Tachycardia mystery?

[Kelloggs31]

I have this unexplained tachycardia which is under investigation by a cardiologist just wondering if there's any ideas anyone has to what MAY be causing this as I fear I'm reaching a brick wall.

I have a heart rate which can go to 180bpm if I just walk within my house and I get shortness of breath. I'm only 22. No other health conditions and this happened one day in December and has never stopped since. I get palpitations and sometimes headaches that's it. Nothing seems to trigger it. But moving definitely makes it worse. I'm on Bisoprolol 5mg and that is what my heart rate still can be.

I've had a 24 hour tape, ECG and echocardiogram and all confirm sinus tachycardia. I'm just getting really confused what could cause this as I'm getting incredibly frustrated of getting our of breath so young. Especially as a year ago I could run without a problem now I sometimes struggle with some stairs in my home.

Any ideas?

[crv23]

Hi! I’m sorry to hear what you’re going through. I can understand how frustrating it is to not have a diagnosis. I’m 21 and it took me almost two years to get diagnosed with SVT. A ton of doctors early on told me that my racing heart was anxiety and since I could never catch an episode on a monitor, they just said it was sinus tachycardia. Eventually a new doctor suspected something more was up and told me to buy the AliveCor monitor for my phone. I finally caught episodes and they saw it was an abnormal rhythm (SVT) not sinus tachycardia. My story/symptoms may be a bit different, but I share this to not lose hope. I went to a TON of doctors. Keep searching.

My episodes start when I move the wrong way. If I bend over, twist, lay on my side, etc. my heart will spike suddenly to 250ish. Usually worse when I exercise. Do your episodes start suddenly or gradually?

Has your doctor looked into POTS or IST? Those were on my differential when the focus of my symptoms were sinus tachycardia, but I never fit the criteria and eventually it was excluded when we caught the true episodes.

Wishing you the best!! It’s so tough being young with heart stuff.

[2k2d]

Sounds exactly like Inappropriate Sinus Tachycardia to me but I’m no professional, I just have the same and was diagnosed with IST. Look at past threads in here and internet and see if it fits. Also, are you seeing a cardiologist or electrophysiologist? The latter would know more about IST. You may have to try multiple treatment options before you hit on the right one. People have had luck with Corlonor (spelling?), Metoprolol, Propononlol. Sometimes very small doses throughout the day can at least make a difference and make life bearable. IST will throw your whole bodily system off and it’s tough. Good luck and keep us posted.

[Cubiczee1252 in reply to 2k2d]

Sounds like me and the diagnosis was IST- Inappropriate Sinus Tachycardia. I take Atenolol and seems to keep it pretty much in check. I take a large dose of medication and don’t have to worry about my heart rate getting too slow because I now also have a pacemaker. I first noticed my IST in my 20’s. Like you, my Heart rate would shoot to 160-180 just standing up from a seated position. It took a hospital stay and constant monitoring to diagnose me.

[2k2d in reply to Cubiczee1252]

If you don’t mind me asking, what age did you get a pacemaker? And how have you liked it? Has it held you back much from exercise? Just wondering I’m case I ever need one thanks!

[SalemB]

Do check your Adrenaline and Noradrenaline blood levels. Even if the doctor said there is no need to do it. Ot will be higher than normal.

It is most likely the cause of the problem.

[Larachez2102]

Hi I’m 30 and me you said I am yet to be diagnosed because I can never catch it. Mine goes straight to 210 amd last anything between 7-15 mins. I’m absolutely drained after. Anything help with yoirs