Tachycardia/High Blood Pressure at 19yrs

[ImperialMaj]

Hi everyone,

I'm 19 years old and currently in college, and 4 weeks ago I found out that I have a high heart rate and blood pressure.  I am 5'9, 130 lbs, work out occasionally, although I have asthma and during my first year in college I indulged pretty excessively in marijuana/drinking.  I also used adderall illicitly to cram, staying up three nights in a row at times, and that is when my problems started.  During one of these sessions, my heart started spasming and racing, giving me a good scare.  I checked the doctor a few days later and they found my heart rate to be 102, slightly above normal, and gave me an EKG, which they found normal.  I told them the story and they said that it was probably the result of the adderall, and suggested that the problems would go away during the summer.

Since coming back home, I have cut down significantly on my smoking and drinking.  I have had the weird spasming thing happen once since, and from time to time I feel like my heart is beating strangely or out of rhythm.  It has been four weeks, and I went for a routine check up yesterday and I still have a heart rate of 103, and blood pressure of 140/73.  I told the doctor my story and he said he would check later during the summer.  During the past couple of days, I have been fatigued and short of breath as well, especially at night, although it could be a cold and I do have asthma.  However, I am getting worried that I have done permanent damage due to the adderall, or perhaps I have a heart problem unrelated to the adderall.  Does anyone have any ideas of what could be happening?  Clearly I will need to change some of my lifestyle habits, but being only 19, I am truly scared that I could be suffering from something that will hamper my well being for the rest of my life.

[ImperialMaj]

It's been more than a month and a half and my symptoms have not changed.  I have been checking my heart rate daily but it still remains around 100.  I just got another EKG done and I am waiting on the results.  However, I have had another worrying development.  I have been trying to get back in shape, and I have noticed that light exercise works to (paradoxically) slow down my pulse, which I found encouraging, although it goes back up afterwards.  However, at higher intensities, my heart rate seems to soar.  While playing intense basketball yesterday, the most strenous activity I've had in probably three weeks, my heart was racing, and checking my pulse, I noticed that my heart would pause or skip a beat.  Is this dangerous?  Should I refrain from any physical activity until I meet with my doctor again?

[JimBy1236]

My opinion only...

My HR is always above 100 when I visit the doctor, stress!! And even so, 103 isn't really that high, what is it first thing in the morning and before bed at night? Does it drop down at all or stay there consistently.  Neither is 140/73, which will go up too with doctors visits usually, i think 140/73 is still within normal fluctuation range during a day. During a panic attack mine can go up to 160 easy due to stress, so I wouldn't worry.  BP readings need to be taken over a period of time, say one or twice a day at the same time over a couple of weeks to get a clear picture. If the EKG is normal, they can pick up most things on that, then the next best thing they can do is an ultrasound and if that's clear there is no structural damage to the heart (all valves working properly, size of heart normal etc). Then they will probably tell you there's nothing wrong with your heart and offer meds for your palpitations.