Im NEW! Worried sick after seeing consultant

[megamonty]

Im 45, over weight (18.5 stone) but do a fair bit of exercise, until last year I used to spend 30 hours a week either ice skating or playing ice hockey. And in the last 6 months I have been weight lifting 3/4 times a week and doing cardio to try and shift some of the fat.

I have suffered with rapid AF since my 20s, I last had an egg 5 years ago that should small amount of LVT. Due to high blood pressure as it was often 150-160+ over 100-110 etc. I also have high cholesterol.

Anyway been having lots of lumps and bumps that I put down to stress, but they started getting particularly bad so asked to see a consultant.

Had the ECG and the woman said, "how long you had a block for"? I never knew what she meant so said "no idea" and thought nothing more of it.

Had the Echo done and the woman told me "your hearts pumping well" so just assumed all was good.

When I went back to the consultant, he told me I have an enlarged heart, but it is in sinus rhythm. But he also said I have a cardiac block?. He just explained it as the signal not getting through properly. He has reccomended that I should go for a cardiac MRI, I am private so just waiting on the appointment now. Also he upped my current BP meds and put me on some terrible Beta Blocker that makes me shake all the time and struggle for breath.

But my palps have 99% gone and my BP is a lot lower now around 80-85 over 120-130.

But thing is I'm just worried sick, well terrified really I looked on the internet and now im scared stiff. I never really took much in at the meeting as I was in shock, so got home with a lot more questions than answers. Im hoping some of the thickening might be because of the levels of hard cardio I was doing with high BP. Or maybe the weights, I was also taking Flecainide at the time of my ECG and he said sometimes that can do funny things to it.

I know I need a lifestyle change on the weight/blood pressure side. I have lost 12lbs since I have seen him just over a week ago. I am totally focused on trying to change the things I have some control over, but mentally struggling with all the anxiety right now. I feel bad on these new pills and am shaking pretty much all day with the worry of it all.

Any advice on any of the above will be appreciated

[Chappychap]

It might be difficult to see things this way but you're one of the lucky ones, you really are! Here are three reasons to be positive.

Your blood pressure really isn't that bad. Anything below 120/80 is the target zone, and some doctors still regard as 140/90 as not a serious problem. Get the salt out of your diet, lose weight, and keep on with the exercising and you're virtually certain to consistently get below 120/80. My blood pressure dropped as much from cutting salt out as it did from medication, and even though it'll take longer you'll find regular aerobic exercising will also significantly improve your blood pressure.

You didn't have to have a "cardiac event" to discover there was a problem. Plenty of people on this forum didn't get the wake up call until they'd had a stroke, heart attack, or cardiac arrest. You got the message without needing a flashing blue light!

You've proven that you have the grit and determination to regularly exercise and to lose weight. Plenty of people just can't get to where you are.

[megamonty in reply to Chappychap]

Thanks for your kind words, just feels so tuff at the moment. Suffered with Rapid AF for many years but this is a new problem so it's taking some getting my head around.

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

As said you are lucky - you are now on the cardiac radar. Much better than finding out after you collapse and are blue lighted away.

It does seem that things are now getting under control. The weight issue will take a little longer. Many GPs now can prescribe an initial course with WW or Slimming World to kick-start things.

[megamonty in reply to MichaelJH]

That's right, I am going to do everything in my control to help things as much as I can. I weighed today and have now lost my first stone since a week last Friday. I just have a bowl of mules for breakfast a banana for lunch, apples as snacks and a salad for dinner. I have been struggling to loose weight for years, but this new focus has it dialled right in. One down three to go .

[MichaelJH Heart Star in reply to megamonty]

I would dial in some grilled chicken/fish as there is a lack of protein in your regime. Avoid the protein snacks sold in many outlets - many are not really healthy!

[megamonty in reply to MichaelJH]

Should be muesli obviously for breakfast not mules lol 😂 thanks.

[Hidden in reply to megamonty]

The cardiac block is an electrical problem within the heart. Further information is here: nhs.uk/conditions/heart-block/

The cardiac MRI should clarify your issues and enable the best treatment. While I would continue with weight loss and some exercise, I would not go mad with the exercise until you are in a position that you know your heart can deal with it.