[mnm1207]

I went and saw the pulmonologist today and he does not believe it is my lungs...he believes it is my heart. Here we go again.... He said that the second I get up and start walking my heartrate jumps significantly. The last thing left is pulmonary hypertension. I am not sure what else makes heart rate jump so much. I live on the 3rd floor and can barely make it up my stairs....out of breath and my heart is going way over 100. Not sure what it could be....but I am incredibly scared.

[jkfrench]

Hi Maria
You know, I think I told you that my heart used to do that too. If I would sit still it would stay under 90 but if I got up to do anything or even if I raised my arms up in the air it would jump up over 100.
Now, my doctor called this inappropriate sinus tachycardia and perscribed atenolol. I have never had a problem since I have taken atenolol with IST. I have been taking only 1/4 of the pill for over 20 years.
I can see why this is making you crazy. I know I have said this before to but try the atenolol.
Jodie

[mnm1207]

Did it cause your nails to be purplish too? And short of breath? Frustrated because I am so young and can't even walk around and function

[jkfrench]

short of breath..yes
purple nails .....no
Again, I understand your frustration. Something isn't right.
Let's start from the beginning
List all the test you have had and the results.
What have the doctors ruled out based on your tests?

[mnm1207]

I had a thallium stress that had come out positive, but then a cardiac mri that came out negative for a blockage...so the Dr. said it was safe to say there was no blockage. (I hope) I just has a ct of my chest, blood work, echo, EKG all normal. I had a pulmonary function test that was considered mildly abnormal on the DLCO part of it. My nails are constantly purple (my toes are blue) and do get darker when I get cold. It is only the nail bed, that is why I know its not Raynauds. I am hoping this is something simple and not something that can really harm me. When I was at the pulm today he became quite concerned because my heartrate jumped when he had me walk around. Everytime I get up to do anything, I feel my rate shoot up.

[jkfrench]

okay so
Your heart structurally is good so the issue with the nail beds has to be something else right?
I'm sure the pulm is good but he isn't a cardio and that is why he got upset with the heart jumping all over the place. I remember you said you didn't like your cardio. Did you find another one?
Here is a link that explains IST
IST - inappropriate sinus tachycardia
I think the nail bed and the fast heart rate are two separate issues. Atenolol really works for the heart.
What beta blocker are you taking now?

[mnm1207]

They actually didn't want to put me on a beta blocker because I was on toporal and it dropped my blood pressure dangerously low. I was just thinking because I can't walk around without being out of breath, that would have something to do with my heart or lungs. I will look at that link...thanks. Just want to get back to normal and am scared of the worst possible things. Pulmonary hypertension.....having a bad rhythm....

[jkfrench]

I don't blame you for being afraid.
Yes, I remember the toporal conversation.
But, ask your doctor about atenolol. You can start with 1/4 of the 25mg pill like I did. That was all I needed to keep my heart from jumping up to over 120 just because I stood up or walked the stairs. Mine started at around your age. Just because one drug isn't working for you doesn't mean you shouldn't try another. It would seem to me that if you could take care of that problem you would feel so much better and then focus on why the heck your nail beds are blue. I remember my ob/gyn scaring me to death because she thought my heart was way to fast. That is what I meant about your pulm getting over excited about your heart rate. I don't think having a bad rhythm would happen because your heart is structurally good. But, IST is not life threatening and if that is what is causing your heart issues then it is an easy fix with the right drug. I remember it got really bad when I was pregnant. I went to lunch with my mom and we walked around a little and my heart was going wild. I was 5 months pregnant and thought I was going to die for sure. I saw 3 different cardiologist before I was finally given the atenolol and boy it worked. The very next day, I was better.
Don't forget to look at that link. When do you go back to your cardiologist?

[mnm1207]

Monday...and it couldn't come sooner!!! I hope my nails are just a weird thing that happened because I was stressed about trouble breathing and my heart. My heart has raced in the middle of the night since I was 19, and they never really did anything about it!

[jkfrench]

yep, I had my first episode in the middle of the night at 17. It was racing so hard I could hear it. It took 10 years for a doctor to actually give me a drug that worked. Please ask your doctor about atenolol and insist that you want to try it. I am really wierd about taking anything. I'm even afraid to get botox because it might make my heart race so believe me when I say that this pill really works. Cut it in quarters and take 1/4 before you go to bed. Sometimes I get breakthrough episodes (not very often) during the day and I just take another 1/4. It doesn't drop my blood pressure to low.
Read that link. It describes you just like it did me.
Jodie