Sinus Tach and PVCs

[jwinst]

I am a 23 yr old female and was told by my doctor that I have sinus tachycardia and PVCs (I was on an event monitor for a month that picked these up)I was told that it is not life threatening, but my doc recommended Toprol XL (25mg) to keep me more comfortable.  I really do not want to take meds every day, esp bc i am so young. If I do not take the beta blocker, will my problems worsen or lead to problems down the line, like cardiomyopathy?
I have been trying to control the episodes by eliminating all caffeine and alcohol, as well as trying to control stress, which is what I think started these episodes in the first place. But I still have episodes that scare me to death every time.  I really just want to be able to lead a normal life again.  This all came to a head about 3 months ago.
I appreciate any help/advice!

[bjsras]

Thanks for responding.  My cardio has recommended beta blockers.  I hear that they make you tired.  Is that true?  I have to work outside the home and with my job I have to be awake and alert.  I also thru the years have for some odd reason developed a phobia of taking meds.  I have only taken tylenol for the past 20 years.  I cannot seem to make my self take, even though I know that it would stop the tach's from happening, the medication.  I am scared that if I take it, it might stop my heart from beating all together.  I know this sounds crazy, but for me to take a med is like asking someone to jump off of a bridge.  I have sit and stared at a pill and trying to talk myself into taking it and can't get up the nerve to do it.  I have nearly finished the attacking anxiety program and I still can't seem to face this one fear.  I guess because once I swallow theres no way out.  Anyway, thanks for the advice.
bjsras

[bjsras]

Hello,

I am new to the group.  I have been having tach's for about 20 years.  Did not know what they were until about a year ago.  I thought it was panic attacks.  The sad thing is that I have been suffering from agoraphobia with panic attacks for that many years as well.  I have been thinking that it was all in my head.  I think that it is mostly stress that causes it but that there is some physical cause.  But it scares me so bad.  Mine happens mostly at night.  I haven't heard many of you say that.  I rarely have episodes when I'm awake.  I do have them occassionaly when I exercise but I don't let it stop me although I get really nervous when I get my heart rate up at my target rate.  Anyway,  I was folding clothes in the middle of the floor last night when it happened.  It scared me silly.  I always ask my husband to call the ambulance or take me to the hospital.  I'm so scared that I'm going to die and I don't want to die I'm only 47.  I am working on my stress and drink no caffene and very little sugar.  What about calcium excess causing, and magnesium to stop it.  Have any of you heard this?

bjs

[madgeOwens]

I really think you should have a referral to see a cardiologist.
When you get an evaluation from a specialist you will not have the fear that you have now, if he gives your heart a good to go. Also if you are having (rapid heart rate), and it sounds like you are, that can be serious.  You are also reaching menopause years and maybe this is causing some of your symptoms. Best of luck to you.

[rosetoes]

Hello,
First I like to say that reading this website has been so helpful to me.  I have suffered from PVC and rapid heartbeat since I was a teen and now I am 49.  I have had panic attacks since I was in my early 20's.  Without any medication, I learned to control my attacks and talk myself out of them

Last week in my usual rush (3 kids and a husband) I was leaving my home and my heart started to race.  Thinking it was a panic attack, I attempted to work to calm down...it didnt.  My heart raced to over 200 BPM and the ambulance was called, very strong medication was given to decrease my heart beat and while in the emergency room I was given beta blockers thru an IV. Within a couple of hours, my heart rate  was normal and the next day my EKG, Stress Test and ECho heart test came back normal.

Needless to say aniexty attacks were hourly, I had to go back to the emergency room to get a prescription for xanax and I must say that it works like a charm.  I did see my regular doctor who prescribed Toprol.  I don't have high blood presure, never had and I'm just so unsure of most things with my heart.  Should I be seeing a cardiologist?  They say I'm fine, but anyone who has suffered from sinus tach will never agree.  I truly thought death was a certainty.

People have said to exercise, I sweat bullets even thinking of increasing my heart rate.  I'm scared!  Any thoughts will be appreciated.

Anxiously awaiting a response.

[madgeOwens]

Check with your OBGYN about all of this and effects of beta blockers and pregnancy, I would think it will be ok.. Congratulations on baby. I hope all will be fine. Stay away from caffeine and chocolate!

[Spunkysween]

Hi I am new to this site.  I was doing a little research to get more info on tachycardia.  I was admitted to the hospital on Tuesday and released today (Sunday). On Tuesday I felt my heart racing, my chest hurting, and I fell to the ground. The hospital ran every test in the book and could not find anything wrong.  Every time I got out of bed my heart rate went up to 150-160.  Now they are telling me I have Sinus Tachycardia.  To add to it I am 24 weeks pregnant and am scared that something wrong is going to happen. The doctor has put me on beta blockers and my heart rate has remained under 115, but that is with me staying in bed except to go to the bathroom.  Now that I am home I am afraid to do anything because I do not know what my heart is going to do.  Any advice...