Heart Trouble

[anonymous]

Hey, do any of you worry about developing heart problems due to CF problems? I was reading about cor pulmonale which is right-sided heart failure which can happen in CFers. It happens because the blood vessels in the lungs get damaged which puts added strain on the right side of the heart. Heart problems run in my family and I don't know why, but I'm completely paranoid about my heart health. And I noticed recently that I've been getting alot of heart palpitations which is freaking me out even more. Does anyone else get heart palpitations often? I get them at random times throughout the day, but sometimes I'll have like 20 in a 5 minute span. And I think they have been getting worse the last week. It's weird because the only thing I have been doing different the past few weeks is INCREASING my physio (percussion, pep mask, etc). What causes these palpitations? Should I be worried? Is my heart failing? Because to tell you the truth, I really freaking out here! I have doctor's appointment in 2 weeks, but I don't know if I can wait that long. Any advice or information would really be appreciated. Thanks for listening,

Rose - 23 f/cf

 

[Scarlett81]

slow down!
You could be getting more heart palpitations if you've increased you're albuterol or whatever bronchodilator you use with chest physio. Those inhaled meds cause heart palpitations if you use them alot.
Also-if a person runs, or does alot of cardio their heart rate goes up. Well if your'e doing more coughing-or more physio your heart rate could be going up b/c of that.
Either way, get it checked out. I've heard of a few cases of heart valve trouble in cfers, but I've also heard of cfers having no heart problems, b/c their heart is "worked out" alot from all the coughing. Much like a person who jogs every day will have a healthier heart from the exercise.
If you can't wait 2 weeks I'd call your doc-tell them you're worried. I doubt they'll make you wait to come in. Or call your family dcotor. Maybe they can order a heart scan or stress test.
Either way-no point in getting all stressed out until you know what's up. That's definately NOT good for your heart!

 

[Landy]

You most likely are not having heart failure. My heart has palpitations too--sometimes related to stress and also albuterol used to make my heart skip around, then I switched to Xopenex & I don't notice it as much.
During one of these episodes I even wore a halter heart monitor & they said that I had a rhythm disturbance that was nothing to worry about. Heart issues run in my family too, so I know that can make you more anxious about it too.
Speaking of being anxious....when I am anxious about something like going to the doctor, personal things going on in my life and even when my lungs are giving me a hard time, I notice these palpitations. Do you notice your heart doing it's thing during any of these times?
For peace of mind, you could call your doctor or talk to your doctor in a couple of weeks when you go in & ask to wear a monitor or do an EKG or something to see if there's need for concern or just for peace of mind so you can know what it is and that (most likely) it isn't anything to worry about.
It is very unsettling when your heart's skipping around, but with time I've learned just to try to ignore it.
I hope all checks out OK for you<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

 

[thelizardqueen]

I know when I take my Symbicort and my albuterol I get major heart palpitations. Its just a side effect of the meds. That being said, could it be that you're giving yourself anxiety over this? Anxiety also causes heart palpitations. Just a thought.

 

[Diane]

Another cause of palpitations can be dehydration. I was told this a few years ago and always kept it in mind. I do get palpitations and i also have a heart murmer ( mitral value prolapse). Heart problems run in my family as well . It can be scary to experience palpitations especially when you have a history of heart problems in the family, talk to your doctor and see maybe he/she can run some tests to put your mind at ease...........