This morning was my follow up with the heart doctor. The actual heart dr. wasn't there but I got to talk with his PA which was all good.
The King of Hearts monitor did pick up a good amount of irregular heart beats. The PA drew me a picture and explained things to me in technical and not so technical terms. It seems that little nerves inside my heart that should be firing off in a synchronized manner have decided to go against the flow (as it were) and fire off at different times causing an irregular heart beat that makes me feel crappy. And at times I feel like I'm going to pass out. The mis-firings are occurring in the lower chambers of the heart, or the ventricles.
I have to do a couple more tests to rule out deficiencies in certain areas that may be causing this. They took some blood while I was there for those tests. Next Monday I get to go and run on a treadmill to rule out more serious heart problems but if I get the all clear on the treadmill it looks like I will be looking at an exercise program.
There is a medication called a "Beta blocker" that helps with this particular problem but the side effects are a lowered heart rate and fatigue. Since my heart rate is already in the 50's or 60's the medicine would not be good for me. And I already feel like I suffer from fatigue and I don't need to take a pill that would exacerbate that.
Supposedly when you get done exercising your body produces a natural "beta blocker" so I'll go with the exercise program. I know I need to lose some weight. I'm sure that would help. Part of the reason I went into see the heart doc was because my little beater flipped out when I was exercising so I thought I better get it checked out and see what they had to say before I went on with my exercise program.
If the exercise doesn't work they have a procedure where they take a little wire and go up through a vein into your heart and basically "cauterize" those nerves that aren't with the program. But I don't want to have to do that unless it's absolutely necessary.
So we still have a little bit to go before we can get a definitive answers on how to deal with this. I'll keep you all updated.
25 comments:
Definitely keep us updated. Heart problems are so scary!
Wow, that is kind of scary! I hope the exercise program works for you.
I kind of know how you feel! I have had a lot of the same tests done! Hang in there. I am glad you posted about this because I was wondering how you were doing.
Good luck wiht all of it! That is totally scary. I'll be thinking of you.
I hope they are able to find a solution for you! That is scary!
I am sorry you are having heart problems but glad they have figured out what is going on. 50-60 BPM is pretty low, right? We had the opposite problem with my son when he was a baby- he flipped into super-elevated rates as high as 320.
I hope you get the all clear for exercising.
Heart scares are the WORST! I am glad they are looking into it and finding some answers for you. I too hope you get the all clear for exercise, it does more than just the heart good. The soul, the mind, the emotions......
I really hope that the exercise program works!! Heart problems are so scary--take good care of yourself Shanna!!
I hope you get good answers and solutions soon. Hopefully that exercise will help get everything regulated. Good luck ;o)
I am kind of relieved and alarmed! Hoping the easy stuff takes care of it!
Who's your doc?? If you don't want to share here that's okay?? I know of some great heart docs... Hope everything gets better!
I hope everything turns out OK and exercise is the answer. Of course, my doctor says exercise is the answer to everything. Which is why I'm falling apart all over. *sigh*
Hope this works out fast! That is scary! Will be praying for you!
Hope they get it figured out and you can control it with exercise. I really need to get with the program and exercise more. I just wish I could blog and exercise at the same time.
Ugh. I'm sorry your blood pumper is having a temper tantrum. Keep us updated on how it goes.
Well, I am glad you are staying on top of it. Keep that ticker working in tip top shape!! Hey your new profile photo is cool!!! your a blast
Yes updates please! I am so glad they are letting you do the treadmill test, they made me do the med which supposedly acts the same but I felt like I was dying. For real, I am serious. I also had to wear a halter monitor, so not fun. I have tacchycardia, an accelerated heart rate so when I am not on meds, or the affect runs out, I feel like I am having a heart attack it is so fast and scary. When my med ran out too early the other day my resting heart rate was 122, not good.
So if you find out more info tell me, I also have a nurse for a mom so if you didn't understand something I can get you answers probably!
Heart problems are scary---hope the exercise works.
Good luck!
Wow. W.o.w. Hope all goes well! BTW, love the new glasses.
it's great that you are on top of this, listening to your body and exploring all options.
keep us posted,
and take care.
and yes,,,really why are there stirrups in places where they need not be and only cause major anxiety in innocent female patients...
Very interesting. Did your heart rate go over what it should have? I was just wondering because that happened to me a couple of times where it went over 250 and I went in for all kinds of tests and went on the treadmill etc and they never found anything to help me with. Let me know what you find. I am very interested. I still often think my heart rate is irregular. Good luck
I hope everything checks out a little exercise is all you need.
I had some scary heart issues 2 years ago and I am overdue for my follow up. I need to get on it.
Heart problems like that run in my family, and I was one of the lucky ones to get it! I still don't know for sure what is going on, and I need to find a new Cardiologist who will do more than take my pulse! I do know that my heart skips beats, which is V-Fib, and my older sister and her daughter both suffer from it. Sigh...it's scary stuff, hopefully you'll get a solid answer soon!
Hi Shanna ~ I stumbled on your blog while Googling "King of Hearts Monitor" information.
This is a lucky stumble, because you have a very appealing blog, which I intend to read more of as soon as I post this comment.
What has happened re your heart issues since April? I ask because your situation sounds very similar to mine. My Dr. has just recommended the K o H for me. If you have a moment to reply, you can email me at:
robin[at]robinatkins[dot]com
Thanks!
Hi, I also came upon your blog while searching the king of hearts which I am supposed to wear sometime soon. I get the same thing as you, it's called SVT and can be linked to thyroid problems, which might also explain your fatigue. Ask to get bloodwork done to make sure your thyroid is normal. It took me four years to figure that one out for myself.
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