Discussion
Yes - I'm in the right place, this isn't for General Gassing!
I've recently been feeling off colour, tired and odd. GP suggested an ECG, which came back with Sinus Bradycardia - slow heart rate. Blood tests were fine. Blood pressure high - 155/90 or so. I'm 47, 13 stone, fairly fit, healthy.
When the test was done, heart rate was 49 bpm. It can drop to low 40's, or be 'normal' in the 60's. There is no rhyme or reason to it. I found a really clever iPhone app to measure it - uses the camera and flash to detect changes in colour in the fingertip.
Thing is - I feel really crap when the heart rate drops below 52 or so. I've not been near fainting, but I feel really washed out, spacey and have also occasionally had heart sensations like a twinge, not really a pain. It is really hard to concentrate at work.
GPs are dismissive. They seem to think it could be stress related. I have got a lot on at the moment but I really don't feel stressed! Thing is - it isn't getting better and it must be because of something. I nearly went to A&E when I had the chest sensations but I thought it wasn't really the thing to do - it's not like my arm is hanging off - and I will feel better a few hours later.
Anyone any ideas or suggestions what could be the cause of this and what I should do? Go to my GP and hold my breath until I get a referral to a cardiologist, wander into A&E next time I get a heart sensation, or man up in true Pistonheads style?
I've recently been feeling off colour, tired and odd. GP suggested an ECG, which came back with Sinus Bradycardia - slow heart rate. Blood tests were fine. Blood pressure high - 155/90 or so. I'm 47, 13 stone, fairly fit, healthy.
When the test was done, heart rate was 49 bpm. It can drop to low 40's, or be 'normal' in the 60's. There is no rhyme or reason to it. I found a really clever iPhone app to measure it - uses the camera and flash to detect changes in colour in the fingertip.
Thing is - I feel really crap when the heart rate drops below 52 or so. I've not been near fainting, but I feel really washed out, spacey and have also occasionally had heart sensations like a twinge, not really a pain. It is really hard to concentrate at work.
GPs are dismissive. They seem to think it could be stress related. I have got a lot on at the moment but I really don't feel stressed! Thing is - it isn't getting better and it must be because of something. I nearly went to A&E when I had the chest sensations but I thought it wasn't really the thing to do - it's not like my arm is hanging off - and I will feel better a few hours later.
Anyone any ideas or suggestions what could be the cause of this and what I should do? Go to my GP and hold my breath until I get a referral to a cardiologist, wander into A&E next time I get a heart sensation, or man up in true Pistonheads style?
Might it be worth seeking a second opinion? You can target specialist GPs here: http://www.nhs.uk/Pages/HomePage.aspx
Collegue of mine had similar symptoms which were diagnosed as stress and anxiety related due to work and break-up of marriage. Poor diet as a result of the stress compounded her issues. Good luck!
Collegue of mine had similar symptoms which were diagnosed as stress and anxiety related due to work and break-up of marriage. Poor diet as a result of the stress compounded her issues. Good luck!
just that it may be unrelated to your symptoms?Keep on at your doc if nothing else.
I've had high blood pressure for about 15 years or more. Doctors have been pretty dismissive, saying take pills. I have refused arguing that I would rather get weight down or control it with exercise. Nurses at surgery have kept saying would you like to have a stroke and die.
Earlier this year I lost my voice, and started coughing up what looked like blood. We also around that time got a new doc. Was told to go for a chest x-ray, which showed nothing except an enlarged heart. Blood I was coughing up (and loss of voice) was caused by irritation as a result of acid reflux and totally unrelated. But the enlarged heart set of bells with the doc. Had to have the ECG, then an echo-cardiogram. All showed high blood pressure and a lower than expected rest heart rate (mine is around 60bpm).
So back to the doctor I go for a discussion on the heart traces. Doc says he doesn't want to give me pills for the blood pressure without knowing why the pressure is there. They do a 24 hour trace on bp, and arrange an MRI. Unfortunately I am claustrophobic and cannot stand the MRI, so I am sent to see a cardiologist. Cardio now wants to do a CAT scan, and also test my urine to see if I am producing too much (I think he said) adrenalin. He thinks it may be kidney related.
The upshot of the story is that if you let them they can fob you off for years, get them to sit up and take notice and they can (and should) investigate these matters, and get to the bottom of your problems. Its all too easy for a GP to write out a script that will deal with symptoms, but a pill may not address the root of the problem.
Good luck OP and keep on at your doctor until he refers you. And if he refuses, just walk into A&E next time you get the funny feelings, or even better consider whether you should dial 999. Not intending to frighten you, but you cannot be too careful, one day it may well be a heart attack or something similarly serious.
I've had high blood pressure for about 15 years or more. Doctors have been pretty dismissive, saying take pills. I have refused arguing that I would rather get weight down or control it with exercise. Nurses at surgery have kept saying would you like to have a stroke and die.
Earlier this year I lost my voice, and started coughing up what looked like blood. We also around that time got a new doc. Was told to go for a chest x-ray, which showed nothing except an enlarged heart. Blood I was coughing up (and loss of voice) was caused by irritation as a result of acid reflux and totally unrelated. But the enlarged heart set of bells with the doc. Had to have the ECG, then an echo-cardiogram. All showed high blood pressure and a lower than expected rest heart rate (mine is around 60bpm).
So back to the doctor I go for a discussion on the heart traces. Doc says he doesn't want to give me pills for the blood pressure without knowing why the pressure is there. They do a 24 hour trace on bp, and arrange an MRI. Unfortunately I am claustrophobic and cannot stand the MRI, so I am sent to see a cardiologist. Cardio now wants to do a CAT scan, and also test my urine to see if I am producing too much (I think he said) adrenalin. He thinks it may be kidney related.
The upshot of the story is that if you let them they can fob you off for years, get them to sit up and take notice and they can (and should) investigate these matters, and get to the bottom of your problems. Its all too easy for a GP to write out a script that will deal with symptoms, but a pill may not address the root of the problem.
Good luck OP and keep on at your doctor until he refers you. And if he refuses, just walk into A&E next time you get the funny feelings, or even better consider whether you should dial 999. Not intending to frighten you, but you cannot be too careful, one day it may well be a heart attack or something similarly serious.
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