I've made two posts before here but I am still having issues and not sure what to do.
I don't want to annoy anyone so apologies if this does in anyway.
Long story:
I've been suffering on/off with light headed / loss of vision(rare) / sweating(sometimes I sweat for no reason under arms) / palpitation episodes for two or so years now.
Also when standing/walking my heart rate is in the 100s and never calms down unless I sit down and then it always abruptly does a big beat stops and then goes at a 70bpm.
Originally happend infrequently and didn't bother to pursue it until early last year when it kept happening a few times a week.
I can usually feel it coming on as I start to feel woozy and like the blood is draining from me.
The episodes mostly occur whilst seated which is what puzzles me the most about it.
I saw a cardiologist privately June 2020 - given a 7 day two lead to wear, echo and on the day ECG. I didn't have an episode as such during it, but it was noticeable I had sinus tachycardia anytime I was upright and around 18% I was in this state.
I was given Bisoprolo 2.5mg but that really slowed me down and I kept still having issues with light headed episodes.
As my symptoms persisted I returned to my GP who agreed that we should try and see if we can resolve it.
Fast forward and I've seen a cardiologist via NHS (very fortunate given circumstances).
I was informed I had tachycardia runs but no firm diagnosis. I was changed into Ivrabradine 1 tablet 2x a day and Slow sodium tablets two tablets 2x a day.
I started to get all my energy back after not being on Bisoprolo but found during the first week I had so much noticeable palpitations but seemingly in rythm as far as I could tell. They did subside as I have gotten used to it I guess.
Despite the medication, I am still having heart rates in the 100s everytime I get out of bed in the morning first thing. After taking the first dose and lots of water it calms down eventually and is seemingly working on that part. However the lightheaded episodes still occur at random times without any reason. Mostly sitting as I said before. I still have these unexplained episodes of lightheadedness and runs of sinus tachycardia with no diagnosis or explanation?
I hate being in this situation as I know from the outside looking at this, I haven't been diagnosed with anything serious and I am thankful and it probably comes across that I am full of anxiety - yes but only because I get the episodes and symptoms first!
What can I do? I fear that after having been looked at by two specialists that I should just accept my episodes? I try to remind myself that I couldn't have any arrythmia or heart issue, but when I start feeling light headed and hot and sweaty, I start to think I must have and the monitors have missed it!
Does anyone have any experience of these symptoms at all? Anyone relate to this?
Thank you for reading.
Written by
Jackle88
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hi hope you're doing as ok as can be just wanted to reassure you that you are not alone, although I'm not experiencing the same thing I'm 31 and suffering cardiac issues suspected to be caused by previous covid but was previously fit and healthy. this issue Is also causing palpitations and heart rate over 100... been put on medication to control it, but when it gets erratic I feel awful and get told by the professionals its not life threatening... they don't seem to understand that to thr person experiencing it, it Is!!!
it is very very scary, because as soon as you hear the words heart problem you write yourself off in your head. I literally almost had a breakdown but this site has helped eased the fear and give me rationale as a lot of people on here are going through the same or similar things
also we all tend to overreact when it comes to health and according to scientific evidence there are many many people that live with heart issues and have a long and happy life. I know its easier said than done but just know that if you were in imminent danger they most likely would have said. hope this helps and feel free to message if you're feeling low. take care
One thing i have learned over years with cardiac arrhythmias originally past off as anxiety, is to keep pushing for a full diagnosis. Have any medic suggested an implantable loop recorder for example so your cardiac activity can be monitored ongoing not intermittently like a heart monitor for twenty four hours or seven days.
You deserve thorough testing and monitoring. You know your body the best and what you are describing is not sustainable. Please go back to medics and ask for more in depth investigations. Best wishes and heres hoping you find a resolution.
Dear Jackie, i feel your upset with this and little wonder you feel so anxious. I have no medical training whatsoever just lots of experience with my own cardiac issues this past 12 years.
My first thought when i read your post was POTS. In fact my very first thought was this sounds exactly like our lovely Em who is in the process of having more tests to confirm POTS and having a tilt table test this week after several years of symptoms been thought to be migraine through to exam stress to BP, to hormones to thyroid etc.
If you feel it could be POTS then its worth pushing for a tilt table test, not easy i know but persistence is important or we struggle along for years without a full or clear diagnosis. Its taken three years for my young relative to see a specialist and this was through being taken to a and e.
It could be something entirely different but you need all relevant tests to get to a diagnosis and treatment. Unfortunately you need to get in front of an excellent relevant specialist with tenacity who will dip you through various tests and really delve into your symptoms. Do you have a good GP on your side i hope so. It took me a good length of time to get in front of an excellent, thorough cardiologist but once i did it was the best thing i had ever done. Good luck Jackie, push for in depth help its what you deserve, dont give up and please dont struggle along as you are. Sending you a big cyber hug.
Hi Jackle, it's really awful isn't it - very scary. But as time passes you do learn to live with it and understand that it's not as bad as your brain is having you think- have you tried modifying your diet and exercise at all? I know that my episodes can be provoked by too much sweet stuff (and I do have a sweet tooth) also coffee and alcohol are on the naughty list for hearts. How about exercise? when I got up this morning my heart was 'all over the place' I went out for a run (depending on your fitness this can be a walk, brisk walk, or run) and during the run, it has reset itself - this is however just me and how I have learned that my body deals with itself. It may be worth investigating what your heart is reacting to and when it happens again go out for a walk, get some fresh air into you - it may just re-set it for you too. I've had my heart problems for 37 years and see a private sports cardiologist every couple of years, I'm hoping to do a half ironman this June at the age of 64, just sharing that to give you hope that life is possible even with our strange arrhythmias
Thank you for your reply and outlook of your experience and condition. Along with reading other posts and yours it does seem to be a positive outlook for a lot of heart conditions! I am glad to see you have not been restricted in any way and have found a great way to calm your symptoms.
I was informed to do excercise, which I have been doing but very slow / incremental. I haven't seen any benefits yet but I will persist.
I just wish I knew what was causing mine and then I'd be able to move on with my life.
Hi jackle, I'm wondering if you suggested angiogram? Having that will give you a clear picture of your heart and chest. As for lightheadness, it could be due to low blood pressure but I suggest at time drink plenty water or eat something if you not eaten, let's see if that will help
I haven't suggested this nor has it been suggested. The cardiologists I have seen, seem to be very relaxed and almost dismissive of this being worthy of their time (that's how it comes across to me).
No tests or anything further has been pursued as of yet.
I contacted my G.P today and was told to increase the Invabradine first!
I don't think that's the right answer if I am honest so not sure what to do from here.
Hi, I know something of what this is like, I was getting what I call black rushes when all goes dark and you feel faint, I knew I had an ectopic heart beat and a very fast heart rate but was given no treatment however many times I told the Dr's. My son is a paramedic and said when you feel this coming on cough hard and it will subside which it does, I don't know why.I have since been diagnosed with severe heart failure apparently due to to the activity of a virus I didn't know I'd had, and on treatment for that the faintiness has subsided somewhat. I feel that I really needed someone to listen to me earlier as I am convinced my heart was damaged before the virus struck.
Very sorry to hear about your heart condition. It's good to know you are on treatment for this! As I know how awful it is not being on the right path to resolve an issue.
I will try to bear in mind your advice about the coughing and see what happens!
This is the kind of thing that scares me a lot as the more time passes the more I worry if the symptoms will get worse and to the point of no return because nothing was done about it.
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How do you deal with it?
Any ideas 
Propranolol withdrawl
Still feel knackered 
