Three weeks ago I was diagnosed with a first degree level AV heartblock and sinus arythmia. So far, I've had a stress test, an EKG, echocardiogram, pulmonary testing and my cholesterol levels checked (good was low, bad was high, tri was perfect).
The cardiologist I saw today is not taking my concerns about this diagnosis seriously. Google has helped me learn more about the condition but there is no information about how to treat this heart conduction defect. I have shortness of breath, dizziness and am lightheaded. And two months ago I quit smoking (smoker 1 pk a day for 15 years), changed my diet and started trying to walk 30 minutes at least 3 times a week.
All my tests fall within the "normal" range. If its all about a numbers game, how can I be sure my cardiologist, or any cardiologist will help me? So far, the only action taken by my cardiologist was to prescribe some lipitor (I'm 36 with high cholesterol and a family history of congestive heart failure) for me to take. I also want to add I have two previous brain injuries from car accidents and have been treated for neck and back injuries and dizzines related to those accidents.
I also have a CT scan test scheduled to measure the plague in my heart in two weeks. I told my cardiologist this today at my appointment, and he tried to disuade me by telling me to cancel it. He added that I already know I have high bad cholesterol and that the heart CT scan will only show that amount of plague in my heart and add un-necessary worry.
What kind of cardiologist tries to disuade a patient from getting further testing, knowing my family history of heart disease?
Obviously, I can find more cardiologists to get more opinions. But what more can I do to empower myself knowing what I do know, despite the normal results of all my testing? My cardiologist even told me that my sinus arythmia was a common thing and not to worry.
So I'm supposed to be okay with being short of breath the rest of my life? Ok, just to allay your fears some, your cardiologist is right to try to get you to relax about these conditions.
Sinus arrhythmia is quite common, especially for young people, say under 35. If you're older and have SA it can indicate a person is prone to other more serious arrhythmias.
1st degree AV block is also a VERY minor condition. It doesn't result in any symptoms either. However, it can indicate a propensity to developing more serious blocks, like 2nd and 3rd degree blocks, which can be very symptomatic.
I understand why your doc is discouraging the CT. The amount of radiation you receive from a CT is equivalent to approx. 500 chest Xrays. You don't want to have that level of radiation exposure unless there is a current and pressing need. The test might show some degree of plaque accumulation, but it's more likely to result in a cancer that might not have developed otherwise.
You already know you need to modify your lifestyle. The lipitor, exercise and diet are a great start. Quitting the smoking is the BEST thing you've done so far. It's very likely the smoking is the cause of the plaque. Stopping smoking combined with your lifestyle change will likely result in a reduction of any accumulated plaque over the next few years.
The family history of CHF is not a huge concern to your cardiologist, because CHF is ordinarily brought on by a heart muscle weakened by heart attack, ongoing ischemic heart disease, hypertrophy of the heart or respiratory dysfunction that puts strain on the heart. Smokers are much more prone to CHF.
If all your tests, EKG, stress test... have come out normal, you need to relax and continue the positive lifestyle changes you've made so far and add one or two more.
It is ESSENTIAL that you bring down your stress levels. When they say stress kills, they are not exaggerating in the least. Type A personalities dominate the cardiac patient population. I would guess they make up at least 95 percent of my patient population.
I've also noticed that "Early Birds" are equally dominating in that group. Guess it goes hand in hand with the Type A group. I've asked every pt I test in the morning if they're early birds and the VAST majority are. 26 years worth of polling supports my theory.
I really do understand your concerns, but listen to your cardiologist and just keep doing what you're doing. If you do, you should the healthiest in the pack.
If, in the future, you feel your heart rhythm change, race for no reason, or seem fluttery, go and get assessed again. They'll do a 24 holter monitor recording and determine the severity of the arrhythmia.
Until then, keep up the good work and RELAX!!! ;D Most sources consider 1st degree AV block benign. You have had all the tests needed to rule out cardiac causes. I'm not saying you are not having symptoms, but alternate causes should be ruled out. See a Neurologist & Respirologist. Report It
http://www.merck.com/mmpe/prin...
"First-degree AV block is always asymptomatic and no treatment is required, but further investigation may be indicated when it accompanies another heart disorder or appears to be caused by drugs." Report It
http://www.emedicine.com/emerg...
http://www.pilotfriend.com/aer... Report It
BTW, saying "Neither of you have helped me at all....." is downright rude. Neither of us had to read your novella, or respond with the benefit of our experience. Bob gave an excellent reply, IMO, and so did I.
GL in your search for the answer you want to hear. Report It
First degree heart block is one of the most common cardiac electrical disturbances. Usually they do not treat it unless you are symptomatic because of the heart block. Really there is no "block", but more of a delay in the AV node. Many people are in sinus arrhythmia, as its just an irregularity in heart rate. Its called the respiratory arrhythmia because respirations can cause it.
IF you arent on any meds that might slow the conduction through the av node, there isnt probably much to do.
What did your echo show? What was your ejection fraction? Why the shortness of breath? Was he concerned about athero or arteriosclerosis? Have you had a calcium scan performed to look for calcium build up on the plaque? Possibly some decreased flow to artery flowing to the AV node. I belive its the LAD, but im not 100 percent sure.
Also, what type of cardiologist? They have specialist now that specialize in electrophysiology of the heart. They deal more precisely with electrical problem within the heart.
I would be more concerned about your cause of shortness of breath, dizziness, and lightheadedness.
If you do not feel that this cardiologist answered your questions, seek another opinion.
Good l uck |
