Heart Rate problems

[Praline]

I had an EKG and I have Atrial Flutter, HR about 107. I just talked to my cardiologist. He increased my Toprol from 75mg-100mg /day. and I have to go get a blood test to check thyroid functioning tomorrow before 4 o'clock. He wants me to go have an echocardiogram to make sure there is no problem with that valve that was repaired 5 years ago. They will call tomorrow with an appointment.He also wants me back on coumadin until this issue is resolved. He wants me to see an arrythmia specialist.He said that they may consider an ablation. He said that feeling jittery and easily winded is normal with this flutter. He does not feel that it is dangerous. He knows I am working.

The arrythmia specialist had 2 appointments, one at 8:00 tomorrow morning and one next Tuesday. We agreed I would see him next Tuesday, September 21. Tomorrow morning was kind of short notice PLUS if I wait until next week, they will have the results of the bood work and hopefully the echo. He said that way he would know more which way to go.

I am also hoping that the higher dosage of Toprol will slow the HR down.
Praline

 

[njean]

Bummer to hear that you have A-fib Praline!

Three months ago when I went in for some minor surgery, my HR was clocked at 200 which blew my PCP away & immediately dispatched me to the hospital. I have been taking digoxin which seems to help. But I still feel my heart race, especially when I overexert myself.

I hope that the Toprol helps & I will keep you in my prayers that your tests come out fine!

 

[Duffey]

I hope you get it resolved, Praline. We'll be waiting to hear news after your appt. next week.

 

[Cris N]

Sorry you're going through this. Hopefully, there's an easy solution and you'll be good as new before long.

 

[ALCapshaw2]

There is another medication that is often successful in controling / preventing Atrial Fibrilation and that is SOTALOL (the Generic form of BetaPace). It has few side effects (mostly some mild dizzyness for a few weeks until your body adjusts to it). You may want to ask your ElectroPhysiologist about that option. It is usually recommended that patients be hospitalized for a few days while their body adjusts to the medication 'just in case' you develop one of the dangerous arrhythmias while adjusting.

'AL Capshaw'

 

[Praline]

When I talked to my cardiologist after he had seen the results of the EKG, he said it was not Atrial Fibrilation. He said Atrial Flutter was different. He said this was usually easier to get rid of than AFib. The electrophysiologist said the same thing. I guess we shall see.
Praline

 

[Bina]

Hi Praline !
Yes, the Atrial Flutter is much easier to solve than the A-Fib. You will probably do well on the higher dose of Toprol, otherwise there are a few meds that may calm down this issue. My heart continues to have a "mind of it's own" and
throw the occasional fit. and I take Metoprolol.
Kiss the Pups.

 

[Praline]

Hello again,
I had an echo. My repaired mitral valve is still repaired!!! Thank God! I talked to the electrophysiologist also. He recommends doing an ablation. That would be done around the end of October.

 

[Bryan B]

Just do a search on my name if you want to know about atrial flutter. I was in the hospital twice this year (early May and late June) to take care of the problem. Yours does not sound as bad as mine as my resting heart rate before they upped my heart meds was 125-140. BTW they found out that I had hypothyroidism and I am now on Synthroid.

 

[Eva]

Hello again,
I had an echo. My repaired mitral valve is still repaired!!! Thank God! I talked to the electrophysiologist also. He recommends doing an ablation. That would be done around the end of October.

Glad to hear your valve is OK. Good luck with the medication and/or the ablation.

 

[Lily]

Glad to read your mitral repair is still good; hoping all goes well with your procedure