Barbara

[desmarbarb]

My partner was rushed to emergency with a heartrate of 118 ...she had no pain, but was weak, tired and said her arms felt heavy.  She has since had one other occurrence at her job.  All tests at emergency came back negative...she has an appt with her cardiologist today.  I'm concerned about the seriousness of this new condition.  A few months ago she started experiencing sudden onset of severe headaches, which are under control with medication at this time.  Should we be looking for something specific?

[Lorne675]

As noted earlier a 118 hear rate isn't very high if you were doing anything active at all, walking, swimming, climbing stairs. However you didn't mention  what she was doing at the time.  If she was doing something physical that's just nicely in the cardio workout range if you were exercising. You can calculate an aerobic work out by subtracting your partner's age from 220 and then multiplying that figure by .6 - .8 (60% - 80%). For example if your partner is 40 her aerobic range would be 108 - 144bpms unless she was seriously training for a sport. If she was younger it would be higher and old the numbers lower.

The rate is a bit more unusual if she was sitting or lying down. If she was still experiencing the higher heart rate when she was given an ecg at the hospital this would likely show whether or not there was anything physically wrong with her heartbeat. A cardiologist might give her a stress test and as well as perform a echocardiogram to find out if there were any other problems.

From what you are says the odds are it was something minor, too much caffeine, a reaction to an over the counter cold medication, a bit of indigestion, or even a panic attack.

[annie37]

Hi,have they told her anything since.. i had something like that happen to me. mine went up to 130  i thought i would faint i was so dizzy. i was left in hospital for 3 days for dizziness ,palpitations, tightness in chest, heart  rate 130 everything that was done came back neg. getting test done but dont know noting yet,a little afraid but hoping everything turns out ok. hope everything turns out ok with ur partner also, good luck  

[ireneo]

A heart rate of 118 isn't all that high. It can get there from any kind of stress, pain or fever. However, I'm sure they'll be checking her heart - perhaps with an echocardiogram and maybe a heart monitor to see how her heart is behaving. Those are two good starting points. They may do blood work too. Thyroid problems will cause similar symptoms. I hope you both get answers soon. It's so difficult not knowing.