Thanks for any answers - Is 87 bpm classed as tachycardia?

[asimenia]

Is 87 bpm classed as tachycardia? My doc wants to put me on beta blockers for this but I know my rubbish life style is a major contributor to my fast heartbeat.
Too much alcohol (this can be drastically cut - I'm not addicted)
Too little exercise (this can be upped)
Both will help with weight (overweight)

I also have a diet high in potassium so I was wondering whether I need a blood test to see if this is contributing to a fast heart rate.

Healthy apart from racing heart and the 'possible left atrial enlargement' ecg (although echo came out ok)

Do you think my doc is giving them to me too quickly without enquiring about my lifestyle - only visited him for 40mins - did ecg - then echo - then treadmill - then left with a perscription.

I am not one to take tablets easily and would rather try naturally along with magnesium and  Vit B complex.

I am thinking of going to another cardiologist  (there are loads in Greece, easier to find than a plumber) - who speaks English instead of me speaking Greek. Doing the tests again and asking if there's any way they can allow me a few months to get my act together (if I don't have anything life threatening) and then take meds if still needed.

Please any opinions, advice greatly appreciated.

[asimenia]

Thanks again. No he said apart from the heartbeat i'm healthy and he wants me to take beta blockers to slow my heart rate down to 60. here's hoping the other doc disagrees.

[asimenia]

btw - here are the full results of ECG Thanks again
http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Heart-Disease/help-with-ECG-readings-/show/2837886

[Ger57]

For people above the age of 15 years, tachycardia is a resting heart rate of 100 or higher. So, with 87 you do not fall in the category or person with tachycardia.

With a better physical condition and weight loss, your hr could possibly get lower.

I wonder if your doctor described the betablocker for your heart rate. Did he comment on the left atrial enlargement?

[asimenia]

Thank you for answering - He said he wants me to take the beta blockers for the heart rate - said 87 is too high BUT today and yesterday my bpm is 72-80. I was really scared about the treadmill and I'd walked to his office in a thunderstorm trying to balance a heavy bag and an umbrella. His only comment on the left atrial was that in the future (no rush - whenever I get my medical insurance back) he  did say recommendation transesophageal study because I also have a small hole most likely from birth. All my results seem great apart from the HR - Sent all my results to a friend who is a top cardiologist in Paris - awaiting her reply as she knows me and will tell me the truth. If she agrees with the first doc I will have no choice. Seems wrong though if I was 72 today and laid back hubby was 68 - I don't want to end up a zombie!

[asimenia]

oh yes - he also told me to come back in 1yr

[Ger57]

I still wonder if your doctor did not describe the betablocker for other reasons besides the relatively fast heart rate.
Betablockers keep your heart from working too hard and can be quite effective against palpitations. Also if you have a (small) hole in your heart, the betablocker will help to avoid overload of your heart.

Anyway, it is smart to get a second opinion from a cardiologist. Good luck!