Fast HR, low BP, palpitations

[Smiley2000]

I am now 7 weeks post-op and battle with fast HR (resting 125+) low BP - ave 90/60 and both my breasts/chest area hurts when I sit/stand/change from side to back when lying down. I am dizzy, have headaches constantly.

During 6-weeks check-up Cardio noted that my resting HR is fast and BP low and prescribed LANOXIN. I have been taking the meds, but still no improvement.

I am not using any other meds that can affect my BP/HR.

I am really not over-exerting myself. I have not returned to work yet, but started driving and it hurts when I change gears or have to turn the steering-wheel, even though I have power-steering.

Am I just a slow healer or is this all still normal?

 

[ALCapshaw2]

It sounds like you are in A-Fib (Atrial Fibrilation) to me.

I had a bout of A-Fib twice while in hospital and again several weeks later. When in hospital, my nurse tried a Digoxin protocol (same at Lanoxin) to NO AVAIL.

Mine cleared on it's own after a few hours, each time.

After release from the hospital, my Cardio put me on TOPROL XL (a Beta Blocker) which worked quite well, even at a low dose, for a few years.

When I developed exercise induced A-Fib, my Cardio put me on SOTALOL (the Generic Form of BetaPace) which has also worked quite well for me at the Lowest Dose (1/2 pill, twice a day).

Hope your Doc is able to find the 'magic bullet' that works for you.

'AL Capshaw'

 

[DebbyA]

Hi Smiley,
I think you're about normal for the pain, especially for driving. It was around 7 weeks that I realized I was getting a different set of chest discomforts about every week. I was driving short local trips, no gear changing, at 6 weeks, but it was several more weeks before I could do it without trying to keep my elbows glued to my sides.

I'm sorry you have this ongoing problem with low blood pressure and high heart rate. It must be very tiring. I wish we could average--my bp is slightly high, and heart rate stays between 40-60 at rest and even with mild exercise. Cardiologist says "don't worry about it".

Your meds may need another few days to take effect. So I'm not much help, but hope you start to feel improvement soon.

Debby

 

[Smiley2000]

Went to GP and was send for bloodtests. Results: pro-BNP is 218 (still a bit high), CRP and full blood count and Thyroid normal.

She now wants to phone Cardio and advise that they send me back to Hospital to be monitored! I don't want to go back and besides: my medical aid funds are empty!

 

[ctyguy]

I don't have much to add but will agree with Debbie. I started driving again at 6 weeks and driving a stick with power steering was still pretty uncomfortable. So the wifey swapped cars with me and I got to drive the automatic instead for a few weeks.

I am on Toporol XL (100mg daily) which reduces my heart rate. When I was in the hospital my resting rate was between 100 and 110. Now at 11 weeks Im at 75 bpm but still on the meds, assumably for a long while. As far as BP goes I've been all over the map. One day I'm 100/60, next day Im 135/75. Your BP at 90/60 isn't all that bad, you would rather have low BP than high for sure.

I suspect your body is still adjusting and things will smooth out over the next few weeks.

 

[ALCapshaw2]

It sounds like you need to talk to your Cardiologist and let him know that the Lanoxin is NOT working for you since HE is your Heart Guy.

Then ask him what alternatives you could try,
i.e. other Beta Blockers such as Atenolol, Toprol, Sotalol, etc.

If your Cardiologist can't help, then ask for an appointment with an ElectroPhysiologist.

ElectroPhysiologists are Cardiologists who specialize in the Electrical Behavior of the Heart, i.e., it's internal pacemaker and receptors.

 

[Smiley2000]

I had EP studies and Ablation done in Nov. 2007 to treat PSVT. EP assured me that I shouldn't have electrical problems anymore.

As I am sitting here I can "feel" my heart in my throat and extra beats/miss beats after every 4th beat about. nice.

I wanted to switch to Sotacor (used in pre-op) but due to CHF I am not allowed to drink beta-blockers. They gave me "hexarone" in Hospital and my HR was normal then. BP was low at times and the had to elevate the foot-end of the bed.

My Cardio is out of town and GP will try get hold of his Locum tomorrow. I told her that I've been chatting on the VR site and that about everyone on here has problems with fast HR and low BP, but she insists that it is not normal.