Tachycardia is beginning to take its toll on my exercising
missiontofitness
Posts: 4,059 Member
Big long rant ahead!
As a background: I was diagnosed as a baby with supraventricular tachycardia. In a nutshell, this is a type of heart arrhythmia that causes my heart rate to randomly spike, and not due to normal circumstances (being scared/stressed/ect). I was hospitalized multiple times over 24 hour for it it back in 2011, and the ER actually needed to stop my heart twice with an IV med to get my heart rate to stabilize again. It was scary, but it definitely was an eye opener to try to get it under control.
I went on medicines for it, but eventually stopped getting refills. My doctor is aware of this. I didn't like how the medication made me feel, that it may be counteracting with hormonal B/C I was on, and I felt that diet/exercise could be beneficial. Especially this latest stint on MFP (90 days tomorrow), I've been very very mindful of my intake, and trying to exercise safely.
But the tachycardia is just getting worse. My last three runs, I've spiked at over 200 beats per minute from just jogging. Yesterday, I think I was around 212 beats per minute. I've started jogging early morning/early evening, because I've isolated heat as being a huge trigger (it exhausts me faster, and puts more strain on my heart). I've also tried pacing myself (alternating between jogging and walking), and giving myself frequent breaks so I am not straining my body too much. Power walking seems to be best for my body, but beginning to jog/run triggers it, since my heart can't regulate itself in that state.
It's just becoming a very real thing to me that I need to get a cardiologist, and take care of this once and for all. There is actually a cardiologist that specializes in my specific condition a half hour away, with one of the best cardiology departments in my state. My insurance is going to cover it. I'm scared of the results, but I know this is something I need to do, and plan to schedule first thing on Monday. Especially because my insurance will cover this, I need to take advantage of this opportunity.
I'm wondering if I'm ever going to be able to live an active lifestyle without fearing my heart rate spiking to dangerous levels, and possibly causing me to pass out. I'm wondering if I should be getting a medical bracelet, because I'm afraid of passing out in public. I'm wondering if I'm actually going to opt to go through with an ablation (a minor heart surgery, generally outpatient) to kill off the cells in the malfunctioning area of my heart.
This was mostly just a vent of frustration. I'm just so tired of feeling like my body can't keep up with what my mind wants. But I know I have to focus on my safety first.
As a background: I was diagnosed as a baby with supraventricular tachycardia. In a nutshell, this is a type of heart arrhythmia that causes my heart rate to randomly spike, and not due to normal circumstances (being scared/stressed/ect). I was hospitalized multiple times over 24 hour for it it back in 2011, and the ER actually needed to stop my heart twice with an IV med to get my heart rate to stabilize again. It was scary, but it definitely was an eye opener to try to get it under control.
I went on medicines for it, but eventually stopped getting refills. My doctor is aware of this. I didn't like how the medication made me feel, that it may be counteracting with hormonal B/C I was on, and I felt that diet/exercise could be beneficial. Especially this latest stint on MFP (90 days tomorrow), I've been very very mindful of my intake, and trying to exercise safely.
But the tachycardia is just getting worse. My last three runs, I've spiked at over 200 beats per minute from just jogging. Yesterday, I think I was around 212 beats per minute. I've started jogging early morning/early evening, because I've isolated heat as being a huge trigger (it exhausts me faster, and puts more strain on my heart). I've also tried pacing myself (alternating between jogging and walking), and giving myself frequent breaks so I am not straining my body too much. Power walking seems to be best for my body, but beginning to jog/run triggers it, since my heart can't regulate itself in that state.
It's just becoming a very real thing to me that I need to get a cardiologist, and take care of this once and for all. There is actually a cardiologist that specializes in my specific condition a half hour away, with one of the best cardiology departments in my state. My insurance is going to cover it. I'm scared of the results, but I know this is something I need to do, and plan to schedule first thing on Monday. Especially because my insurance will cover this, I need to take advantage of this opportunity.
I'm wondering if I'm ever going to be able to live an active lifestyle without fearing my heart rate spiking to dangerous levels, and possibly causing me to pass out. I'm wondering if I should be getting a medical bracelet, because I'm afraid of passing out in public. I'm wondering if I'm actually going to opt to go through with an ablation (a minor heart surgery, generally outpatient) to kill off the cells in the malfunctioning area of my heart.
This was mostly just a vent of frustration. I'm just so tired of feeling like my body can't keep up with what my mind wants. But I know I have to focus on my safety first.
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Replies
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Hi- I can relate somewhat. I have several medical conditions which make exercise difficult and have been life threatening. It sounds like you need to go to the specialist asap. Are you avoiding this because you are afraid of what you will find out? Being in denial will only make it worse, it won't make the condition go away. Your body is trying to tell you that you are not doing what is right for it. What is wrong with walking? It is great exercise without putting a lot of stress on your heart. I have the feeling I am much older than you so I will give you this hard earned life lesson. Don't be so hard on yourself, love your body and care for it gently and with compassion. Hugs.0
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Hi- I can relate somewhat. I have several medical conditions which make exercise difficult and have been life threatening. It sounds like you need to go to the specialist asap. Are you avoiding this because you are afraid of what you will find out? Being in denial will only make it worse, it won't make the condition go away. Your body is trying to tell you that you are not doing what is right for it. What is wrong with walking? It is great exercise without putting a lot of stress on your heart. I have the feeling I am much older than you so I will give you this hard earned life lesson. Don't be so hard on yourself, love your body and care for it gently and with compassion. Hugs.
I think it's because I moreso know that I know I still have it (I've had it 24 years), and that it may be worse than it was back in 2011. It's gonna be scary to go through my history with this doctor, and to get the news. After today's lovely heart rate spike, I've decided to be a LOT more mindful of my jogging, and to continue with my walking until I can get medical input from this cardiologist. Walking has been perfect for me, but the extra strain of jogging is definitely a trigger and I need to be mindful of that.
Thank you very much for your response. I do love my body, and I want it to keep up with me for a very long time.
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I have SVT also. Have you discussed different meds with your dr.? I can do just about anything although I am not a runner or a jogger. I keep mine under control with meds but have had to have the iv's to get my heart rate back down to normal. I would really discuss this with your dr.0
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I understand what you're going through, and I am also a nurse so I understand the medical side as well.
I also have a high baseline heart rate with some isolated episodes of SVT. I went ahead and had an EPS (electrophysiology study) where they can go in and do an ablation if needed. Just so you know, not all pathways are able to be ablated (mine is not) so some people just have to live with this, unfortunately. The question is: when your HR gets up that high, do you feel dizzy or light headed or have chest pain or anything, or is it more like it just scares you? Mine gets quite high as well, sometimes as high as 200 when I run, but I am asymptomatic. The doc says that is just my norm and that my body has gotten used to having a higher HR. For someone else (most people) that would be highly irregular, but if you're not symptomatic, they may take that into consideration.
Have you done a Holter monitor test? That might help explain some things. Also, have they ruled out WPW (Wolf Parkinson-White)? You can message me for more specific info. Like I said, I am also an RN so I have a good amount of medical knowledge.
It's a struggle to get a diagnosis unless it is done as an emergency, but hang in there. Good luck.0 -
You don't mention what symptoms you have besides the high heart rate? It's pretty common and medications and/or an ablation can help.
I'm a RN too and I think you would be less nervous if you were actually under the care of a cardiologist who could to the proper testing and get you on the right meds.0 -
I understand what you're going through, and I am also a nurse so I understand the medical side as well.
I also have a high baseline heart rate with some isolated episodes of SVT. I went ahead and had an EPS (electrophysiology study) where they can go in and do an ablation if needed. Just so you know, not all pathways are able to be ablated (mine is not) so some people just have to live with this, unfortunately. The question is: when your HR gets up that high, do you feel dizzy or light headed or have chest pain or anything, or is it more like it just scares you? Mine gets quite high as well, sometimes as high as 200 when I run, but I am asymptomatic. The doc says that is just my norm and that my body has gotten used to having a higher HR. For someone else (most people) that would be highly irregular, but if you're not symptomatic, they may take that into consideration.
Have you done a Holter monitor test? That might help explain some things. Also, have they ruled out WPW (Wolf Parkinson-White)? You can message me for more specific info. Like I said, I am also an RN so I have a good amount of medical knowledge.
It's a struggle to get a diagnosis unless it is done as an emergency, but hang in there. Good luck.
The last Holter I can remember was around 1997, when I was in first grade. Other than that, it's just been EKGs in the ER. My initial call to get this squared away (the ER that treated me in 2011 has made getting my medical records a nightmare) ended with them asking me the same question, so I have a feeling they're going to stick one on me to monitor my heart rate to get a more recent result.
I used to get really light headed when it would happen, but I know when to immediately stop/sit/rest when I feel it starting to come on. I can generally get it back under control within a few minutes. I wonder if my body is starting to get used to it, or if I'm just stopping myself at a good time before my symptoms become more severe.
I definitely will be in touch with you. I'm about to head out the door, but is it okay if I come up with some questions for you, since I want to make sure I'm getting all my ducks in a row with my appointment.
Thank you so much!0 -
You don't mention what symptoms you have besides the high heart rate? It's pretty common and medications and/or an ablation can help.
I'm a RN too and I think you would be less nervous if you were actually under the care of a cardiologist who could to the proper testing and get you on the right meds.
I used to get lightheaded and uncomfortable from it, but I've begun immediately stopping whatever I'm doing and resting as soon as I feel it coming on. Now a days, when I stop this early, it's an uncomfortable pounding sensation in my chest; it's very visible when looking at my chest as well.
And yep; my fears are mostly the "what's the diagnosis for 2014/options going to be". But this cardiologist I'm trying to get assigned to specializes in my condition, and works at one of the best departments around. So I know this is the best option. Just gotta put my big girl pants on and not be scared.0 -
I have supraventricular tachycardia bigeminy and keep in under control by taking a daily beta blocker. If your med made you feel lousy -- ask the doctor about switching to another med. It may take some trial and error to find the right one but it worked for me. Better than the galloping heart beat!0
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I have supraventricular tachycardia bigeminy and keep in under control by taking a daily beta blocker. If your med made you feel lousy -- ask the doctor about switching to another med. It may take some trial and error to find the right one but it worked for me. Better than the galloping heart beat!
Which one are you taking? The one I was on before was Atenelol.0 -
I understand this is scary and frustrating, but you already know what you need to do. Now you just need to DO IT. You NEED to see a cardiologist AND be compliant with any meds he prescribes. If they cause side effects that don't subside after you've given you body a chance you get used to them, or they are untolerable, they can try another med. Atenolol is just one of many beta blockers. Be specific if you are experiencing side effects. "I feel lousy" is highly subjective. "I feel so dizzy when i stand up that i feel like im going to faint" is specific. Also, you shouldn't just stop taking beta blockers. That can cause a worsening in your condition. It can cause a rebound effect. Basically, if you stop them abruptly you not only won't have them to control your heart rate, but you may have an episode where your heart rate may increase even higher than before.0
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I had SVT - I totally understand how debilitating it can be. I had an ablation performed about 12 years ago - one of the best decisions I ever made - it totally eliminated my SVT. I have not had a singe episode since. I'm no expert and I don't know if ablation is an option for you, but do be open to your cardiologist's recommendations. Let me know if you would like more details about my experience. And good luck!0
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You're right to see a cardiologist soonest. Sounds like geminiRN is a good person to help you through this as well. Will PM you with other thoughts.
Tx0 -
I also have SVT and I know how frustrating and scary it can be. I have medication (Tambocor) which worked a treat if I took it before exercise. I can understand your frustration with side-effects but have you tried going on different meds? Often it just takes a while to find the right one for you. It's so necessary and the pain of uncontrolled SVT is just so much worse than the frustration of messing around with meds for a while.
Otherwise, have you considered the ablation surgery? My cardiologist said if mine got worse it would be an option thought it hasn't come to that. Yours sounds serious enough that you should look into it.
Best of luck, I sympathise with your situation and I hope it picks up for you.0 -
Just wondering how you are doing? :flowerforyou:0
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I can kind of relate. I have a heart murmur that effects me and causes my heart to palpitate from time to time. I've found that I have to be very careful when exercising and take a lot of breaks so I don't end up passing out. Working out at my own pace is essential. A lot of workout videos (such as 30 Day Shred) tell you not to take breaks in order to benefit the most from the workout, but if I don't take a break and get my heart rate under control, I would end up in the hospital. I'm not too big on running, but I can only run/jog maybe two minutes before I need to take a break. My advice is to definitely speak with a cardiologist and to work out at your own pace! Be careful!0
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Just wondering how you are doing? :flowerforyou:
Good! One step closer to seeing a cardiologist.
Just trying to get my medical records coordinated, and getting myself registered with the hospital. I found three that specialize with my condition AND specialize in ablation if it is eventually decided I should go that route. So definitely made a good choice deciding to go with this hospital! 0 -
I have had SVT for about 15 years but it was undiagnosed until 2012 (I thought they were anxiety attacks or something). I used to have episodes randomly every three months or so. I am now on a beta blocker and I have them about every 6 months now. Wednesday was the first time I had one while working out and now I am scared to work out because of it…… I know its irrational because the chances of me having another one so soon are not that great given my past pattern. I just really hate getting them….it scares the crap out of every time….mine last about an hour and I’m just exhausted afterwards.
Hope you are able to find a solution soon!!! Best of luck.0 -
Talk to your doctor, see a cardiologist because you may end up going into cardiac arrest on one of your jogging excursions...please take this seriously people have died from this!0
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I had SVT from the time I was about 12 until I had surgery when I was 18. It was getting worse as I got older. They say it can be related to your menstrual cycles and mine clearly was. They also say it can be much worse when you are pregnant, and I knew I wanted babies so I wanted it taken care of while my mom's insurance would cover it 100%. I'm so glad I did! I still get weird little feelings, like my heart skipped a beat or something, but no more crazy racing hearts and trips to the ER for the heart stopping IV (those are TERRIBLE! My entire body would tense from toes up to my head.).
All that being said, my heart rate still gets really high when I'm exercising. My resting heart rate is around 57 bmp. When I run, my average heart rate is about 177 and my max is usually in the high 190s, sometimes 200. I don't keep it there long, and it comes right back down when I stop or slow down, but it does seem high. Of course I remember seeing it in the 300s when I actively had SVT.
And the meds they gave me to try to stop the racing heart spells back when I was in high school actually made it much worse! If you are able to get it taken care of, I highly recommend it!0 -
I have had SVT for about 15 years but it was undiagnosed until 2012 (I thought they were anxiety attacks or something). I used to have episodes randomly every three months or so. I am now on a beta blocker and I have them about every 6 months now. Wednesday was the first time I had one while working out and now I am scared to work out because of it…… I know its irrational because the chances of me having another one so soon are not that great given my past pattern. I just really hate getting them….it scares the crap out of every time….mine last about an hour and I’m just exhausted afterwards.
Hope you are able to find a solution soon!!! Best of luck.
Oh, lord! If I had a nickel for every trip I took to the emergency room for the SVT thinking I was having a heart attack but being diagnosed with anxiety -- well, I wouldn't be rich but I'd be able to buy a cup of coffee. Having the diagnoses made me less scared. I knew what was going on and that if they were continuing it was either time to talk to the doctor about my meds or check to make absolutely sure I haven't missed a pill the day before. One problem I have is balancing the various drugs I take because one undoes another. You may need to do that as well. Check with your doctor but also do some research on your own so you know what to ask your doctor to lead him into dredging up knowledge about that particular issue.0
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