Unsure what is going on, new murmur and tacycaria 26 yr old female

[jessie82]

The past few months I have been experiencing what seems to be an odd group of symptoms. I went to the doctor because I felt intense pressure in my ears. While there the doctor told me my heart rate was too high and that she heard a new murmur that I have never had before. I knew that my pulse had been higher because I could feel it, but I thought I was just sick, I really didn't think much about it because I am in general good health and only 26. However, I have been having other symptoms, the most prominent being a feeling of breathlessness primarily when I am talking, but occurs at other times as well. The racing/pounding heart rate tends to always occur when I lay down. I have had blood work which is all normal, my EKG showed tachycardia, and my ECHO was normal. I am not sure where to go with this. My doctor is telling me that right now all they know is my heart is at times beating abnormally and she hears a new murmur. The thing that bothers me the most is the breathlessness. I am a 26 year old, 135 lbs. healthy female with no significant medical history. Any suggestions what this could be or what I should do next would be great. Thank you for your time!

[Michael J. McWilliams, M.D.]

Not enough information to comment too much.  If you have a heart murmur and a normal echo, that shouldn't be anything to worry about.  Fast heart rates like that with normal tests are usually either anxiety or inappropriate sinus tachycardia.  It might take some time to figure out which one it is. If it is inappropriate sinus tachycardia, some times beta blockers or calcium channel blockers are appropriate, other times it is not treated at all.

It requires a somewhat detailed history and physical.  This is one of the diagnosis that is based made with a face to face interaction and by someone that has seen a lot of it.  It might help to see an electrophysiologist to see what they think.

I hope this helps.

[jessie82]

I forgot to mention I am a non-smoker.