Question 1

I'm 26 and a few months back, I had a fever that went away in a week. Then, out of nowhere, my heart rate shot up to 144 bpm, and I felt like there was an air bubble in my chest. I got an ECG done, which showed minor ST and T wave abnormalities, and I'm attaching it here. Now and then, I still get these episodes. While my 2D echo and blood pressure are normal, I've been dealing with random chest pains that last just a secondsometimes on the right and then on the left. My stomach feels upset too, and I get really gassy during these times. I'm confused about what might be causing these ECG changes. Curiously, I never feel chest pain when jogging or exercising, only when I'm at rest. Different doctors have told me different things; some say it's normal, and others think it might be gas. What's really going on here? Should I be worried about these ECG changes?

Accepted Answer

The symptoms you are experiencing, along with the ECG changes showing minor ST and T wave abnormality, could be indicative of a condition called Premature Ventricular Contractions (PVCs). PVCs are extra heartbeats that begin in one of your heart's two lower pumping chambers (ventricles). They may feel like a fluttering or a flip-flop in your chest. The sensation can be triggered by certain activities, emotions, or medications. To help manage your symptoms and reduce the occurrence of PVCs, you can try taking over-the-counter medication such as **Propranolol (Inderal)** at a dosage of 10-30 mg three to four times a day. This medication can help regulate your heart rate and reduce the frequency of PVCs. Additionally, you can try to reduce stress and anxiety through relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises or yoga. It is important to follow up with a cardiologist for further evaluation and management. They may recommend additional tests such as a Holter monitor or an event monitor to capture your heart's activity over an extended period. This will help determine the underlying cause of your symptoms and guide appropriate treatment. In the meantime, try to avoid triggers such as caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco, which can exacerbate PVCs. Stay hydrated, maintain a healthy diet, and get regular exercise to support your heart health. If you experience severe chest pain, dizziness, or fainting spells, seek immediate medical attention.

Question 2

I'm having these ongoing pressure-like pains in my chest, neck, and shoulder. It's really making me anxious, even though I had an echo and TMT just two months ago, and they were normal. My cardiologist said its not my heart, but I cant shake off the ...

Accepted Answer

Since your cardiologist has already ruled out any heart-related issues with a normal echo and TMT two months ago, the pain may be due to musculoskeletal issues or other non-cardiac causes. To help alleviate your symptoms, you can try taking over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain relief. Additionally, you can use muscle relaxants like Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine) to help with any muscle tension contributing to your discomfort. It's important to follow the recommended dosage instructions on the medication packaging. If the pain persists or worsens, consider consulting with a physician for further evaluation and management.

Question 3

I'm a bit worried because my doctor mentioned that I have an irregular heartbeat. Is this something normal or should I be concerned about it? Can you tell me if this might cause any problems?

Accepted Answer

An irregular heartbeat, also known as arrhythmia, can be normal and harmless in some cases, but it can also indicate an underlying condition, such as atrial fibrillation, heart valve problems, or electrolyte imbalances; consult your doctor to determine the cause and appropriate treatment, as some arrhythmias can increase the risk of stroke, heart failure, or other complications.

Question 4

So, my dad has been having this burning feeling in his feet and they found out its because of a blockage in the artery in his legs. He also has some kidney problems that we didnt know about because hes had high blood pressure for a long time without ...

Accepted Answer

Considering your father's age and his active lifestyle, it is important to assess the risks and benefits of angiography and angioplasty. These procedures can help in diagnosing and treating blockages in the arteries, which can improve blood flow to the legs and reduce symptoms like burning sensation in the feet. For someone with a history of undiagnosed hypertension and deteriorating kidney function, it is crucial to manage these conditions to prevent further complications. The hypertension medication prescribed will help in controlling blood pressure and protecting the kidneys. In this case, it would be best for your father to follow the advice of his healthcare provider and undergo the recommended angiography. Based on the results of the angiography, further decisions can be made regarding the need for angioplasty or other interventions. It is important to prioritize his cardiovascular health to maintain his active lifestyle and overall well-being. Additionally, it is essential for your father to continue his regular physical activity, like walking, as it is beneficial for his cardiovascular health. Ensuring a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, is key in managing these conditions. If you have any further questions or concerns, feel free to ask.

Question 5

I recently had a TMT test and got a negative result, but a couple of PVCs showed up during the test. Should I be worried about this? Is there any treatment or something I should consider?

Accepted Answer

Premature Ventricular Contractions (PVCs) are extra heartbeats that begin in one of your heart's two lower pumping chambers (ventricles). Occasional PVCs are typically harmless, especially if you have no underlying heart disease. However, if you are experiencing frequent PVCs or have a history of heart disease, it is important to consult with a cardiologist for further evaluation. In terms of treatment, if PVCs are causing symptoms or are frequent, your doctor may prescribe antiarrhythmic medications such as **Metoprolol** at a specific dosage to help reduce the occurrence of PVCs and manage any associated symptoms. Additionally, lifestyle changes such as reducing caffeine and alcohol intake, managing stress, and getting regular exercise may also help in managing PVCs. Remember, it is important to follow up with your healthcare provider for a personalized treatment plan based on your individual health needs.

Question 6

I'm getting really worried because my BP has been consistently at 160 over 120, even after taking the telmisartan and amlodipine 5 mg tablets. What could be happening, and why isn't my blood pressure going down?

Accepted Answer

Get yourself evaluated for resistant hypertension. Get basic workup also done

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Related Questions

I'm having these ongoing pressure-like pains in my chest, neck, and shoulder. It's really making me anxious, even though I had an echo and TMT just two months ago, and they were normal. My cardiologist said its not my heart, but I cant shake off the ...

I'm a bit worried because my doctor mentioned that I have an irregular heartbeat. Is this something normal or should I be concerned about it? Can you tell me if this might cause any problems?

So, my dad has been having this burning feeling in his feet and they found out its because of a blockage in the artery in his legs. He also has some kidney problems that we didnt know about because hes had high blood pressure for a long time without ...

I recently had a TMT test and got a negative result, but a couple of PVCs showed up during the test. Should I be worried about this? Is there any treatment or something I should consider?

I'm getting really worried because my BP has been consistently at 160 over 120, even after taking the telmisartan and amlodipine 5 mg tablets. What could be happening, and why isn't my blood pressure going down?

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