Question: Hello, I am a 43 year old female. Nonsmoker, nondrinker, no medications of any kind being taken, have never used diet pills, have never used any illicit drugs. For two years have had some rather evasive symptoms such as swelling of the feet and ankles and some slight tingling on various parts of the body such as the face, leg, just about anywhere. I have also been extremely fatigued. I teach and then come home literally exhausted. I do small groups sitting at tables so there are no long periods of standing. February 12 of this year, was rushed to the hospital after my heart started racing and dropping repeatedly~ from 65 resting to about 120, stays up for a few seconds, then drops back down. Seeing a cardiologist, had an echocardiogram, and stress test. Stress test was normal. Echo showed a slightly enlarged right ventricle and some elevated pressures. I'm not sure about the numbers as I didn't know which numbers were important to get from the doctor. I'm going in for a sleep study probably next week to rule out sleep apnea. I have never snored and don't think that I have the sleep apnea. I am overweight by an extreme amount but I have been doing 30 minutes of cardio about 6 days a week, drinking plenty of water, no coffee in two months, no sodas and I'm now starting to watch my salt intake. The goal is to get to 45 minutes of cardio but I'm not quite there yet. My question, if it's not sleep apnea, then what might be the next steps to take? Also, what is the difference between a slightly enlarged right ventricle and right ventricular hypertrophy. Is it a matter of degree? Thank you!! XXXX My resting blood pressure is normal 90/60 or 90/70 usually.

Dr. Shehu, Thanks so much. I forgot to mention also that the cardiologist thinks I have PACs, which I know are fairly common. He's planning to do a 30 day monitor, I believe but I'm not sure if I need it. The worst palpitations only lasted for seven hours and were not disruptive to my daily routine. (I was teaching at the time.) I do think the major heart episode was brought on by lots of caffeine and some stress. Have had some mild palpitations for about 6 months before this incident but only very mild. Will keep the arthritis in mind. My aunt does have arthritis but I wasn't even considering it. I think pulmonary hypertension is in my mind as a possible diagnosis but I'm really hoping that's not the case. My extremities are not blue? Will have to see how all this plays out. Waiting for answers is difficult. Thanks so much for your help! XXXX