Tachy- and Bradyarrhythmia in young female

Good afternoon lovely people,

 

I hope you don’t mind me being here as I don’t actually have a device (yet).

I’m 25 years old and have been suffering with heart symptoms such as shortness of breath all my life really, however, I ended up not being diagnosed until my teen years. I have a couple pretty minor valve issues, so they only get monitored, but my big problem really are my electrical issues...I have been diagnosed with Inappropriate Sinus Tachycardia and been treated with Ivabradine 5 mg since 2015. Previously I used Verapamil in different strengths and formulations, had to stop it though due to edema. 

The trouble with my heart rate is really that it varies anywhere between 28 to about 252 bpm, however, recently I’ve been experiencing more and more Bradycardia which has led to me trying to manage without the Ivabradine for a while, this barely made any difference in the frequency of the Bradycardia though and meant the really high tachycardia episodes came back too...now my resting heart rate sits usually around 40, including walking around at work (I work in Community Pharmacy) and while I am slim and eat very healthy, I am by no means an athlete, in fact I walk a lot because I don’t have a license thanks to the symptoms my arrhythmias cause me, mainly pre-syncopal ones, but I haven’t fainted in ages, but I am generally pretty exercise-intolerant. My blood pressure is usually around 90/50.

So far I’ve been managed by a General Cardiologist since being diagnosed who I fully trust and who’s very kind, but I think he doesn’t know what else to do and has now finally referred me to an Electrophysiologist...

any of you in similar situations or have an idea what he is likely to do?

 

Thank you so much in advance!


8 Comments

Visiting the EP

by Gotrhythm - 2018-02-13 13:51:59

Referral to an Electrophysiologist sounds completely approrpriate to me. As you probably know, an EP is a cardiologist who further specializes in problems with the heart's electrical system.

It's possible that he will recommend a pacemaker. The pacemaker won't prevent the tachycardia, but it will treat the bradycardia and all the symptoms that come with it. With a pacemaker on board you will be able to take drugs for the tachycardia (if you need them) since the pacemaker will keep your heart rate from falling too low.

We have members your age and younger who have pacemakers.

Thank you so much for your reply!!

by AceyRawlin - 2018-02-13 16:17:45

It is really very much appreciated!! I am sooo grateful that I am finally being referred after many years with those issues, however, I am aware that there will likely be quite a wait and with my blood pressure as well as heart rate being so low all the time, I am so scared I will start fainting again...is there anything I can do in the meantime to help with the Bradycardia? I can eat tons of salt and drink loads of water and my blood pressure doesn’t change...

Welcome - Due Diligence

by familyliving - 2018-02-14 11:17:14

Welcome ACEYRAWLIN. 

I don't comment much here, but do when there is someone else younger starting toward the need for a pacemaker / ICD.  The greatest advice I can give, is to do your due diligence and understand the conversations you will have with the electrocardiologist. 

Jump online and review the way your body works, how it's suppose to work, and perhaps the information for each of your conditions listed.  Only then can you have a proper conversation. 

Once you have a basic understanding, asking the right questions and explaining how you are feeling is a lot easier and really does help guide the doctor in the direction which will best serve you.  We all seem to get this assumption that a doctor is suppose to KNOW what is wrong with us, but if we can't properly describe our symptoms, they can't properly help us.  I learned this at a young age in a way which has effected me since.

In regard to your blood pressure being low, the Corlanor you are on generally causes an increase in blood pressure.  I would, however, be weary of taking it with the Tachy and Brady issues as they may be further irritated by the drug and therefore indirectly causing some of your issues.  This would be a definite question to ask the electrocardiologist.

Best of luck.  And come back often, everyone here is pretty darn great at offering their experiences to help guide you(us all) along!

Thank you both very much as well - anxiously anticipating...

by AceyRawlin - 2018-02-14 13:55:35

I already have the feeling that people here are pretty kind and helpful as well as knowledgeable, so thank you to everyone who’s given me input so far, it is so very much appreciated. 

I feel so blessed to finally be able to see an EP, but I am also scared that he will take me off the Ivabradine. Doctors won’t give me Beta-blockers because my lungs aren’t great (I had a spirometry before to diagnose asthma, was inconclusive because I tired out too much, but they treat me as an asthmatic because my peak flow is so low), and Verapamil has given me severe ankle swelling...I kind of almost hope for a PM, (I hope I don’t offend anyone by that because I am sure it’s not always great and a lot of you all probably rather didn’t have one) because I could take anti-tachycardic agents without any worries of dipping down to 28 again... 

Hey Acey

by Lana - 2018-02-25 10:57:54

Just wondering what your EP has suggested for you?? Did you get a PM and how are you? I go in tomorrow for micra PM. This club has given me great relief so far.....

Hi Lana :)

by AceyRawlin - 2018-02-25 11:03:18

I’m still waiting on my appointment letter and really struggling to cope right now. I have never before been to an Electrophysiologist, so nothing has been suggested yet, I just would really be grateful for something that stops the Bradycardia as well as the really fast rates...I hope you’ll feel better soon. X

Hey!

by Lana - 2018-02-25 12:09:52

I am sorry you still don't know! I had issues with my insurance trying to get tests done. So frustrating. Hang in there, you are on the right track. Hopefully once you get a diagnosis, things will move quickly. Stay positive! Keep us posted on your progress. 

I forgot something.....

by Lana - 2018-02-25 17:22:58

When I went to see my EP, he suggested that I use compression stockings. The tighter the better. They have helped, alittle. I have noticed that I sleep much better. My legs aren't throbbing throughout the night. Just an idea.......:)

 

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