I have a history < 4years of Atrial Flutter. This has been under control with a combination of Atenolol, Candesartan and Amlodipine. However, recently I have been experiencing supraventricular ectopics, which occasionally wake me, and happen occasionally during the day. My heart/chest feels heavy, and I have to catch my breath at times. I have had a 48hr ECG recording earlier this year, and I was in sinus rhythm through out, with just the occasional SE. My concern is that I'm about to go on a cruise, and wonder if I should present myself to be checked out by the cardiologist before leaving? I do wonder if these events are to be investigated, or if it might be just something I have to live with. No pun intended! I am 65, and other than having CLL, I am in good health. I would appreciate your opinion. Thank you. David.
Optional Information: Person's Gender: Male Person's Age: 65 Already Tried: I think I explained within the context of my introduction/history letter. I have seen a Cardiologist earlier this year, who was happy with the results of my 48hr ECG and examination. As I mentioned, my main concern at the moment is being away from home and on a cruise, are these symptoms something I should feel concerned by, or is it as the cardiologist suggested earlier this year, not something to feel concerned with at this, February, stage? Thank you.
Hello,
Interestingly, during the 48hr holster monitoring, I had few symptoms! I was pretty much in sinus rhythm throughout. My heart rate ranged from a minimum of 36 to 87, with only a occasional supraventricular ectopics.
Thank you for your response. However, it may be that you have misunderstood my history, or I have not been good with my description! I DO NOT experience shortness of breath, it probably feels a little like that, but when I have one of the episodes as described, my chest feels heavy/full, and in order to relieve that, I take a full breath in, which seems to help get back into a more comfortable level of respiration. And I don't think I have high blood pressure, merely borderline. I check it perhaps once a week, and it averages out around 135/140/70. Thank you so much for your help.
Relist: Other.I was simply responding to your telling me that he's busy, so another cardiologist could respond to my question. Not that I'm unhappy with the previous doctor!
Hello,I am sorry for some delay there was some error in my net connection and it took sometime.Amlodipine, candesartan and atenolol are blood pressure medicine.atenolol can be used for fast heart rate also.If your symptoms go away by taking deep breath then they are not typical of heart pain or angina. Then these symptoms are more due to stress or anxiety.However we cannot negate these symptoms at this age, i would do stress electrocardiogram to see if we are missing a coronary artery disease.As this is a life threatening condition so we cannot afford to miss it. If this test turns out as negative then we can safely work up anxiety or stress as the possible cause of your symptoms.I hope this helps.Let me know if you have more questions.I again apologize for some delay.
Experience: MBBS/FCPS(R)/MRCP U.K(R), Senior cardiology resident.
Dear Dr. Ahmed, Thank you very much for your help, it was most helpful. I have now made an appointment to see my consultant, just to check out the possibilities you suggested. With best wishes. David.
Hello,It was my pleasure to help you with your questions.Do come back if you feel like asking more questions.Have a nice day.