Summer3
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 35286
posted
So as some of you know from previous posts lately, I have had a lot of problems with my former cardiologist and his prescribed treatments and indisputable errors.
I'm waiting to see an EP next week which will hopefully be more helpful. In the meantime, I am on a new beta blocker that is causing blue, painful feet and lowering my heart rate to 48 (resting). I am not an athlete any longer and my heart rate is usually fast. Even on my other beta blocker it was high 70's. Off meds it used to be about 95 and up to 180 with activity.
I can't go off the beta blocker without a sustained irregular heartbeat becoming a highly likely possibility. The new doctor (who I saw once before) told the nurse that he can't advise me on the phone or change my medication having only seen me once a few months ago but he got me in next week if I'm willing to have him take over all cardiac issues from the other cardiologist. In the meantime I guess I have to stay on the medication because it can't be abruptly stopped.
Any ideas if the low heart rate is okay to go to sleep with? Should I try to get it up? This HR is after quite a bit of caffeine.
Posts: 1129 | From USA | Registered: Dec 2011
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2roads
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Member # 4409
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up
Posts: 2214 | From West Chester, PA | Registered: Aug 2003
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GretaM
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 40917
posted
I'm not sure from a medical standpoint, obviously not a doctor.
My resting HR is in the 40's on a bad day. And in the low 60's when I'm zipping around.
None of the docs I have seen are concerned about these numbers. My ekg's are normal. But these are the ten minute office jobbies and my HR is in the low 60's because I'm nervous and my top is off. So stupid those tests unless they can be done in a "normal" situation for someone.
Posts: 4358 | From British Columbia, Canada | Registered: Jun 2013
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I can't advise either. Mine was in the 50's once and my cardiologist did not get excited. I think when it's paired with skipped beats and arrhythmias, it gets really scary!
PS .. Did you know that licorice can raise blood pressure? I wonder what it does for heart rate?
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96222 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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poppy
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Member # 5355
My own bp goes up every time I read one of those lying journal articles by the IDSA types.
Posts: 2888 | From USA | Registered: Mar 2004
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lymeinhell
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 4622
posted
As one on a beta blocker 10 yrs now, I would say the dose is too high. Maybe that's just me, but they told me to take the lowest dose that would keep my heart rate in the 80's and pressure at or below 120/80. Sure I could take more and get my pressure and heart rate lower, but why would I want to take more of a drug whose side effect is heart stopping pumping?
If it were me, I'd be on the phone having that conversation right away, but since this is a new doc, take what they say until then and discuss what you can take to keep both of you happy at your appt. They're the doctor but YOU HIRE THEM.
-------------------- Julie _ _ ___ _ _ lymeinhell
Blessed are those who expect nothing, for they shall not be disappointed. Posts: 2258 | From a better place than I was 11 yrs ago | Registered: Sep 2003
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posted
I just met with my cardiologist increased my fludrocortisone to 7 pills daily. Pulse average is 110 to 120 with palpitations.
Dr stated women in between ages of 30 to 50 do not do well on beta blockers and to avoid them more complications from them.
Posts: 109 | From Western Massachusetts | Registered: Aug 2011
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kgg
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 5867
posted
Since your feet are turning blue and your pulse is in the 40's, I agree with Lymeinhell, I would be calling my doc.
Posts: 1687 | From Maine | Registered: Jun 2004
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Summer3
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 35286
posted
I did, this was a while ago. He took me off beta blockers and said I could try flecainide which I haven't agreed to yet.
I'm on midodrine still 10mg t.i.d. and still getting bp drops and fainting or near-fainting multiple times per day.
Ginkgo has ginkotoxins...which for some (genetically vulnerable)persons can trigger a seizure (my son). That is the only potential problem I see in the list of suggestions above.
Posts: 9424 | From Sunshine State | Registered: Mar 2001
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Summer3
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 35286
posted
They didn't check any of that. I'm in my 20's female so they think it's autonomic nervous system damage and nothing structural. I did have an echo......normal.
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