Headache when walking?

[Kelloggs31]

I'm getting headaches when walking and a tachycardic rate of around 180bpm when walking.

I'm in my early 20s no health conditions just under investigation for sinus tachycardia of at rest around 140.

Blood tests normal.

ECG Sinus Tachy

Echo normal but reaffirmed I'm resting tachy.

Just waiting for 24hr ECG results.

I'm abit stumped what this could be? I used to be able to walk to work everyday 4 miles now even finding 12 steps in my house is making me out of breath and the headaches. Any one else experience anything similar?

[2k2d]

Sorry to hear you are dealing with this... I think you should look into IST or inappropriate sinus tachycardia. It's a dumb name but a real thing. Many of us on here have it so search for past posts on IST. I really hope that's not what's going on with you. Also, have your blood levels checked and thyroid checked to see if that's not what caused it. Best of luck and keep us posted.

[Kelloggs31 in reply to 2k2d]

Had my 24 ECG results today.

They showed 2x SVT ectopic beats.

Heart rate ranging from anywhere 50bpm-184bpm!!

Been referred to cardiology to get some answers. As the GP was reluctant to prescribe anything as he doesn't want my HR to drop below 50bpm as I'd be bradycardic but I'm getting symptoms when I'm tachycardic!

No new answers really but hoping I will soon or maybe if someone has something similar?

[2k2d in reply to Kelloggs31]

I would try to not put too much stock into what your GP says about bradycardia. A low rate of 50 seems totally fine in a young, fit person. I'm 41 and I have a resting rate of 54 and low rate of 41 most every day - granted my heart is weird too! If you can, get referred to an electrophysiologist as they specialize in the electrical system of the heart. Cardiologists mainly specialize in the plumbing. It is entirely possible you are dealing with some form of IST as it's not always as described on the internet. You don't have to have a heart rate averaging over 100 for most of the day. You can have the type where your heart responds in an exaggerated way to stimulus and that can happen A LOT throughout the day. It's exhausting. I've always been fit and athletic and could barely walk up my stairs without huffing and puffing and my heart rate shooting to the 140s. Every time I ate, laughed, bent over, had an emotion, my heart shot up ridiculously and exercise was really difficult as I could reach 160 during the warmup. So if that sounds like what you're dealing with, find an EP because they will know better. Good luck and keep me posted!

[2k2d in reply to Kelloggs31]

Oh and I just re-read your post, yeah I see he wouldn't want to give you meds so your heart won't drop below 50 but once you see a cardio or ep, mention the idea of trying half of the smallest dose of a beta blocker - I use metoprolol tartrate. Even before the beta blocker my heart dipped to the 40s... and the beta blocker hasn't made it lower on the low end, only lower on the high end. I don't take it at night though. I take it at waking and midday. Lasts about 6 hrs for me. If I took it at night my rate could get below 40 which is where you don't want it to go.