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I Am A 68 Year Old Female With A Heart
Question: I am a 68 year old female with a heart condition. I suffered a cardiac arrest 2 years ago. Since then, my BP has been well controlled by Eliquis and Metoprolol: systolic usually around 120-130, diastolic around 60-70. Until recently, my pulse rate has been typically in the 70's.
In the past several weeks, I've started noticing periods of racing heart beat; not as fast as Afib, but much longer lasting. I usually notice it after I've arisen from sleeping or after a heavy meal. The pulse gets into the 100's. One time I clocked it at 124. It lasts quite a while (maybe 30 minutes or so?), too, though I haven't measured it. I'm very concerned about this. I have sent messages in the patient portal to my cardiologist and PCP in the past few days, but I think they are on vacation.
How serious is this? What might be causing it? Is it dietary? Is it stress-related? What do I need to do to correct the problem?
In the past several weeks, I've started noticing periods of racing heart beat; not as fast as Afib, but much longer lasting. I usually notice it after I've arisen from sleeping or after a heavy meal. The pulse gets into the 100's. One time I clocked it at 124. It lasts quite a while (maybe 30 minutes or so?), too, though I haven't measured it. I'm very concerned about this. I have sent messages in the patient portal to my cardiologist and PCP in the past few days, but I think they are on vacation.
How serious is this? What might be causing it? Is it dietary? Is it stress-related? What do I need to do to correct the problem?
Brief Answer:
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome to Ask a Doctor service!
I passed carefully through your question and would explain that your symptoms could be related to a possible cardiac arrhythmia or metabolic disorder.
Orthostatic intolerance can mimic this clinical situation too.
For this reason, it is important checking your implanted defibrillator and performing some other tests:
- complete blood count for anemia
- thyroid hormones levels for thyroid gland dysfunction
- blood electrolytes for possible imbalances.
A Head up Tilt Test would help investigate for possible orthostatic intolerance.
You should discuss with your doctor on the above tests.
Hope you will find this answer helpful!
Kind regards ,
Dr.Ilir Sharka Cardiologist
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome to Ask a Doctor service!
I passed carefully through your question and would explain that your symptoms could be related to a possible cardiac arrhythmia or metabolic disorder.
Orthostatic intolerance can mimic this clinical situation too.
For this reason, it is important checking your implanted defibrillator and performing some other tests:
- complete blood count for anemia
- thyroid hormones levels for thyroid gland dysfunction
- blood electrolytes for possible imbalances.
A Head up Tilt Test would help investigate for possible orthostatic intolerance.
You should discuss with your doctor on the above tests.
Hope you will find this answer helpful!
Kind regards ,
Dr.Ilir Sharka Cardiologist
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Answered by
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