Had an ECG which I presumed was normal and saw the cardiologist this week after being recomended by the doctor to check my heart murmur. As soon as I sat down he wanted a brief history on why I needed to see him. After explaining my symptoms for the last 20 months he didn't seem overly concerned and basically told me that I possibly have a narrowing of an artery which is causing the murmur and that we all have to die from something! I then broke down and my husband explained I had been under a lot of anxiety and stress due to family circumstances so he then concluded that was the reason for my symptoms. He then decided to look at my heart scan recording taken 20 months ago on his computer with little comment then told me to carry on taking the propranolol if it helped me. Here I am now sat here after doing some housework with a racing heart for no reason and feeling like s..t so have now taken a tablet. I just can't go on like this for much longer.
I hate doctors like that! ..Go back to your GP and tell him/her exactly what happened and how you feel about it and insist on seeing someone else..I know it is difficult to be assertive at times like this but you must do it for your own peace of mind. Tell your doctor that you are getting chest pains..I know it is a little white lie, but this will mean they have to take you seriously. I am sure nothing is wrong hunny but you need that reassurance so you can move on. I also suffered from (and still do at times) skipped beats/fluttering and a pounding, fast heart rate. I too took propranolol for a time but didn't like it. My HR would race on the slightest exertion and after meals (convinced acid reflux and gas contribute) and even when just sitting or when waking up. Some of mine, I've found is due to hormones (I'm menopausal) and also unconcious hyperventilating. Try to control your breathing...check it now and again, even when you think you are relaxed...find a breathing exercise you like and do it often.
This will get better lovey, try and comfort yourself by the fact that this has been going on for a while and nothing has happened to you. Good luck with getting the help you need soon.. Take care x
Hi and thanks for replying Ish. The problem is once any doctor knows you are an anxious person, because there is such a wide range of common symptons that are related to anxiety then it's easy for them to miss anything serious. I can relate with you with the fast hr after meals and also I suffer alot with reflux and indigestion although i take a prescribed gastric capsule every morning. I panic when my hr gets over 90bpm though my bp seems to stay fairly normal. Also wondering if a lot of it is hormonal but still have regular periods athough I am in my 50's. Had a blood test a couple of weeks ago to test my thyroid but must be ok as they haven't rung me
I understand, but not all doctors will write you off like this, mine is great, when I apologised for being a pain, she said that I mustn't think like that and just because I had anxiety didn't mean I couldn't also have something else..you may still have hormonal issues even before your periods stop, my peri-menopause stage and symptoms started in my mid forties (now 54 and period free for 18 months).
90bpm feels fast but is still a normal rate, anything between 60 and 100 when resting is considered OK, some people's goes as low as 55. Mine varies, in the evenings when fully relaxed it can be as low as 57 and at other times, after eating for example it will quicken to 78-85. After housework etc it can often go up to 105+ My upper rate for safety, according to the usual formula is 169bpm and I've been close a couple of times which was a tad scary, but still here to tell the tale..lol
(work your max out by multiplying your age by 0.7 then subtract that number from 208. It will be a lot higher than 90 I promise) x
hi Karoline. what an un satisfactory appointment with the Cardiologist. i know how uncomfortable it is when the heart rate goes above 100. i'm wondering if u have had an 'ambulatory' 48 hr ECG strip done at all? that monitors the heart rate over a longer period of time whilst your doing your daily activities. it's beneficial coz it can show any correlations between heart rate variations & the reflux & how your heart rate responds to general levels of activity etc.. they give u a feedback log sheet to complete. no doubt lingering anxiety will be a factor to consider too and i'm wondering if you have had an counselling/CBT to help with that? you can self-refer to IATT -Increased Access to Talking Therapies. do a google for the nearest access point in your area.
Caitlin
That is useful to know.Acording to that mine can go up to aroung 178bpm! My hr one evening went up up to 115 and was told to go to A and E to check if i was having a heart attack but blood and ECG tests were ok so that's why I think they don't take me serious enough. Probably written in my notes somewhere as being a hypochondriac which is why I try not to go to the doctors too often.
Hi and thanks for replying Caitlin. A locum GP (as my GP was on holiday) did recommend to have a monitor but had to have an appointment to see the cardiologist first. I forgot to ask him about the monitor though as I was pretty wound up at the appointment and he didn't mention anything about it so he must have been satisfied that I didn't need it. Hoping I will get a letter soon from him anyway and will be interested in what he has written about me. My GP is leaving next month so I have requested to have a female GP so hope she can be more understanding of my worries
hi Karoline. yeah, unfortunately the medics like to use their little 'no-come -back' tactics with patients they think they can get away with it. however, once they realize you're not one to be fobbed off, they do tend to sit up and take notice/listen & take appropriate action, to cover their backs if for nothing ting else?
there can be many reasons why you're heart rate goes up to 178 bpm and they SHOULD be looking to find out why that is i.e. completing an ambulatory ECG and an Echo if necessary. unfortunately since the recent NHS 'reforms' the GP's have to pay for referrals & often get paid to NOT refer patients on to the consultants due to bacl logs and the need to comply with 'waiting time' targets etc. therefore, it's a bit of a mine field and not at all reassuring for the service user.
being informed and assertive is important and not letting them away with the 'it's anxiety' cop out. there's usually a ''physiologocal'' reason for anxiety. it's NOT always a ''psychological'' issue. and if there is a psychological component they should be addressing that too. perhaps you could do your own log sheet/diary of when you get the palpitations/ arrythmias & what you're doing @ the time. take a copy of it to your GP & that'll have to go in your notes. that ensures a definite record has been kept. they tend to respond better when things are in writing and aslo when you have an assertive help person/witness with you at the appoinments. if u have one of those Pulse/B/P recording machines, available from Boots etc., it's helpful to keep accurate recordings of both. think they are circa £30.
i know how difficult it is to penetrate the medical profession's often very ''passive aggressive'' behaviors. if you ask for a 2nd Consultant opinion, do get in touch with PALS (Patient Liason Services) @ the hospital you attend and one of their advocates will go with you to the Consultant appointment. they'll sort any queries and clarify any ambiguities or out standing questions you may have in avey convivial & professional manner. it's an invalauble service and it's their pocily to nip potential probs. in the bud - more cost/effective for all involved.
all good luck & keep assertive
Caitlin
hi Karoline. i've just responded to u , but the moderator has intercepted it. think i mentioned a 'brand' name? anyhow, think a second opinion would be a good idea.
Caitlin
Zuma it really helps
Hi Lizzie. I panic with any sort of excercise so try to keep active through work instead. My BMI is 20 and I find it hard to keep the weight on so don't want to loose any through excercise. Thanks anyway