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Atrial tachycardia

south127
0 Recommendations

I have been on 150 mg (100mg in the am 50 in the pm) of Toprol XL since last October with no recurrence of arrhythmias. Then yesterday, one hour after my morning meds, my blood pressure started going up and the trigeminy began. Then the pressure in my chest. My husband said I was white as a sheet. I did the vagal manuever, took an ativan and calmed down. After almost an hour, my symptoms disappeared; but, I was just washed out the rest of the day. Should I just ignore it or should I follow up with cardiologist or electrophysiologist?? I also have two stents in my LAD. I'm so depressed, I thought they were gone away for good:(

Explore topics in this discussion:

Arrhythmia Toprol XL Surgery Acid reflux Elavil Ativan Weakness Metoprolol Stent Stress

17 replies

CAT43

WHAT IS THE VAGAL MANUEVER? iT MIGHT NOT BE THE RIGHT THING BUT BECAUSE THE ATIVAN WORKED I WOULD WAIT TO SEE IF IT HAPPENS AGAIN. WHERE YOU UNDER ANY UNDUE STRESS.

south127

A vagal maneuver means "bearing down". You can do it by aggressively coughing, bearing down like you are having a bowel movement or baby.

rick2

South127,
I don't know that I have any advice for you.
I too have atrial arrythmia. I take Metropolol...I don't know that it is the same as you are taking. I have only been taking it 2 weeks. The occurance of the tachycardia has diminished but is still there.
Last night I played 3 hrs. of raquetball (maybe a little much), I had some arrythmia while playing but not significant. Well, I showered , went home, and about 1/2 hr. later I had to lay down on the floor in our kitchen. It was the closest I have come to fainting.
I recorded the arrythmia about 5 minutes later. The Drs. office called this am and said my heart was actually beating 240 times per minute...not just sparking. He is now putting me on another med that does more than just filter the electrical impulses but slows the heart down. It is rythmol 225mg.
I guess I'll see if it works.
It is quite frustrating when you think you have things under control and then.........
You may want to talk with your dr. about this med as well. I'll let you know if it works for me. I start on it tonight.
Blessings to you

south127

Hi Rick,
Metoprolol is the generic form of Toprol XL. I have had a cardiac ablation, as well as, numerous increases in my betablocker (Toprol XL) and this was the first event in almost a year. My highest heart rate of 222 was in the ER and I was given two shots of Adenosine that finally converted me to normal rhythm. It was horrible. My doctor has talked about Rhythmol in the past, but the side effects can be numerous and I have blockages now that would prevent it's use. Good luck!
p.s. I'm from Georgia originally (lived in Sandy Springs and Augusta) Cummings is a beautiful area...are you on the lake?

south127

Rick,
Did they start your medication in the hospital. Usually they hospitalize you for 72 hours to watch you closely to make sure you have no serious side effects. You may want to google this medication and educate yourself to what a serious medication it is. It is usually used for ventricular tachycardia (not atrial). Are you see an electrophysciologist or just a cardiologist? You would benefit from the services of an expert in this field.

Blessings,
Sue

rick2

Hi south127,
Sorry to not respond earlier. This is the first I have looked at the website for quite some time.
Quit taking Rythmol SR also because it didn't work either. Still having Atrial Arrythmia. Dr. said to try
Prylosec!? He said sometimes when there is not an obvious reason for the arrythmias that acid reflux may be the cause. Well, I've been doing it for about 2 weeks now....perhaps a little better. I see him again this week...I know he will refer me to an electrophisiologist. I also have another appointment to get a second opinion.
I now have a new symptom...the bottom of my left foot tingles at times....I'm sure he will not know what causes that either. Played r'ball Thursday...had to stop twice as I was feeling weak and light headed. So I'll see what happens tonight at r'ball.
Hang in there.

rick2

south127 PS -
I have not been in the hospital for the arrythmia.
At this point I do not want an ablation. If my cardiologist is correct...it will not kill me, then I do not want anyone messing with my heart.

south127

Hey Rick,

I'm hoping you get a referral to a electrophysiologist. Your symptoms may be related or totally separate conditions. The weakness and light headed may be associated with your arrhythmia. I get both when I have an episode. Don't take any chances - you only have one heart.

All the best..
Sue

rick2

Hi south127,
Played r'ball last night. I could feel the arrythmia at times, but never had to stop.
After I got home I was fine. All was well until 2:15 today, and it has continued since. I am just now starting to feel better.
Had a physical last week...all looks great.
I go back to the cardiologist Thursday.
As I sit here and type I realize my hands are a bit swollen. They are usually swollen a little.
Hope you're doing well and thanks for your interest.

rick2

PS why did they put in stents in your case?

south127

I had narrowing (blockage) in my LAD (left anterior descending artery) and unfortunately it resenosed (75 blockage) within five month of placement. So the doctor enlarged the first stent and then piggy backed a second stent into it. Hopefully, this will stay open (patent). My arteries are very small and if it retenoses, I will have to have open heart surgery. :-0So I'm working hard to stay healthy:-)
Have a great day!!
Sue

rick2

I can't imagine going that long with no Atrial Fib and then it starts again. I have it now. Even when a day goes by I have a little hope that it will not come back.
I had no Atrial Fib the last 2 days. Now my heart is flipping out. Medication is did not work. I will see an electrophysiologist...but I will not have an ablation done.
Hope heart goes back to normal.

south127

Hi Rick,
Why are you so set against ablation? For many they have had complete cures. Mine wasn't a total success;, but it did help some. I know how miserable it is to live with it on a daily basis, my heart goes out to you.

Sue

rick2

Hi south127,
I think an ablation is one of those procedures are too invasive, when not absolutely necessary...(it's not going to kill you", and it only treats a symptom. I think I will get it figured as to why I have the atrial fib. I don't believe it just happened with no rhyme or reason.
Thanks for asking. Hope you're doing well.
Rick

south127

I'm doing very well...and I understand your reasoning and wish you the very best.

rick2

Hi south127,
Saw the other cardiologist on Friday. He spent all of 3 minutes with me...no kidding. He said he would refer me to an electrophysiologist. I then told him that my brother-in-law had referred me and said that he was the best. His attitude changed a little...but still no more than 3 minutes.
I will see the eledctrophysiologist closer to home.

Interesting, my son who is in college told me he had an experience where it felt like his heart was fluttering.... I now think I may know the reason for my atrial fib. as well as my sons. We are both on Elavil. I went on line to look at the long term side effects of elavil and ahrrythmia is one of them. So I have begun to wean myself off. I should know in a month is this is it. I am surprised that none of the doctors have even mentioned it. I may not be able to sleep and the shooting pains may come back, but at least my heart will be in ryhtm...as will my sons...after he gets home.
Hope you had a great Easter.

south127

Happy Easter to you!! It was a wonderful day. I hope the Elavil is the problem and can quickly resolve your A fib.
But please keep your appointment with the EP. Atlanta has some great facilities. Good Luck!!! Keep me informed.
Hugs,
Sue

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