Arrhythmias Support Group

Cardiac arrhythmia is a group of conditions in which the muscle contraction of the heart is irregular or is faster or slower than normal. Some arrhythmias are life-threatening medical emergencies that can cause cardiac arrest and sudden death. Others cause aggravating symptoms, such as an awareness of a different heart beat, or palpitation, which can be annoying.

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luv2teachspeech 05/21/2017

I have recently been diagnosed with idiopathic Ventricular Tachycardia. I know it is extremely rare, and have yet to find anyone who has dealt with this. I am struggling to find the right drug to help me with this. After the intial occurence with hospitalization, I was put on Flecanide. Since I have a host of other health issues (chronic lyme disease, POTS) and already deal with extreme fatigue, I was not at all able to tolerate the Flecanide. I was also super scared about taking a drug of this type and seriousness, after I read the drug warning I lost it! After only about a week of Flecanide, I switched to Metoprolol. It was instantly more easy to tolerate although it definitely does give me lots of fatigue and some weakness, still, better than Flecanide. I am surprised that I have still been having tons of palpiations on the metoprolol, and two or three incidences of sinus tachycardia, as well as a suspected VT episode today. I am so surpised that I could still have tachycardia when my resting heart rate is now super low, at 55 (because of the BB). I am wondering if it is because my dose is too low, I am on 25 morning and night. I am increasing to 50 mg as of today. I may end up having the ablation, but ofcourse, I am terrified of that as well. I still can't believe all this has happened and I am totally overwhelmed and upset, and anxious like crazy. On another note, has anyone else found that your palpitations are worse in the morning and evening? I would appreciate anyones experience with beta blockers, or ablation, or VT, though i am sure that is rare. Thanks so much.

RoboPop 05/22/2017

Metoprolol is not an anti-arrhythmic drug, it's a blood pressure medication. It is not the optimal treatment for Tachycardia. It basically reduces the stress on the heart muscle. I've been on Metoprolol for 10 years and it doesn't work on my V-Tach either but hey there's always trade offs. Ask for extended release and take the drug at bed time, that'll help with the tiredness.

luv2teachspeech 05/22/2017

Do you take anything for VT? Any arrhythmic? Do you think I should get the ablation? Have you had one? Thank you so much!!

luv2teachspeech 05/22/2017

I know it's not an antiarrytmic, but can be used to help w VT. My doctor said he would rather me be on flecanide, but the bb is the next choice.

vwidow 06/12/2017

I'm not a doctor, and I thank God Almighty for that. I've had Lyme, for almost 20 years. They say you never get rid of it. I didn't take antibios until 3 yrs later, and then again some years after that. I wish I never took them at all, unless it was right during the initial infection. They just gave me geographical tongue - hurting my intestinal bacteria/immune system. I used to get palpitations - mainly @ night or morning like you said. I am very anti-drug as you can tell.
Iodine is important for thyroid function (eaten in the form of kelp, seaweed). I don't get arrhythmias anymore. Other things like B vitamins are important for the heart. Garlic and onions for circulation (natural blood thinners) and niacin as well. MSM (sulfur) and vit -C for connective tissue and general health. And just recently learned of vitamin k2 (mk-7 form) for keeping calcium out of blood vessels and into bones where it belongs. Natto the biggest source of it.(a Japanese dish of fermented soybeans). Also naturally brewed soy sauce (Korean style). This has many benefits/studies you can read about.

belsheart 07/25/2017

I hope they have u on Metropol succinate and not tartrate. It will make you tired, but should help with some of the heartrythmn issues you feel. I have the same condition, among others. I did have an ablation that took care of some of my PVCs. That is also when they discovered an "easily inducible" v-tach that led to v-fib. That meant I had to get a defibrillator right away. I still take metropol succinate and if I don't, i feel what I call bumpy heart. It's not a good feeling.

With a serious diagnosis, it does take some time to adjust. If they think they can ablate it, I would suggest trying it. Otherwise you have to deal with the low heart rate and fatigue of metoprolol.

I sure hope you get some relief

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