HER2 Support Group Forums - View Single Post

Barbara2 · 08-11-2006, 07:36 AM

I have had palpitations for quite a few years, before and after chemo. In fact, I just saw a cardiologist yesterday to get some reasurrances about my recent stronger, more frequent palpitations. (I've worn 24 hour heart monitors off and on through the years. The Drs have told me not to worry, that what I have is "normal.")

My question to the cardiologist was, "When are palpitations a conern?"

Answer: If the palpitations are what's called PAC or PVC, we don't worry about them. Even if you have them a lot through out the day. And worrying about them makes it worse. Weather, humidity, how much you've been sweating, stress, and other things can affect it, too. When we are busy and moving around, we are less apt to notice them. When quiet and resting they seem more noticable.

Before he came in to see me, he had his nurse give me an EKG. EKG's last for a very short time (15 seconds maybe?). A PAC showed up on the tape.

Prior to my visit with the cardiologist yesterday, I had seen my family Dr to discuss the palpitations because in the past year they had been very strong and uncomfortable. I described to him the feeling of adrenalin going through my system, resulting in these skipped beats. Sometimes the skipped beats even followed a pattern. (5 beats then skip, 5 beats then skip, etc.)

He said that my description sounded very much like what happens during palpitations and prescribed 25 milligrams of Toprol XL. He said that was a very small amount, and it would kind of tweak the adrenalin which would help with the palpitations. He was right. The first day I took the Toprol, I no feelings of palpitations at all. Over the next 9 months or so, I could feel them getting stronger again. That's when I decided to see the cardiologist for his opinion.

He said my family Dr could up the dose to 50 milligrams. He was going to send him a note.

In the meantime, my mind was relieved and I'm feeling much better. Maybe you need to start with a moniter and go from there. Peace of mind does wonders.

Hope this helps!

Barbara

08-11-2006, 07:36 AM	#5
Barbara2 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: South Dakota. Posts: 621	Palpitations I have had palpitations for quite a few years, before and after chemo. In fact, I just saw a cardiologist yesterday to get some reasurrances about my recent stronger, more frequent palpitations. (I've worn 24 hour heart monitors off and on through the years. The Drs have told me not to worry, that what I have is "normal.") My question to the cardiologist was, "When are palpitations a conern?" Answer: If the palpitations are what's called PAC or PVC, we don't worry about them. Even if you have them a lot through out the day. And worrying about them makes it worse. Weather, humidity, how much you've been sweating, stress, and other things can affect it, too. When we are busy and moving around, we are less apt to notice them. When quiet and resting they seem more noticable. Before he came in to see me, he had his nurse give me an EKG. EKG's last for a very short time (15 seconds maybe?). A PAC showed up on the tape. Prior to my visit with the cardiologist yesterday, I had seen my family Dr to discuss the palpitations because in the past year they had been very strong and uncomfortable. I described to him the feeling of adrenalin going through my system, resulting in these skipped beats. Sometimes the skipped beats even followed a pattern. (5 beats then skip, 5 beats then skip, etc.) He said that my description sounded very much like what happens during palpitations and prescribed 25 milligrams of Toprol XL. He said that was a very small amount, and it would kind of tweak the adrenalin which would help with the palpitations. He was right. The first day I took the Toprol, I no feelings of palpitations at all. Over the next 9 months or so, I could feel them getting stronger again. That's when I decided to see the cardiologist for his opinion. He said my family Dr could up the dose to 50 milligrams. He was going to send him a note. In the meantime, my mind was relieved and I'm feeling much better. Maybe you need to start with a moniter and go from there. Peace of mind does wonders. Hope this helps! Barbara