Pulmonary Embolism Support Group

HI Robin, I had horrible tacchycardia after my PE- was on a med to slow it down-atenalol, tried to get off several times over a year with no luck, finally got sent to a cardiologist -24 halter, tilt test, showed I have Atrial Tacchycardia off and on -so there is a place of damage somewhaer in there now that likes to make my heart race. My options are cardiac ablation surgery or medication -so I opted for the meds at this point. When I asked if the PE caused the damage since I didn't have the tacchycardia before, I was told most probably. So, I would ask to see a Cardiologist if you haven't seen one yet. Ask for a 24 halter monitor, and if that doesn't show them what they need to see, then ther is actually a 30 day event recorder that can be done to try and cath an episode. When I had the racing heart, I got very dizzy and couldn't stand up and walk around very much. I hope that helps, Blessings, Teri

I went to a cardiologist and had a halter done. It showed the rapid heart rate but he didn't give me a cause.

robyn,
oh yeah my ol ticker has been doing some weird things since my pe as well. i have had a few episodes of tach in the past 7 months. I am currently wearing a 30 day moniter and so far they have noticed a run of svt and occasional sinus arrhythmia. they keep telling me that i don't need to worry cause it isn't really that bad. my heart usually stays in the normal range. easy for them to say cause i do have lots of chest pain, vertigo episodes, funy sensations inmy chest and so forth. the hot weather def gets my heart flip flopping. some days i hardly notice any pain and other days im like whoa don't think ima make it through. . . i take 25 mgs of atenolol once a day which doesn't really do much for the pain but does keep my hr low. im suppose to take .50mgs but i refuse cause im to nervous about my hr dropping lower than what is already is. well i hope things get sorted out for you soon and know that you are not alone.
MAG
peace!

correction
i currently take .25mgs of atenolol.

Robin, I would be asking for a referral to another cardiologist or asking the one you went to why they don't give you something for it -it makes me feel a whole lot better. I only take 1/2 of the smallest tablet-12.5mg. When I went up higher, I got dizzy and my BP got too low, headache too. It may not take a whole lot to make you feel a lot better. Your regular PCP may even be willing to prescribe something to see if it helps. I was also on Verapamil for a while, but the Atenalol also helps with another problem I have called Essential Tremor where I shake all the time-didn't know I had it until I stopped taking the Atenalol and made the connection. Anyway, there are lots of of meds and different classes of meds that may make you feel better. If you aren't feeling your best, it is your doctor's job to work with you to get you there. You have to be your own best advocate- research your problem, have a list of questions ready and don't let them go until it makes sense. If they can't or arn't willing to answer your questions, then you may need to think about seeking care elsewhere. That was a tough decision for me to make. Still not sure if it's the right one. Blessings, Teri

I have also had bouts of tachycardia. Mine did not come immediately after my PEs. I was doing "well" (if any of us can do well) recovering from the PEs and then had pneumonia twice within 8 weeks. That is when all of my SOB and other problems got worse and the tachycardia showed up. I wore a Holter monitor on two separate occasions, saw a cardiologist and had an echo, another scan of the heart and a chemical stress test but all showed that my heart was ok. I am on Bystolic to control the tachycardia. No one gave me any reason as to why this suddenly showed up in the last several months. My physician said that I could try to go off of the bystolic since all of the scans came back normal, but I tried it this weekend and I will be going right back to the pharmacy for a refill today! I couldn't even sweep my kitchen without feeling like my heart was going to jump out of my chest.