I just started 120mg Cardizem CD for tachycardia (when standing or walking) and possible artery spasms. I was on 50mg Toprol XL (for the tachycardia) for a month before being switched to the Cardizem. I haven't experienced an artery spasm since I had one during my heart cath 2 weeks ago. Actually, that may have been the only artery spasm I have ever had.

My main problem is this orthostatic tachycardia. It makes leading a normal life impossible. Cardiologist says the Cardizem should help, but he can find no cardiac cause for the tachycardia.

Anyway, I've been on the Cardizem CD for 6 days now, and can't tell that it's doing anything. Does anyone know how long it takes for the full effect of Cardizem CD?

Thanks so much,
cherilyn

I would think that the Cardizem CD (diltiazem) would have begun working by now if it is going to be an effective drug for you.

How well did the Toprol deal with your tachycardia?

Thanks for your reply!

Actually, the Toprol worked better for easing the heartrate spikes. I still had tachycardia upon standing, but not as bad. I was switched to Cardizem because my artery spasmed during the cath test, and Toprol isn't for spasms. My cardiologist thought Cardizem would control BOTH the spasms and the tachycardia. One thing I have noticed about the Cardizem though, is that my heart doesn't pound so hard while it's racing. But it still races, nonetheless.

My cardiologist has just referred me to an Endocrinologist.... still trying to pinpoint a cause for the tachycardia, now thinking maybe adrenal. My heartrate goes from 70's when seated, to around 120 upon standing, and around 150 when walking just a few feet. I get breathless just walking across the room. I'm miserable.

But I'm also very thankful... there were no blockages, and my heart itself looked ok on the cath. I just don't want to remain seated for the rest of my life due to tachycardia! I also worry my heart might get worn out from it.

It's been a long and expensive road so far, and still no known cause for the tachycardia. I just wish I knew what was wrong with me. I'm only 35 and I want my life back. I really hope the endocrinologist can come up with the answer.

Well now I'm just rambling, sorry.

Thanks for caring,
cherilyn

Hi Cherilyn,

I have ventricular tachycardia and A Fib and was in the same situation as you. I couldn't do anything without getting breathless and feeling really weak. The docs put me on amiodarone which does a fantastic job on the arrhythmias - as long as you can put up with side effects, there are lots of them!
Personally I hate taking it and am hopefully going to have a ICD pacemaker put in soon so I can come off it.
It is a very fine line between the arrhythmias and the side effects, I don't know which ia worse but as the arrhythmias are more dangerous I still take it. :rolleyes:

cherylin,

Was it you I was chatting (typing:D) with about POTS (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome) last week?

Lenin..

I don't think it was me, but I have read a lot on POTS. I do think I may have POTS, but I'm not sure what type of doctor to see for a diagnosis? Should I ask the Endocrinologist about it? I'm thinking I may need a tilt table test, but the small town doctors in my area have probably never heard of POTS.

I have read that one cause for POTS is a sustained drop in blood pressure upon standing, thus causing the heart to beat faster to get the blood up from the legs. But for me.... when I stand or walk, my blood pressure actually goes up along with my heartbeat. My normal BP is really low, like 95/65. When I stand, it jumps to around 125/95, climbing higher as long as I'm up. As soon as I sit down, my BP goes back down. I know 125/95 may not sound real bad to some, but for me that's high (mainly the diastolic), just standing up! Walking makes it even higher. This BP along with the fast heartrate, I get breathless, dizzy.... I can't DO anything.

Maybe my BP is too low to begin with? Could that cause it to go so high when upright? What about the fast heartrate? I'm so confused. Any thoughts on this (and/or advice on what type of Dr for POTS)?

Thanks so much,
cherilyn