Arrhythmia without a label yet

[KRG13]

I've had palpitations for many years but never looked into them. Last year, I started getting dizzy and breathless with the palpitations and hence saw a cardiologist. A holter study was done. It picked up heart rates going to 180/190. My resting heart rate was always 50-60, so they ruled out Inappropriate Sinus Tachy. Had an EP study, but it did not show any clear area that could be ablated. Tried beta blockers, but couldn't tolerate them. Many months and many ECGs later, Sinus Node Reentrant tachy was disgnosed. Propafenone works well for the tachy but I now also have bradycardia with the HR going to the 30s and 40s while I'm active. I'm off the propafenone now. I am 34, with a BMI of 22 and with no other ailments. I have seen 3 psychiatrists and all have completely ruled out anxiety and panic.

My episodes are sudden, but terminate on their own. Sometimes, a carotid massage helps terminate a nasty run of tachy. The Brady lasts for days though. I am scared to opt for sinus node modification or ablation as that will most probably lead to a pacemaker. (At 34!)

All blood tests are perfectly normal.

Is there no way to cure this without risk?

[DisneyMom3]

Why did they rule out IST? I’m on a bisoprolol for sinus tachycardia... and over the past year I’ve been waking up in the mornings with 160-180 heart rate, it’s only in the mornings it gets that high. During the day it ranges from 58-80s. They recently said the episodes were probably IST and upped my bisoprolol at bedtime and it’s helped! This is the longest I’ve had relied for a long time. Still fighting these dang PVCs, but If I can convince myself that they aren’t dangerous I’ll be fine! But it’s hard.

**im 25

[KRG13 in reply to DisneyMom3]

Hi, thank you so much for sharing your story. I think they've ruled out IST due to the bradycardia that's a prominent feature. My heart rate goes to the low 30s while active. The EP study was also inconclusive. Have you had one? Does anyone have an experience with more than one EP study being required ?