dyspnea

[labrat]

Dear Doctor,
I have diastolic dysfunction due to an autoimmune disease and am on verapamil.  
I have found that while I try to sleep on my left side, rather than my right, I have more SOB.  I have some when lying down, trying to sleep on my right side but not nearly as bothersome.
Is there a reason for this?
Thank you.

[CCF-M.D.-CRC]

Dear labrat,
I suppose you may have increased filling pressures of the heart when you are lying on your left side and this could cause some mild shortness of breath.  The only way to test this would be with an echocardiogram done lying on both your left and then right sides.

[broggie]

Odd, I can feel my heartbeat just sitting here and I dont have any cardiomyopathy..was alright up until four years ago when suddenly my heart began racing....it hasnt been right since.  My doctor dont seem to give a damn, got a 24hour holter after giving one of his partners grief which showed nothing except 2 periods of sinus tach at 140bpm...frankly sometimes I feel like inserting my foot in his butt at a high rate of knots.  Yeah I'm angry lol

Good luck all

          Ray.

[lisaellis]

I have a similar experience when lying on my right side!  I get immediate heartburn and my heart rate when in Tachycardia would drop 10 beats everytime.

I have cardiomyopathy and can't even lie on my left either as I can feel my heart beat and I think I must be doing some damage, must admit that 10 months of lying on my back gets pretty boring ;-(

[lisaellis]

Hia, well I regulary feel my heart beat through the day (although less since I had an ablation), I have for months, although for years I had the odd bouts of palpitations and put it down to axiety.

A normal heart can sustain a lifetime of intermittant periods of Tachycardia (sinus especially) it is when it becomes persitant you get into trouble which is what caused my Cardiomyopathy.

Being aware of your heat beating doesn't necessarily mean it is beating fast though, for 10 months my rate was a constant 140-170 and for only parts of the day did I feel palpitations.

I wouldn;t worry too much at this stage unless you have other symptoms but it would be wise for you to purchase a watch monitor and keep an eye on the rate over the next couple of months. If it is going to 140 regulary when at rest you should get the reason checked out for peace of mind.