29 yo athlete, feeling terrible

[MuchConfusion]

For the past 2 years I have been suffering from fatigue, joint pain, shortness of breath, palpitations, greatly decreased ability to weight train/ run etc. and chest tightness/pains. It is also feels like I'm not getting enough "air" from time to time when I lay down. Non smoker/drinker, healthy eating and exercise. No family history of heart disease in anyone under 60 + years of age. Blood pressure 130/70, no cholesterol problems, mild asthma, class 1 av block, RESTING HEART RATE 35-42 BPM. Any exercise, even very short bursts, leaves me gasping for air and feeling faint. Leave in mind that I was and am an athelete and these exercises used to be easy. EKG = normal (except for av block ), Echocardiogram = normal, Heart size = normal, basically every test they threw at me showed normal but I feel like ****.  Any stimulant aggravates the symptoms especially the palpitations. Please some help would be much appreciated.

[filmfanatic]

I had the same symptoms and was diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome.  I then saw a Dr. who tested me for Lyme and I was positive!  Never remember a tick bite.

The Lyme tests are very unreliable but you have classic Lyme symptoms.  Go to Lymenet and ask for a qualified Lyme literate Dr. in your area ASAP.  The longer you wait the harder it is to treat.

Be well!

[MuchConfusion]

Going in for the event monitor Monday and after that to the cardiologist. Really want to do the stress echo, I think that would give the best example of what is going on.  When I'm pushing weights it is the most noticeable, palpitations and the faint feeling. I would like to see what is happening to my heart during these episodes.

I would like to thank everyone for their input.

[itdood]

The breath hold resulting in your pulse decreasing is completely normal.  It's supposed to do that.  It's called a vagal response.

Your AV block is probably causing some of the other issues but that can be tied back to strong vagal tone.  no biggie

You should get worked up by a cardiologist.  You mention palps but that covers many many types of arrhythmias or you just simply feeling your heart beat.  A holter + stress echo may help you gain peace of mind.

[MuchConfusion]

I am currently only taking multivitamines, fish oil and protien powder. I made a point of not using supplements to see if they were, in fact, the culprit. I have used a myriad of supplements over the years, but all over the counter stuff. Not using any anabolic steroids and no worries I am not offended by the question, it is valid.  The strange thing is right now I feel terrible but my blood pressure and pulse are normal Bp 115/70 Pulse 55.  Still have tightness in my chest and am feeling very tired and have trouble concentrating.

Blood sugar is normal.  Tested for adrenal problems and came up negative.  No stress echo yet but would like to try it.

Here are some strange things I have noticed. If I go swimming the pressure in my chest seems to be much worse, this is in water only up to my neck.  If I breathe in deeply and hold it my pulse decreases very quickly and gets quite faint. Generally feel very fragile :(

[stutterheart]

I think it's a little inappropriate to accuse our compatriot of drug use. "don't lie'? That's really reaching. A much more tactful way to phrase it would have been to say "Suppliments and stairoids could definitely cause this".
Just my two cents

[DRBD]

My guess would be that you may be taking some sort of supplement that could cause these symptoms. Well, if you are this much into to fitness you should obviously be taking supplements. So, Take a good hard look at what you have been taking and that might be the possible culprit.

Another thing to seriously consider is anabolic steroids. Anabolic steriods can have an effect on the cardiovascular system. If you are taking anabolic steroids, remember be true to yourself and be true to your doctor becasue we can not help you if you lie.

  

[stutterheart]

My suggestion would be to be vigilant and seek out care until you find a doc that will fight for you and not just have you pass through his/her office.
There could be some sort of systemic problem, not necessarily serious, but worth looking into. Blood sugar, adrenal problems etc could cause this.
Have you had a stress echo? Sometimes arteries constrict during exercize. Perhaps do an ep study.
But some of these things are a mystery. I was a professional athlete and now can't even jog...have to settle for long walks and 15 extra pounds.