HEART, STRESS, PANIC, BLAH BLAH BLAH - Heart Disorders Message Board

ds4832 · 01-20-2003, 08:36 PM

I'm assuming there are numerous people on this board dealing with the skipped beats, flutters, chest pains, breathlessness, hard beats, etc. who are not getting any response from their doctors, be it a family physician or a cardiologist. My question is, how do you get answers? Does anyones doctor(s)seem a bit put off when you enter their office due to your complaining of symptoms that have yet to be treated? I just recently had a holter test done (24hrs) and go tomorrow for the results. I'm sure its going to be the same old thing--"theres nothing wrong". Not that i'm looking for anything to be wrong but it would be nice to have a name put to my symptoms and for some sort of treatment to be available. I'm on Toprol XL 75mg once a day for HBP and to help with my flutterings, skips, etc. It seems as if its starting to not do its job as well as it did when i first started taking it. My body cant handle 100mgs of Toprol--are there other beta blockers out there that will help control both HBP and the flutterings, skips, etc? Any and all of your information and experiences would be greatly appreciated. Thanks to all! :-)

NMc · 01-21-2003, 08:30 AM

Hi DS: I can also relate to your ordeal with physicians and symptoms (or lack of when it matters). As to your question about Toprol, my cardio recently added Diovan (an ARB) to the long list of meds I'm currently on. The plan is to have it replace the Accupril, Toprol, and diuretic whose only discernable effect on me is fatigue, cough, and general malaise. I was on 200 mg of Toprol and am still trying to figure out what I did during that month. Hopefully, nothing illegal. In any event, ask your doctor about switching to an ARB - it's supposed to be as good as the beta-blockers but has fewer side effects.
Good Luck!
Nancy

ds4832 · 01-21-2003, 03:11 PM

Hi. Thanks for your reply. I was on Diovan a little over a year ago and it caused my heart to race whenver i exerted myself. It was terrible. It would be so fast ans so irregular and that I couldnt even take my pulse. What exactly does ARB stand for? I have a primary Dr appt in a month. I'll be sure to ask him about others instead of Diovan. I was at the cardio today and he said that my skipped beats, flutters were nothing and just "ingore it". Easier said than done huh? But I guess I ought to be thankful that theres nothing seriously wrong with my heart. It would however be nice to be able to make the skipped/fluttering feelings go away. Do you have any suggestions as to what helps you?

NMc · 01-21-2003, 06:06 PM

Hi again DS:
I've been reading up on Diovan (an Angiotension II receptor blocker) and it seems it's main purpose is to lower blood pressure without the side effects associated with ACE inhibitors (specifically the dry cough). Has your doctor ever prescribed calcium channel blockers (like Norvasc)? It not only lowers blood pressure, it may help reduce palps. The other alternatives are to cut down on caffeine, quit smoking (if it's a vice), and reserve chocolate cravings for only those really special occasions. You've probably heard this from your doctor already, but never hurts to repeat the mantra. It's unfortunate that in order to get better, we have to cut out so much yummy stuff from our lives. Price for our youthful indiscretions, I guess.
I hope you find some relief from the palpitations soon!
Nancy

ds4832 · 01-21-2003, 07:49 PM

hello again :-)
Thanks for your info on the diovan. I took it for a little more than a week and the rapid heart rate was WAY TOO much to handle..the toprol xl was working real well at first but now i guess my body is getting use to it. i'm noticing more flutters/skips, etc in the last few months, and my bp is starting to rise again. the cardio told me today to continue the toprol and to exercise more and drop a few pounds. funny how easy it is to put on the weight but how hard it is to take it off. i find that the palpitations are worse when my heart rate elevates therefore causing me not to exercise. its a vicious circle--exercise, lose weight, control bp and palps, however exercise causes more palps which in turn makes me feel bad, and nevermind how nervous i get when my heart goes nuts....as far as diet goes, i eat fairly healthy, dont smoke, very little caffeine if any at all..my problem is exercise mainly..i know that if i'd increase my exercise i'd feel better all the way around. .....do you find yourself more anxious and panicky when your notice your palpitations?..if so how do you calm yourself down?....again, thanks for all your responses and i hope to continue to hear from you......take care! :-)