arryhthmia/palpitation/tachycardia

[GeneticLuck]

I have a strong family history of early cardiac related deaths in my family - father died at 50 MI, Brother 45 MI, Sister 49 Stroke.  At 48 I have 3 gentic clotting disorders and have been experiencing arrythmias/short of breath and tachycardia particularly when exercising or even just climbing steps.  I was exercising for 1 hr/day previous to this.

My Dr. ordered a nuclear stress test and an echo both of which appear normal.  Awaiting the results of a 2 week event monitor.  Could there still be cardia issues if the stress test and echo were OK?

[GeneticLuck]

Not sure if the clotting disorder is contributing to the arrhythmia .  Waiting to see what the Doc says on the 27th.

[GeneticLuck]

Thanks for the advice.  I see my cardiologist on the 27th.  In the meantime he did start up the Coumadin and increased my beta blocker by about 400%.  I am just hoping to get some of my old life back again.

[GeneticLuck]

Thanks for your post.  My HR varies, the highest has been 170 after 13 steps.  normally is shoots to about 130 and settles down again within ten minutes.  I miss the days when I could go hiking without feeling so exhausted and out of breath.  Exercise now is just a short walk on flat ground.

[Vill314]

My wife was diagnose of spikes every 4 bits.  What is the right medicine. She also has high blood pressure.

[dolfnlvr]

BionicBabe is absolutely correct.  In GENERAL, if there are no structural abnormalities found during testing, then ectopic beats and intermittent arrhythmia is often diagnosed as benign.  Statistically, these "irregular" heart rhythms are no more likely to cause heart attack or death then the rate within the "normal" population.  

However, your family history and genetic conditions are concerning.  People who experience arrhythmia are slightly more likely to develop blood clots.  Given that you have a disorder that makes you VERY likely to develop blood clots it is important that you take preventative measures.  While your heart is in good condition and your cardiac health seems fine it would make sense that your doctor might prescribe blood thinners such as coumadin (sp?).  While this may not be the ideal situation for you, the irregular beating of your heart and the chance for mild pooling and therefore clotting is higher for you and you should discuss this chance with your doctor.

Good luck.

[lucyluu]

When you climb the stairs how high does your heart rate go?  Ive been having kind of the same thing.  Someone on here mentioned to me that they had a positive echo but had a problem with a valve that was overlooked.  

[BionicBabe]

There are some people who have serious arrhythmias with no known structural heart problems, but that is very rare. With your family history, you are wise to get as many tests as you can to have it all checked out. Do you know if your clotting disorders contribute to your arrhythmias?