heart will race and any exercise while in an upright position can show excellerated heart rate increases compared to a normal person.

Even though a person eats a well balance diet, if they have any form of continued blood loss, such as menses, rectal bleeding, etc., they can still become iron deficient.  This can cause a lack of oxygen to the body, including the brain and can cause rapid heart beat as well as fatigue.  A normal CBC does not always tell you if your blood iron and ferritin (stored iron) levels are in an acceptable range & they should be tested specially.  I have had low iron and normal CBC and my tachycardia from my P.O.T.S. has been even worse from this.

Are you taking any medication to try to prevent future TIAs?
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Avatar universal
They did do a halter monitor. Just showe them what they have been seeing. All the rest....no. I have heard of P.O.T.S. My symptom occur when I am sitting and just adjust myself in my chair or in my sleep. All it takes is a bit of ephysical effort. What are the other tests for? Thanks, AK
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875426 tn?1325528416
Did they run a fasting plasma free metanephrines blood test to rule out pheochromocytoma?  Did they do a holtor monitor?  Did they do orthostatic blood pressure and pulse rates?  Did they do a tilt table test to check for postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (P.O.T.S.)?
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