Question 1

I've been noticing my heart beating really noticeably when I'm lying down. My ECG came out normal, and the doctor mentioned it's palpitations and gave me some medication for it. Any idea how long it might take before the palpitations go away?

Accepted Answer

The duration for palpitations to improve can vary depending on the individual and the specific medication prescribed. However, in general, you may start to notice an improvement in your palpitations within a few days to a couple of weeks after starting the medication. It is important to take the medication as prescribed by your doctor and follow up with them for any necessary adjustments.

Question 2

I'm wondering if it's normal to have tachycardia because both my ECG and echo tests came back normal, but I still experience it. My heart feels like it's beating really loudly, and when I check my pulse with an oximeter, it can shoot up to around 120, then it settles back to normal after a while. It's pretty scary when my heart rate spikes like that. Are there any more tests I should consider to figure out what's going on?

Accepted Answer

Tachycardia, or a fast heart rate, can be concerning even if your ECG and echo are normal. Since you are experiencing symptoms such as a loud heartbeat and fluctuations in your pulse rate, it is important to further investigate the underlying cause. To address your tachycardia and associated symptoms, you may consider undergoing additional tests such as a Holter monitor to continuously record your heart's activity over 24-48 hours, a stress test to evaluate your heart's function during physical activity, and blood tests to check for any underlying medical conditions. In the meantime, to help manage your tachycardia symptoms, you can consider taking medications such as Metoprolol (25-50mg) to help regulate your heart rate and reduce the sensation of palpitations. It is important to follow up with your healthcare provider for further evaluation and management.

Question 3

I'm looking for some advice about my heart health. I had a CT coronary angiogram about three years ago because I was having chest pains and my exercise capacity was low. The results showed no significant stenosis in any artery, but Im wondering if minor blockages might have been overlooked. Also, it mentioned that my circulation is left dominant, and I'm curious if that could be related to my chest pain. Do you think it's necessary to repeat the CT angio even though I'm worried about the radiation exposure?

Accepted Answer

If your CT coronary angiogram from 3 years ago showed no significant stenosis in any artery, it means that there were no major blockages detected at that time. Minor blocks may not have been mentioned in the report because they were not significant enough to cause concern. The fact that your circulation is left dominant is just a variation in the blood supply to your heart and is not necessarily a cause for chest pain. Based on the information provided, if you are still experiencing chest pains or other concerning symptoms, it may be advisable to consult with a cardiologist to determine if a repeat CT angio or other cardiac tests are necessary. However, the decision to repeat the CT angio should be based on your current symptoms and risk factors, rather than just for routine surveillance. It is important to weigh the potential benefits of the test against the risks of radiation exposure.

echo advised once in 6-12 months..

More Cardiology Health Queries

I've been noticing my heart beating really noticeably when I'm lying down. My ECG came out normal, and the doctor mentioned it's palpitations and gave me some medication for it. Any idea how long it might take before the palpitations go away?

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