Ectopic Atrial Tachycardia

[chaza123]

Hi my names Charlotte and i'm 20 years old

I was born with a heart murmur which my parents were told would go away as I grew up! When i was 13 i started having very irregular bursts of heart palpitations and collapsed after p.e at school. After having several ECGs done i never heard any word back from the hospital so i assumed i was ok. The palpitations continued right up until now and it was only recently i was told my heart rate was at 140bpm while I was asleep at the time of the tests. I was told by my cardiologist that it could be ectopic atrial tachycardia, but it does not seem common in people of my age and sex! currently my palpitations range from 120bpm the whlole way up to 180bpm and it is starting to worry me slightly! Does anyone have this same problem or any advice they could give me about this issue?

[chaza123]

The palpitations are completely random, they could happen when i'm doing absolutely nothing and be as high at 180 beats a minute, sometimes they last for hours sometimes just for seconds! When i get the palpitations i get short of breath, dizzy and feel just really sick, every time i've been exercising and this happens I either faint immediately or have to lie down until it stops.I have also noticed that me blood pressure is usually in the region of 102-105 over 60-69 when i get the palpitations. Never got prescribed anything because i only found out in the last couple of months that i had a heart problem! Having an ultrasound scan done on friday though so that should hopefully help.

[grendslori]

I would not worry about a resting, sleeping rate of 140. The dream you were having could put your heart rate up while sleeping, especially if you were having a nightmare or disturbing dream. Most doctors aren't going to be overly concerned about you passing out one time either, especially after PE. You could have easily been dehydrated or your blood sugar levels may have been too low. In teens, that's pretty common. Having said all of that, you should still be seen by your cardiologist for a follow-up. If these problems of passing out have not happened again in the last seven years, the passing out, doesn't have anything to do with your heart; if your heart was the cause, it would have continued to be happening to you. The rates you are having up to 180, are not high enough for you to pass out and depending on the actual circumstances may be in the normal range. When you heart rates go up, do the rates increase and decrease over time?    

[oldtrout466]

Hi  - Try not to worry too much - it sounds like one of those electrical problems that needs a bit of investigation but is quite probably 'benign' - although that doesn't mean it's not unpleasant and distressing. Atrial ectopic tachycardia should only be diagnosed after tests like a Holter monito where the ectopic beats are actually picked up. The full on tachycardia might be other things - ectopic beats have a habit of happening when the heart slows down - they kind of sneak in. Do try to see an electrophysiologist cardiologist - and have a look at info about Inappropriate sinus tachycardia - much more common in young women than ectopic AT.
heartdisease.about.com/cs/arrhythmias/a/IST.htm

[MichelleP_3811]

I would definitely try and see a cardiologist.  Hospitals are not the same as doctors.  Hospitals generally just work to make sure you are not in immediate danger but a doctor will diagnose and treat any underlying issues you may have.  That said, in general a fast heart rate in a healthy heart is not an immediate life threat but you did pass out once and that should be evaluated as well as the overall structure of the heart.  It is likely you are not in any real danger but it is best to manage your issue for your heart health in the long term and a cardiologist is the best place for you to start, or a GP who can refer you to one.  Take care and keep us posted on how you are doing.

[mido55]

Change Dr now or go for another opinion

[Jerry_NJ]

You have been examined by a cardiologist and that doctor hasn't prescribed any course of action?  Seems very strange to me as a resting HR of 140 should be treated, I believe.  Has your doctor prescribed any medication, such as a beta blocker?