ICD

Hi, I am a 69 year old male with an ICD fitted a few yers ago. Also had a Hypertrophic Cardiomiopathy diagnosis.

Had no problems till last September when I was awakened by a rapid heart rate (94BPM) I know this is not regarded generally as 'fast' but it is for me. Resting I am usually around 50 and out and about 70-90. After only being occasional its now happening several times a day and lasts anything from a few minutes to 12 hours before returning to normal.This leaves me feeling anxious. I take the usual meds - Bisoprolol, statiins, riveroxaban and ramapril. Trying to get a consultation but its very difficult in the UK at the moment, Should I be worried?

3 Comments

Appointments

by piglet22 - 2023-04-17 06:09:27

I'm fully with you on the difficuties with appointments in the UK and NHS.

It seems to be in meltdown as far as any consultations go. I'm currently on a wait to speak to someone for problems that started in January 2023. The earliest I can get is 30th June 2023 for a 15-minute phone call. Hardly seems worth the effort.

I can't give you much advice on the raised heart rate as my experience is in the opposite direction. I certainly haven't seen anything over 90 bpm for decades.

I've found the GP to be the most helpful and I would recommend the surgery as the first port of call. for reassurance, but they have limited means to access the consultants in my neck of the woods.

Good luck and don't worry too much.

Meds

by Penguin - 2023-04-17 14:24:16

Yes, it is difficult to get an appointment atm. and the short answer is that I don't know whether or not you should be worried. You say that it's unusual and new for you. Usually that's worth discussing with a doctor. 

On the face of it, you're on all the right drugs to prevent a stroke and to limit your heart rate and the heart rates are below 100 bpm but I'm not medically qualified and couldn't tell you if there's something new emerging which is a cause for concern or whether your drug regime needs a review. 

You mention anxiety.  12 hours is a very long time for an anxiety attack to persist! 

If you can ring your pacing clinic I would do so and ask them to take a look at any home monitoring for the long (12 hour) episodes. If that's not something you can do you could ring your GP for advice and ask for a call back. There's also the 111 information service for episodes out of GP hours. You could discuss your concerns with them. 

I hope you get it sorted. 

12 lead ECG

by Rch - 2023-04-17 23:39:44

 

Hi

Does your device have a pacemaker function? If not, your atrial and ventricular depolarization are intrinsic and you could check your rhythm on the Kardia if you have one. If you don't and the palpitations last long enough, you could have a family member drop you off at your GP's office for a 12- lead ECG. If your GP doesn't accept any walk-ins, I'm afraid you would have to go to an Acute care clinic to have one done. Just knowing what rhythm you are in, might lower your anxiety and the heart rate! 

 

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