Posted 3/17/2008 3:42 AM (GMT 0)
I have been very worried and highly aware of my heart for the past year. Last February, the first of these symptoms occurred. Basically my heart rate would start to flutter and reach speeds of about 160-180 bpm. Then after a while of this, it would slow down to the point where it would skip a few beats, making me feel extremely lightheaded to the point where there is black closing in around my field of vision. Then all of a sudden it will beat really hard again, which results in a flood of warmth to my head. These episodes will last for about an hour and 15 minutes each time.
Last year, it would happen about once every 3 months or so. Lately, it has been occurring almost weekly. Now, even when it is not happening, I feel like my body is overall much weaker and I'm more likely to be out of breath during the day.
Because these episodes tend to happen when I shift my heart rhythm, I am very cautious of how I move and what I do. I can't stand up suddenly, or go back to sleep right away after being up. I am unable to participate in sport activities because that might trigger it as well.
I am 28 years old, about 140 pounds (although it's dropping for some reason). I am a teacher, so I realize that the added stress most likely has something to do with it. I have stopped my intake of caffeine for a year and I have never smoked nor drank alcohol. I have gone to the hospital twice, both times with the result of not finding anything. My cardiologist can't seem to find anything either. I tried the holter monitor a day but that didn't pick anything up. The EKG readings at the hospital were fine too. The hospital tested the major diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure, and those were fine as well.
But for the past few days, it seems to be getting worse. I wake up and feel okay for a while, then I start to really feel my heart beats.. at least it sounds more audible and stronger than earlier. To the point where I can't seem to walk down the stairs without stopping to make sure that the whole 1 hour and 15 minute episode of 180 bpm to skipped beats won't happen.
Honestly, I don't know what to do anymore. Personally, I feel like there is something wrong, but the doctors can't seem to find anything and don't seem too keen on pursuing other possibilities. I have an appointment for the 24th of this month at the cardiologist and I think an echocardiogram might be a good thing to try next. But I really am having a hard time proceeding, just not sure what to do now. I want to get better.. but I don't know how. =(