Fast heart rate

[Smiley2000]

I am female, 32 years old.  I am 6 1/2 weeks post-op after OHS to repair Mitral valve (Annuluplasty).  Since the op I have a resting HR of 120+ and low BP (ave 90/60).  Went to Cardio for 6 weeks check-up and he prescribed LANOXIN 0,25mg with high starting dosage (had to take 4 tabs the 1st day).  It is now 7 days later and still no improvement.  My HR is still fast and BP low and I now have extra systoles/irregular HR.

Should I stop using LANOXIN and switch to SOTACOR (I used it pre-op).  I had Ablation done in Nov. 2007 to treat PSVT.

Thank you!

[ireneo]

They can pick up on the a-fib easily with an ekg or a monitor if you are popping in and out of it. Still, it's just another problem to deal with after the surgery. I'm sure you're wishing you could have your life back. Is it possible the a-fib is temporary due to the irritation to the heart? That would be nice to know. I understand wanting a break from the doctors. You've seen them enough lately. But you shouldn't ignore a-fib since it carries the risk of blood clots. Take a deep breath and get it checked out.

[Smiley2000]

Spoke to GP.

Results:  pro-BNP is 218 (still a bit high), CRP and full blood count and Thyroid normal.

I am possibly in A-fib.  She now wants to phone Cardio and advise that they send me back to Hospital to be monitored!  I don't want to go back and besides:  my medical aid funds are empty!

[Smiley2000]

I phoned Cardio's office and spoke to his assistant.  He ordered bloodtests (pro-BNP, full blood count and CRP).  I should have the results by tomorrow.  He does not think that the fast HR and low BP is normal on the Lanoxin meds.

Will let you know :)

[ireneo]

Very good to hear. Please let me know what you find out.

[Smiley2000]

Thanks for all the info, Irene.  

You are right:  I was actually planning on switching to Sotacor/Florinef that I used pre-op, but in the meantime decided to consult my Pharmacist and she also advised me to phone Cardio.  Lanoxin is used to treat CHF and Sotacor is a beta-blocker that can worsen CHF.  Cardio didn't tell me that I still had CHF so that was a bit of a surprise to me.  He actually advised me to add MORE salt to my diet to elevate my BP.

I really don't feel well.  Not doing so good with this chronic low BP and fast HR.  So, I'll phone Cardio's office tomorrow.  Will let you know :)

hugs,

[ireneo]

First of all, don't change your medication without clearing it with your doctor first. You probably know that but your note sounds like you want to try it. Just ask him first.

I looked up Lanoxin and one of the side effects can be arrhythmia which is ironic since it's often used to treat arrhythmia. You've only been on it for a week and a lot of these meds take longer (2-4 weeks) to settle in. It may be another week or so for your body to adjust and to see improvement.

The low blood pressure has to feel lousy but again, another side effect is temporary light-headedness (maybe it's from the lowered BP, the info didn't specify).

Did your doctor mention a low sodium diet or potassium supplements? Has your dosage dropped from that 4 pills a day to the normal dose?

I guess if you're feeling terrible then it's time to call your doctor's office and ask. Or ask a pharmacist. I did that one time with Verapamil. I asked if what I was feeling was typical and he told me to go to the hospital. Turned out it wasn't. Oh well.