Confused and more than a bit scared

emmab0902

Just been to doctor after having a week of really low pulse. He noticed last week it was 44, today it is 38. And I am not fit enough to justify that! I have been on beta blockers since May 2009 for SVT which is sudden random bursts of rapid pulse in my case around 240. Since being on the pills I haven't had any problems or trips to hospital. Three months ago I cut down to half dose under his guidance. I am really confused, as is the doctor, as to why the pulse is so low now, and wasn't on a whole dose. He wants me to stop the pills altogether, but I am worried sick that the rapid pulse and rushes to ED will return. Feel like i'm in a no win situation and worried what will happen now.

Lift_hard_eat_big

I hope it's aII figured out soon
Have you ever seen another Dr to get a second opinion

BenderFitness

I have a friend on beta blockers who was experiencing the same thing. It turned out she has a small benign tumor on her adrenal gland that was causing all the problems (also linked to weight gain and hormonal regulation). Are you over hydrating?

sarahgilmore

I would get a second opinion.
It seems strange that they have put you on pills for SVT when in the absence of any other symptoms of heart disease it is generally harmless.
Have you done a 24 hour holter? ECGs? exercise stress test?
Yeah they're kinda scary but if none of those have thrown up any abnormalities, there's really no reason to be on beta blockers.

love22step

I'm clueless, but I'll say a prayer to the Great Physician.

lizziebeth1028

A second opinion never hurts and may put your mind at ease. Take care:flowerforyou:

IvoryParchment

Find out if you really even need to go to the ER for SVT. Some people's hearts are capable of going way too fast, and for them it's a problem. But for other people it's just scary but not dangerous. When I get it, I just lay down and put my feet up and it stops itself. You can also press on a gland in your neck that slows your heart (you need to check with your doctor to make sure it's safe for you to do this and if it would work for your kind of SVT.)

frugalmomsrock

Are you getting plenty of B1?

emmab0902

I went on the beta blockers because the episodes were too frequent, and being a single mum, frequent dashes to ED in the middle of the night or whenever were not great!

I am going to try to get hold of the cardiologist to talk it over, but that is unlikely to happen without an appointment and he has a long waitlist!