Rapid heart rate and Toprol and scared! - Heart Disorders Message Board

Live-Life-to-Love · 03-17-2005, 07:34 PM

Hello -

I want to thank everyone who reads my post and responds because I really don't know what to do and am scared.

I've been on Toprol XL 25mg since the end of October. I want to get off but can't and am scared.

First of all - I was diagnosed with moderate high blood pressure two years ago. I am now 38.

On sunday night in October I was sitting watching TV, thinking about nothing and quite happy I may add, when my heart started to beat extremely fast (120), my face got flush, my chest hurt and I generally felt that I was going to die.

These episodes started happening every few days, then every other day then just about every day. I was scared out of my mind and everyone around me kept telling me that it probably is anxiety, panic and that I was doing this to myself. Of course I got anxious when this happened (which added to the whole thing) but I DID NOT want this happening to me! I was getting depressed, confused and scared and could not figure out why this was happening to me with such frequency.

I went to the emergency room - found nothing on the EKG or blood work. I went to a cardiologist who gave me Toprol. He did an EKG too by the way and that showed nothing. I asked WHY this could be happening if my heart is okay, and he said that "it just does and no one knows why". Take the pills and see if they help. They did. I never had an episode again while on them.

Almost 4 months later, I went to visit my doctor again and asked if I could get off Toporol (I don't like taking medication and had no episodes while on this drug). He told me to take a pill every other day for two weeks to get off the medication.

The 1st day I lasted only 2 hours after a missed dose before I got light headed, slight chest pain and of course a rapid pulse....I popped the pill and within 1/2hr felt better and with an hour felt great again.

The next day I tried 1/2 a pill and I lasted 6 hours before I needed to take the other 1/2.

The next day I tried 1/2 a pill again and lasted only 4 hours this time.

I gave up so on the 4th day I took a whole pill at my usual time and 1/2hr into the dosage I had a full blown attack. The rapid heart, the chest pain (this time sharp) and feelings of doom. This lasted for 1/2hr and then the rest of the day I was soooo tired and the next day I continued with being tired and sooo depressed.

I CANNOT BELIEVE THAT "THIS HAPPENS AND WE DON'T KNOW WHY". Could there be something wrong with my heart or could I have a blockage somewhere? I plan on looking to see another cardiologist to get a second opinion. Am I wrong? I don't want to be on "heart" pills for the rest of my life without a solid reason why.

Anyone else tried to get off Toprol with problems?

Thanks to anyone who responds.

MacyMaid · 03-17-2005, 09:34 PM

Insist on an Event Heart Monitor for 30 days. Also, EKG's do not show all that much. Ask the doctor also about a Dobutermine Stress echocardiogram. Getting another opinion is a good idea! You need some Peace of Mind.

Good Luck To You.

vinny1957 · 03-18-2005, 08:27 AM

I don't know why doctors just use an do an E.K.G. and that's it. I mean, an E.K.G. has it's olace put as mentioned it doesn't show everything. My E.K.G. was fine and I too had a high resting pulse at 90. With my other symtoms, a little different from yours along with other factors, my doctor did a heart cath. and I had a blocked artery. So I agree with more tests.

Machaon · 03-18-2005, 10:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Elda

Almost 4 months later, I went to visit my doctor again and asked if I could get off Toporol (I don't like taking medication and had no episodes while on this drug).

Your heart beats badly when it reacts to hormones released by your neuro-hormonal system. When your system is not releasing those hormones, your heart will beat fine. That is why your heart can go for long periods of time without misfiring, and then all of a sudden, WHAM, your heart goes nuts.

Drug manufacturers have made medicines that "block" or "inhibit" those hormones from causing the heart to misfire. Toporol is a beta "blocker". It attempts to block certain hormones from effecting your heart.

Quote:

I plan on looking to see another cardiologist to get a second opinion. Am I wrong? I don't want to be on "heart" pills for the rest of my life without a solid reason why.

Anyone else tried to get off Toprol with problems?

Thanks to anyone who responds.

You have learned that Toprol XL 25mg works very well at keeping your heart from misfiring, and with few side effects. There are many people who would love to be able to control their heart rhythm problems with only one drug.

Best of luck with your health!

mike&ryansmom · 03-18-2005, 02:04 PM

Hi,
I also have skipped beats and my doctor wanted me to take toprol 25 mg.
He told me that the dose is so low that I shouldnt have any problems starting or stopping at any time. He sees problems when you start and stop toprol at 50 mg and up. I would get a second opinion, Or tell the cardo who you are now seeing to do more testing, such as the 24 hour holter or event 30 day. plus did he give you a Echo, along with a stress test. You have a lot more testing that can be done...Do not take no for an answer. I am sure everything will work out just fine...Keep us posted....