weird chest feeling

[ricky0]

I am 23 and I was diagnosed with an arrythmia.  I take 50 mg of atenolol a day.  I have this weird feeling that is so hard to explain in my left chest shoulder and scapular region.  It is like an achy annoying feeling that isnt a sharp or dull pain just strange.  I also experience rapid heart beating that sends a weird feeling throughout my entire body.  It makes me very nervous.  I hate it and it is affecting me a lot.  I have had a stress test that came back normal but when I was done with the test my blood pressure dropped and I almost passed out. The doc said it was a vagal response and not to worry, but I am.  I am afraid to do anything strenuous in fear that it will happen again.  I don't understand what is going on with me.  I smoked for 5 years but recently quit.  I am worried that there is something wrong in my chest region like cancer or something.  I went for 1 week without that weird chest feeling but now it is back.  My heart never used to beat like it does now.  I had to go off the atenolol for the stress test and thats when the serious heart pounding occurred and it scared the **** out of me.  I started taking the atenolol after and it helped but I still get it pretty often.  Does anyone have any advice or insight?

[Dr Santos]

Hi,
It's good to hear from you. I would still recommend that you inform your doctor about this new development. You may also mention changing your medication. Atenolol is indicated and primarily used for high blood pressure control, relief of chest pain caused by angina and treatment following a heart attack to improve survival. Possible side effects include any of the following: swelling or sudden weight gain, chest pain, dizziness, or lightheadedness, numbness in the hands or feet, confusion and even  irregular heartbeat or arrhythmia. Take care always.

[ricky0]

Hi Dr. Santos

I appreciate you getting back to me before but I continue to have some problems.  Today, I had a really good day.  I didn't have any chest pains or discomfort and I felt great.  However, in the evening I laid down on the couch, must have nodded off and I woke suddenly with my heart pounding out of my chest.  My entire body was trembling, almost from the inside.  I do not think I was shaking but my body felt like it was almost vibrating internally.  I became very nervous but with some deep breathing I was able to calm myself down.  I don't understand why this is happening to me.  I take atenolol.  Shouldn't the medication stop those kind of things from happening.  My cardiologist told me before the next step would be to have a heart cath but I really dont want to do something that invasive.  I dont know where to turn.  I never experienced these things before and I dont know why it all of the sudden came on like this.  If you have any comments I would appreciate it greatly.  Thanks

[Dr Santos]

Hi,
How are you? It is good that the stress test was normal. Arrhythmia or irregular heartbeat  may be caused by cardiac causes, electrolyte imbalances in your blood, thyroid problems, anxiety, changes in your heart muscle or injury. Irregular heart rhythms can also occur in normal hearts. Lung cancer usually present with a chronic cough, being short of breath, coughing up phlegm with blood, pain when breathing or coughing, loss of appetite, fatigue and weight loss. Continue your medications and try to relax and not to worry. If it persists, have this evaluated further for proepr management. Take care and do keep us posted.