Carotid pulse

[sinclair61]

Hi,

I am newly diagnosed with COPD after a flare in January. Aside from hyperinflation, my biggest issue is how strong my pulse is all over my body but I also get a really strong pulse in both arteries in my neck, so much so I can see it pounding in the mirror. I was wondering if anyone else gets this?

Thanks

[2greys]

Welcome to the forum.

I think you had better see your GP, this sounds like a high blood pressure problem.

[sinclair61 in reply to 2greys]

Thanks for your reply.

I have been checked out by a cardiologist (ECG, holter etc) and he wasn't concerned. My blood pressure is normal and resting heart rate is usually mid 60s.

Only thing that came back was slightly high total cholesterol but, once again, the Dr didn't seem concerned.

I was just wondering if anyone else had this issue.

[Badbessie]

When I was first diagnosed I was hyper aware of every little thing. Any little pain, headache all became a symptom of something bad. As you have been checked by a cardiologist and everything appears normal perhaps there is an element of anxiety in this. All I know is that as I have learned more most of anxiety as gone and with it a number of my symptoms. This is the most honest answer aI I can give you.

[sinclair61 in reply to Badbessie]

The thing is I am not really anxious. I have pretty much come to terms with the situation and I am trying to make the best of it. But there are a few symptoms which don't seem to add up when compared to my functional status. I can walk for hours on end, I can do a 5km run, cycle 30km in a hour. The only time I really get SOB is climbing stairs and even then I could run up 5 or 6 flight of stairs without having to stop. Walking them seems a far bigger issue.

What is confusing me though is that I get hyperinflated at rest and have trouble getting air out. Sleeping is also a problem as a result. That along with the strong pulse all over. I'm not particularly anxious about them but I am just intrigued to know whether these symptoms are to be expected.

[Badbessie in reply to sinclair61]

Have you tried purse lip breathing? I am sorry but never come across this before. I do a lot of fitness and I use Purse lip breathing to prevent hyperinflation. I can run up stairs but you always take in more air than you put out, PLB stops this. I also practice this at rest. I also use diaphragm breathing which helps expel excess air. At times it a matter of finding what works for you. I have never come across the pounding pulse before except in either a heart or blood pressure condition and lastly in Anxiety so you are a little bit of a mystery. I hope you find an answer because it would be very interesting to know.

[sinclair61 in reply to Badbessie]

I regularly use purse lip breathing. But its so draining doing it all the time. Is the fact I've got to do it so often a sign that I'm not on the right inhalers or is this just something I am going to have to get used to?

I am currently only on serevent. Would something like Sprivia help with the hyperinflation?

[Badbessie in reply to sinclair61]

Hi purse lip breathing as become second nature to me in many ways. However I have learned to do very soft in and out. I follow Donna Wilson's method with a slightly longer but softer blow out. I find it's less stressful. As for medications all I take is Fostair 100/6 one puff twice a day. I very rarely use my rescue Ventolin. I have only been diagnosed since Christmas I am stage 2 57%. I cannot comment on what could help you medication wise as what works well for one does not for others. I would talk with your respiratory nurse or GP. Do you own a pulse oximeter because a record of your saturations may help.

[sinclair61 in reply to Badbessie]

Thanks for all this.

Yes, I have a pulse oximeter. It never goes below 95, even on strenuous exercise. My resting is usually about 97/98

I woke again SOB even though I sleep propped up. Only relieved by a fair bit of time sitting up. Getting very frustrating.

[mrsmummy]

Being short of oxygen can raise the pulse.

[sinclair61 in reply to mrsmummy]

Hi,

My pulse rate stays normal, it's just how strong it is!

[JudyHh1 in reply to sinclair61]

Have you been checked for sleep apnea? Also, I found the inhalers did more harm than good - maybe stop using them for a few days and see how you feel?

[sinclair61 in reply to JudyHh1]

Not been checked for sleep apnoea yet.

I tried going off the inhalers and didn't seem to make any difference.

How do people sleep with their hyperinflated lungs? I can't get past 4 hours and I wake up holding my breath.

[sinclair61]

Also, forgot to ask - is it normal for a course of oral steroids to reduce hyperinflation? I found I had no hyperinflation whilst on them. Surely, that would then suggest it is inflammatory rather than loss of elasticity?

Thanks