What Causes Sleep Apnea And Hypertension With History Of Palpitations?

Posted on Fri, 7 Oct 2016

Question: Hello, I am having palpitations throughout the day with SOB at HS. I suspect I also experience a bit of sleep apnea because I occasionally wake up gasping for air. I've had a few ecg tests in the past 6+ years and even a holter monitor for a weekend back in 2010, but besides hypertension of unknown etiology, I haven't had any treatment for these symptoms. I'm an ecg tech and while I was on my lunch break I started really feeling like I was throwing several PVCs so I ran a sitting ecg, 3 consecutive times along with a rhythm strip of a few seconds until the beats stopped. I plan on once again seeing my Dr and asking for a cardiac workup until I had a thought that I might be dehydrated. I drink more coffee and other drinks than I do water however i second guessed that as the problem because sometimes... not often, my legs or ankles are slightly swollen. can I be dehydrated and simultaneously retain fluid?
I'm taking 10 mg of norvasc, which I think needs to be changed or adjusted because it's now dropping my blood pressure too low.
I hope what I've said made some semblance of sense and I am open to suggestions and instructions. I'd like to go back to my physician with more information as I feel something is being mistakenly overlooked.
thanks for any help at all.

Answered by Dr. Shafi Ullah Khan (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
needs complete clinical correlation

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for asking

I read your question and i understand your concern. History of palpitations with self resolution in a while and no ecg abnormality is nothing to worry about. There are many benign conditions like anxiety, dehydration, overuse of caffeine and other stimulants which altogether can trigger this palpitation. You history indicates excessive caffeine intake, and anxiety might have played a role too. Swollen ankles and retention of fluid , if no heart problem or pumping failure, then no worries. It can be dependant edema or mere prolonged sitting.

Hypertension however needs to be addressed diligently, renal and cardiac functions assessed thoroughly and detailed clinical correlation be made along with diet and lifestyle preferences to rule out any other sinister pathology underneath these palpitations episodes which i am sure wont be any.

Talk to your doctor and let them sort out what is best for you. For now, quit caffeine, soda, beer, beverages, alcohol, tea, and all other possible stimulants and see if that helps.

I hope it helps. Take good care of yourself and dont forget to close the discussion please.

Regards
Khan

Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar