Chest pain , tachycardia and Atenolol

[abcsoup]

I'm a 32 yr.old female who has been experiencing a racing pulse, palpitations and chest pain for the past two and a half weeks. A visit to the clinic resulted in a normal EKG, but my bloodwork showed I have mild hyperthyroidism (TSH 0.34)so the dr. put me on 25 mg of Atenolol to help ease the cardiac symptoms before I see the endocrinologist next week.  I've been taking the Atenolol for over a week now, and sometimes my heart still races (up 10 113)while resting. Most of the time it's between 79-89 though.  I called my dr. who prescribed it and he said I could add a 25 mg pill before bedtime in addition to the 25 mg pill I take upon waking. However, I am hesistant to do this due to the fact that that Atenolol has already lowered my bp to 88/62 with just one 25mg pill.  I also continue to have chest pain.  It started on just on the left side of my chest, and was usually sharp in nature.  Now I can get it on my right side, between my shoulder blades in my back, in the middle of my chest or wherever.  Last night I woke up at 2a.m. with pain on the left side of my ribs, kind of right beneath my left breast, towards the side.  

I am very worried that something is really wrong with my heart. Do these sound like cardiac pains?  They can come and go throughout the day, whether at rest or during activity.  I had an echocardiogram which was slightly abnormal in 1998 so they followed up with a MUGA scan which was entirely normal.  Any advice or suggestions as whether my pain sounds cardiac in nature would be greatly appreciated.  Thank you!

[boo45]

Can hypothyroid give someone tachycardia just like hyperthyroid?  I have read that organic extra virgin coconut oil
can be very helpful in dealing with this type of thyroid disfunction.

[che-kier]

I understand your fears! I am 33 yr old female and I have been diagnosed as HYPO-thyroid with bouts of tach and lots of PVC's.  I also get these night time episodes coupled with chest tightness and tightness in my upper back and arms.  I am told by docs this discomfort is normal when you experience tach and PVC's.  This apparently is just uncomfortable and you just need to learn to ride it out.  good luck.

[CCF-M.D.-MJM]

Hi abcsoup,

It sounds like you have mild, but symptomatic hyperthyroidism.

Do these sound like cardiac pains?

Chest pains from cardiac causes do not usually come on at rest.  We never say never, but given you age (and you didn't mention any other risk factors), the likelihood of this being from coronary artery blockages is very low.

I agree that a little atenolol may help control the rate, but your blood pressure is fairly low.  I would call your doctor back and let him know, but I don't think you have many other options for now.   The best treatment is to treat the underlying cause, but that won't happen until you see your endocrinologist.

I hope this helps.  Good luck.