Breathless and heart racing.

[Profdriver]

Hi all. Hope someone can help. I have spoken to my doctor and she advised me accordingly but I hope someone has some advice.

Whenever I do anything physical, even running up the stairs, I get so breathless and my heart starts pounding. When I put my hand on chest I can easily feel it beating very fast.

Rate at 120!

Ive spoken to my doctor and she said when that happens call 999 and ambulance will do ecg.

I've allready been sent for a heart scan, sent for kidney test and chest xray and all was perfect.

What else needs investigating? What will ecg prove? What if ecg is OK? What happens next?

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

Hello and welcome to the forum!

An ECG was the first test I had on my cardiac journey. And it was normal! Ultimately I had a quadruple bypass after numerous other tests including angiogram, CT scan and echocardiogram.

I am somewhat surprised your GP has not referred you to cardiology as if you cannot do a flight of stairs a stress ECG might be an appropriate starting point. If you get another bad episode call 999 as you may then be referred.

Are your other health issues under control such as your hypothyroidism? Incorrect medication can cause a raised pulse and potentially other heart issues.

[Profdriver in reply to MichaelJH]

Hi. I'm taking amlodopine ramipril and thyroxine. All recent tests were normal

[MichaelJH Heart Star in reply to Profdriver]

What was the Amlodipine perscribed for please?

[Profdriver in reply to MichaelJH]

Blood pressure. The ramipril wasn't making to much difference to my blood pressure.

[Profdriver in reply to Profdriver]

I have a feeling that there is something in my lungs despite my chest xray being clear. Even when I laugh, I laugh like a smoker.

[MichaelJH Heart Star in reply to Profdriver]

Sorry got a phone call as I was replying. It might be appropriate to have a Lung Function Test. A friend found they have a reduced lung function but no other issues after years working in clubs!

[Profdriver in reply to MichaelJH]

Thats OK. No worries. Thanks for the advice.With lung function test, and if it's a case with me (reduced lung function) - is there a treatment?

[MichaelJH Heart Star in reply to Profdriver]

Sometimes, it depends on the cause which normally means further tests.

[Profdriver in reply to MichaelJH]

Thanks Michael

[MichaelJH Heart Star in reply to Profdriver]

Amlodipine is a CCI (calcium channel inhibitor) that besides reducing blood pressure is also used as an anti-anginal and to treat some heart rhythm issues. As such it may be suppressing angina pains.

[Profdriver in reply to MichaelJH]

Ah. I hope not. They did a heart scan on me and check for signs of angina and no signs of that. I hope they can shed some light into this as it only happens when I do anything physical. They said my heart looks like it's in a good shape.

[MummaSoap]

Hi Profdriver

I too struggle with climbing the stairs and physical exertion. I have come extremely close to losing consciousness after some “emergency chasing” of one of my flight risks, I mean children. The difficulty is my son (4) thinks it’s all a game until the point where it’s quite obviously not and then he frightens himself.

I had an exercise stress ECG test in January and although I did experience some symptoms, they weren’t the same/as severe as when I’m in the real world. Unfortunately, I’m still waiting for the results even after chasing my consultant’s secretary.

I have dilated cardiomyopathy, heart failure and also have episodes of supra ventricular tachycardia although I’m not medicated for it as my body seems to bring itself out of SVT. I’m also asthmatic but this is well controlled.

I’m no doctor, but as Michael said, it may benefit you to speak to your GP about a stress ECG so that they can attempt to trigger your symptoms and then identify possible causes.

Hopefully, sharing my experiences helps you feel less alone 🤞🏼

I really hope that you get some answers and can then start feeling better soon.

Best wishes

Soap