Male Teenager - Symptoms of IST?!

[Aaron8903]

Hi MedHelp Community,

I've been here for a little while, trying to figure out what exactly is wrong with my heart. For over a year (since November 23rd, 2007), I've been having these weird symptoms.

After seeing three (!) different cardiologists over the period, one suggested IST (Inappropriate Sinus Tachycardia). Through further research, it seems incredibly similar to what I am experiencing. My symptoms are:

* Consistently fast heart rate (~100 BPM) even at rest
* Out of breath most times
* Increased fatigue
* Intolerance to exercise or any type of physical activity, even walking up a few stairs (greatly increasing rate)
* I ALWAYS feel my heart beat, and it drives me crazy (24/7)
** With exercise, it's even stronger, and quite scary

Those are the main things. A little prologue, I woke up on the stated date to a very fast heart rate (150+) that night, which would trigger my heart to go fast (like a switch) off and on that week. Once it stayed fast for 24 hours, I went to emerge. They put my on a beta-blocker (Bisoprolol), which had terrible side-effects for 10 days of its use; which I then came off from.

Since then, I've had every test under the sun that I can think of, or that's been recommended. Stress tests, blood tests, urine, multiple 48-hour holters, stress echocardiograms, x-rays, and more. I have also checked for a stomach bacteria virus (h.pylori) in desperation. The only thing that was picked up in relation to the heart is a valve that is somewhat "floppy," but I highly doubt that's what's causing these problems. Apparently, 1% of the world's population has it.

In an effort to use more natural medicine (with less side effects), I'm seeing a Naturopathic doctor. Currently taking Gammadyn Mg, Co-Q10 (100 mg), and a bach flower mixture. So far (about 2 weeks), not much change.

I've officially run out of ideas and hope. My most recent cardiologist has prescribed Propanolol, another beta-blocker, to ease the symptoms. However, I'm reluctant to take it with my past experiences.

Here are my options:

1) Take the medication, and likely a calcium channel blocker, for my entire life.
2) Undergo a radiofrequency operation, something I am not willing to do at this point. Its success rate is more inflated than it leads to believe.
3) Try and "live with" the symptoms my entire life, hoping it gets better.

I am scheduled to see an arrhythmia specialist in 3-4 months (got to love the Canadian health system!), so I'll know officially then. At this point, it looks quite like IST. What's odd is, it seems to be mostly middle-aged women that get this disease (?), me being the opposite.

This is driving me nuts, and SEVERELY affecting my University performance (which is a whole other story). I'd really like to know what others recommend I do, because I'm losing faith. Any sort of advice or commentary is incredibly appreciated.

Thank you, and Merry Christmas/Happy Holidays to everyone.   :)

[Aaron8903]

Thanks for the words of wisdom, Jerry. The name does ring a bell, as well.

I *do* consider myself a strong, positive person; but over one year of constant heart problems WITHOUT a solid diagnosis can drive even the most sane person crazy. Plus, being normal your entire life, then having something "spring" unto you that greatly affects it is hard to deal with.

Now don't be mislead, I awake happy everyday. I can see, smell, touch, and walk around. Some are unfortunate to have none of those. Thankfully I can continue with my studies, but my GPA is taking a hit. My focus on work is incredibly difficult, with countless doctor visits and symptoms that lessen my attention span to less than a goldfish.

It's the small things that really get to me; like not being able to help my Mother shovel the snow and such.

I made this post because my recent discovery of IST. Generally being female-oriented, I'm STILL hesitant that it may be it - even though the symptoms are bang on. Maybe someone with IST will come across it, and I'll find out what works(/ed) best for them.

Have a wonderful Christmas.   :)

[Jerry_NJ]

I see your 'handle" is my reply list, so "we've talked" before.  Can say I remember any details.

Yes, if you have a strong feeling of heat beats, it must be ventricular-based.  While I have many of the same symptoms you stated in your post above, mine is AFIb and I in general do not feel my heart beating, in fact I have trouble finding the pulse.

I different beta blockers affect different people in different ways.  I take Metoprolol for heart rate control/slow-down, but it is, I believe, the source of some of the symptoms I suffer from that map to those you listed: dizzy, low energy, difficulty exercising...  so, that med may only add to your unpleasant experiences.

The only help I can send is to say:  try to focus on positive thoughts, maybe that could included study for your school work.  Focus on friends and family, especially during the Christmas holiday season.

[Aaron8903]

Thanks for the response!

Oddly enough, I had my first experience of acupuncture YESTERDAY! A great experience, but didn't seem to help much. I'll be going regularly after the holidays are done (once a week) to see if it helps. Like I said, I've tried so many different things (diets, exercise/sleep patterns, massage therapy, and now acupuncture) and nothing is a permanent fix.

My Naturopathic/Homeopathic doctor is actually Chinese, which is great. She knows what she's doing, and even performed the acupuncture herself. Right now, she hasn't prescribed anything related to herbs, just the things listed in the first post.

I also noticed your post on "skipping beats." Ironic, because I forgot to mention them in my first post. It's usually referred to a PVC, or Premature Ventricular Contraction. I get them a lot now, and are EXTREMELY forceful. Like someone kicked me in the chest. The majority of people have them, but rarely feel it. You CAN faint from them if they happen consecutively - which means blood isn't pumping normally throughout your body, causing dizziness and/or faint spells. I get dizzy often times from them, but have never gone blind (crossing my fingers for that never to happen)!

[touchofheart]

since you seem to have tried all western medical help, have you thought about finding a good Chinese herbalist and a good Chinese acupuncturist? I say "Chinese" in particular because the Chinese have been practicing it for 2000 years and Americans are really just starting.