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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is Heart Arrhythmia A Cause For Concern?

Hi. I have been suffering from chest discomfort, mild left chest pains, intense fear and panic episodes, and constant heart palpitations for a few weeks now. I went to my GP and he did an EKG. Said my heart was slightly arrhythmic. I am super scared of sudden death. He put me on metaprolol, Xanax, and celexa. What else would you recommend? How likely am I to have sudden death? I'm 30, non smoker, no alcohol, very overweight, somewhat active. I really would like to have a complete check by a cardiologist, but I have no insurance.
Thu, 16 Apr 2015
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Cardiologist,  's  Response
Hello!

Thank you for asking on HCM!

Regarding your concern about arrhythmia, I would like to explain that you need to perform a longer ECG study, than just a resting ECG. I recommend you to perform an ambulatory 24 to 48 hours ECG monitoring, in order to clarify your arrhythmia issue. You need also a cardiac ultrasound to study your heart structure. All the above mentioned tests, coupled with a careful cardiology physical examination would bring tos a more objective conclusion regarding your arrhythmia nature, its imposed risks and appropriate treatment options.

Facing your actual situation (no insurance), I would like to advice to be careful with your actual therapy, especially celexa (citalopram), as it has a potential to interfere with your heart rhythm (prolong QT segment), predisposing sometimes to arrhythmia.

Hope to have been helpful to you. Greetings! Dr. Iliri.
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Is Heart Arrhythmia A Cause For Concern?

Hello! Thank you for asking on HCM! Regarding your concern about arrhythmia, I would like to explain that you need to perform a longer ECG study, than just a resting ECG. I recommend you to perform an ambulatory 24 to 48 hours ECG monitoring, in order to clarify your arrhythmia issue. You need also a cardiac ultrasound to study your heart structure. All the above mentioned tests, coupled with a careful cardiology physical examination would bring tos a more objective conclusion regarding your arrhythmia nature, its imposed risks and appropriate treatment options. Facing your actual situation (no insurance), I would like to advice to be careful with your actual therapy, especially celexa (citalopram), as it has a potential to interfere with your heart rhythm (prolong QT segment), predisposing sometimes to arrhythmia. Hope to have been helpful to you. Greetings! Dr. Iliri.