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irregular heartbeat??

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Posted 9/12/2008 5:48 PM (GMT 0)
I have been experiencing a heart beat that sometimes is really fast like 130-160 bpm and sometimes itll feel like it has no rhythm at all and just twitching but that only lasts for a few seconds then it goes away and I get dizzy and weak and feel like im gonna pass out. I have went to the ER for this and thy did an EKG and it came out normal but of course the symptoms werent happening during the EKG. I also get mild chest discomfort up by my shoudler and on the left far side of my ribs. I am starting to feel like im insane because my doctor tells me that its probably just anxiety. Im afraid to take his word for it because of it I cant work and its effecting my social life because the other day I got really weak and almost passed out in the mall and then we had to go home. I am 27 isnt it too early for heart problems??Should I ignore this or get more aggressive?? HELP?!?!?!?

                                                             Amie

Posted 9/13/2008 6:14 PM (GMT 0)
Amie, I'm not normally on this forum but your post concerned me.  Do not ignore this. If I were you, I'd ask the doctor to order more tests, and if he doesn't, I'd change doctors.  I'm serious.  An EKG is only one test; there are echocardiograms, holter monitors, and several "stress" tests they can do.  I think you're right to take this seriously and should pursue this further; don't ignore it.  In the meantime, stay away from caffeine and alcohol and even cold and allergy medicine as they may affect heart beat and blood pressure (check the label or ask the pharmacist).  Even though you're young, something is causing the erratic heart beat.  Yes, sometimes anxiety can cause some of these symptoms but to rule anxiety out, you must have other tests.  If you are taking any other medication (even over the counter), ask the pharmacy if they could be causing those symptoms.  Please pursue this, ok?  (I'm not a doctor but I'm telling you exactly what I would do if I had these symptoms.  They shouldn't be ignored.) And let us know what comes up.

Posted 9/13/2008 11:29 PM (GMT 0)
Lanie,

Thank you I feel like nobody takes me seriously. I will definately bring it up again to my doctor but honestly I dont think hell do anything and I have already changed doctors once. This is something that really scares me but sometimes I feel like im the only one that sees it as a scary thing. Its awful how many doctors here blow things off. I just want to feel better and to have a name for whats wrong it doesnt seem like such a huge request but to others it seems it is. I want to thank you for caring enough to reply. Ill keep you posted.

                                         Amie 

Posted 9/14/2008 4:52 AM (GMT 0)
Amie, I can't imagine the fear that goes through a person experiencing these symptoms.  The symptoms are real but you have to find the cause.  Even if the doctor said it was probably anxiety, he should have ordered further tests to confirm it.  It might be a good idea to keep a journal (date, time) of when and how these symptoms occur, so it's all documented.  This way, you can tell the doctor on this date at this time, this is what happened, etc.  Please don't ignore these signs and just hope they go away.  You need to learn why you're having them.  Report back here, then!  Good luck.  :-)
Posted 9/15/2008 1:23 AM (GMT 0)

Hello, my name is Natalia.  I am 28 years old and I am having the same symptoms.  I have seen three different doctors and they all say the same thing.  They say I have sinus arrhythmia with frequent PVCs.  The doctors just say I am going to have this problem for the rest of my life.  My tests include a halter monitor, stress mill, ultra sound of my heart and many EKGs.  The doctors have not prescribed me any medication to this point.  My symptoms come during the day and the middle of the night.  My symptoms are chest pain, dizziness, extreme fatigue and I feel instantly cold.

 

Is there anything else I can do?  It is difficult to have this occur on a daily basis.  Should I push my doctors for additional diagnosis or some type of treatment? 

Posted 9/15/2008 9:25 PM (GMT 0)

Hi Natalia, Welcome to Healing Well, we are happy to have you join us here.  I am sorry about your health problems.  I often have PVC's and abnormal arrhythmias it is most fustrating and scary.  Though you have had all these tests done if you are still uncertian regarding your treatment you can seek a second opinion from another cardiologist.

I am posting a link to HeartPoint which explains very well the different types of arrhythmias.  You can also search off of this site.  I hope it helps and I also hope that HW becomes a supportive enviornment for you.  Take care

http://www.heartpoint.com/specific%20arrhythmias.html

Posted 9/16/2008 9:45 AM (GMT 0)
You're never to young to have problems with your heart. I have been on medications since I was 27, I am now in my 50's and just recently told that I have a problem with a valvue in my heart. This was after an Echocardiogram. I had in the past had EKGs and a Monitor which at the time they told me I had a severe anxiety problem. Take care of your heart. Ask for a cardiologyst to give yo an Echocardiogram . I will be going for a second one next month. This Dr. is really taking it serious, finally after 20 some years and hundreds of different blood pressure meds. Keep posting. june
Posted 9/16/2008 3:16 PM (GMT 0)
I have an appointment today at 1:30 with yet another doctor. I too have been told several times its anxiety but if they dot do anythng today I found a cadiologist that will take me if I can get a copy of my files from my doctors so if they blow this off I am repared to get aggressive. Ill post later and let you know what happened. I am SO nervous that I am shaking. Thanks for posting June you made me feel so much better about the anxiety thing. I would buy that its anxiety if they would test and make sure its not my heart you know? its scary to feel like your heart is in trouble.
Amie
Posted 9/18/2008 9:10 PM (GMT 0)
Hey Amie, You have made the right choice.  If ever you question anything a doctor does get a second or third opinion.  It is your body and life so you have to make sure you are stepping up and ensuring your getting the optium healthcare availiable.  Please do keep us updated and know we are here for you.

Posted 9/19/2008 8:58 PM (GMT 0)
 ok well the doctor says anxiety. I guess that is what it must be then. I dont know anymore. 

                                                         Amie confused   

Posted 9/21/2008 8:08 PM (GMT 0)

Hi amie, anxiety can often mimic cardiovascular symptoms.  In turn those with health issues often develop anxiety related to extreme worry about their health and future.  It is often confusing to tell one from the other.  Then again GERD is another disorder that often gets confused with heart disease as it is all centered in the chest.  No matter if it is heart problems, gerd or anxiety...it is all very stressing as they cause chest pains, shortness of breath and make the person feel just horrible. 

I have heart problems but I also have anxiety, panic attacks and depression so I can greatly relate.  When they first started I felt like I was going to die and totally confused by them.  I am 35 now and have had my pacemaker to keep my heart going for 3 yrs this month.  It took awhile for me to figure out that some of the things I was feeling wasnt from my heart but was anxiety/panic.

However, like I said before if you truely believe that something is wrong with your body physicially then change docs.  Dont settle for them telling you it is all in your head if your certian it isnt. 

take care dear

Posted 9/22/2008 6:58 PM (GMT 0)
Elisha--

Why did you have to get the pacemaker if you don't mind my asking?  Thanks....

Posted 9/22/2008 11:19 PM (GMT 0)
Hi shopnmom, Welcome to the Cardio forum wink   I dont mind you asking at all...I have an autonomic disorder called Multiple System Atrophy which has caused my heart rate drop down into the 20's.  It was beating in this range for a little over two weeks (I was in the hospital) as my blood pressure was also extremely low.  Doctors thought the pacer would bring up my bp too but it didnt, I have to take several medications to make sure it stays up but sometimes it drops and I dont feel so well then.  So, the low heart rate it is called sinus bradycardia.  I also have a ventricular septal defect which is a hole in my heart...but, we didnt know of this until I got sick 3 years ago.
Posted 9/23/2008 3:11 PM (GMT 0)
Wow, bless your heart...you've really had a time.  Thanks for answering.  You seem to be handling things really well. I'm sure it takes time for that too, and you have your days, huh? Hang in there! I appreciate the warm welcome.  Think we all feel sometimes we are the only ones suffering.  It's good to have a support group to turn to.  :-)
Posted 9/23/2008 8:39 PM (GMT 0)

Thank you shopnmom, your really sweet.  I was very ill for quite a while and once I started to slowly get better I was so depressed about the change in my life style and just basically everything.  I really just owe everything to my mom who just stayed on me to move, and fight to get better.  Now she nags at me that I do too much...lol!   I dont know what I would do with out her.

Take care tongue

Posted 9/24/2008 7:04 AM (GMT 0)

Just wanted to add my 2 cents---thanks to all of you for your honesty and your sharing.  I have been dealing with a long list of symptoms for about 35 years.  The diagnosis has been MVP and anxiety---but it's taken FOREVER to find a doc to take me seriously and give me the tests I've wanted so that I could finally relax more and just deal with the annoying symptoms and not the ANXIETY that went with them.  We all need to keep supporting eachother to not give up and get the help that we deserve and pay for. 

Amie, I so glad that you didn't give up!

Posted 9/24/2008 5:34 PM (GMT 0)
Hi enufworry, I am sorry for what your going through cry .  I had been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis for 4 years before my Autonomic Disorder started to show signs/symptoms.  I had a very difficult time trying to explain to my doctor what I was feeling...but, he ran all kinds of tests as I just didnt feel right.  However, at the time we never thought that my heart or blood pressure were effected.  My doctors know I have anxiety & panic disorder but they take every physicial complaint seriously.  Sometimes it is just too convient for some physicians to chalk up something they cant find as it being all in our minds or anxiety...but who knows our bodies better then us? 
Posted 9/25/2008 10:54 AM (GMT 0)
Hi, im a 18 year old male with a family history of hear disease (on my fathers side, mothers side is clean) and about a month ago i felt like my heart was racing, it didnt hurt or anything, i just felt lightheaded and just had a fluttering heart. i went to the ER cuz i was scared, and they said it was all fine. I felt these a little bit here and there over the month, now theyre basically gone BUT now my left arm is hurting it feels like pinches going up my arm. I only get them once in a while and they go away when im around people or with my girfriend then i feel it alot when im about to go to bed, it hurts right at my elbow and up from there and a little bit on the side of my rib cage. It is really destroying me because im always worried im about to die or have a heart attack. I went to the doctor and they said it was probably GERD but my stomach feels fine and my chest doesnt hurt, i get heartburn once in a while but now its just my left arm that is always bugging me, it seems to kinda go away during the day. ANYWAYS this is really getting to me, i always fear im about to die then my heart starts pumping because im scared. Can anyone help me or tell me anything that will help.

I dont exercise too much i walk everywhere and my town is on the side of a bloody mountain, im a big guy but im not overly fat, i eat fairly good as well. can anyone suggest what the problem might be ????

thanksss
-chris
Posted 9/27/2008 7:48 PM (GMT 0)

Hi Chris, Welcome to Healing Well we are happy to have you join us here.  Man, it really gets you down when your doctor cant figure out what is going on with you doesnt it?  What does probably GERD mean?  Has your doctor done any tests for this?  There is a scope that can be done to determine acid reflux.  Has your doctor prescribed any medication to you such as Aciphex, Zantac or Prevacid?  All of these are for GERD/Acid Reflux so, if you were taking medications for this and the symptoms you described here stopped then it would be a good indicator that this is the problem.

However, as I have said before if you dont believe that your doctor is treating you effectively then get a second opinion.  Please do keep posting and let us know how your doing.  Take care

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