A Heart Thing during dinner,heavy chest, etc.

SleepyNoMore · Post by **SleepyNoMore** » Sat Nov 03, 2007 11:42 pm

We we're finishing up with dinner when I started getting a rapid heart beat (my heart normally beats slow ) , I had this quick little small like headache pain in my forehead and that went away quickly. I felt light headed and a little dizzy, and my chest got very heavy I was also shakey and felt strange in my head. I took a puff of my inhaler and that helped a little. I have an appointment with a Cardiologist on the 12th. of this month. I have had this heart thing going on (off and on) for about 3-4 years , rapid heartbeat, sweating, complete weakness to a point to where I have to run to the bedroom to get back in bed. I am so shaky from being so week and I feel all of my blood rushing down my legs but, since I started cpap therapy about 3 months ago, I have been about 98% better. Does this happen to anyone else? Another question about the HH setting, I have literally been inhaling streams of water that collects in the nasal pillow of my swift 11 mask, I have it set on 1, then bumped it up to 2 because the air is so cold, and it's still cold but I get all that water in my nose, I thought I was going to drown a couple of nights ago! Do you think I should try to set it to 3 or 4? Our house temp is around 72 to 76 degrees and that's without the use of the Heater or AC ! Thanks

kteague · Post by **kteague** » Sun Nov 04, 2007 1:19 am

Not sure if same as you, but I was told that I have PVCs, Premature Ventricular Contractions. Doc explained that when several of these rapid beats run together is when I'd feel the symptoms of being weak and shaky. A heartbeat normally has strength and pushes blood thru with each pump. These beats happen too fast to be strong and they do not pump the blood efficiently. While I am on some meds that seem to help with that while helping my BP, the doc said he wouldn't put me on meds for the fast beats un;ess they put me in danger (like collapsing or passing out). Not there yet.

Kathy

Julie · Post by **Julie** » Sun Nov 04, 2007 4:26 am

Hi, yes keep your appointment, but try to relax until then, because it's very possible you're having something like anxiety, or panic attacks which feel exactly like you're 'going to die' (most of the symptoms you mentioned) but you're not going to die at all, just panic at the symptoms (which becomes a vicious cycle because fear of the feelings, rather than the result, can be the worst of it).

LyleHaze · Post by **LyleHaze** » Sun Nov 04, 2007 2:10 pm

Hi,
I have heart issues also, though I suspect that if I had treated the apnea sonner.. Well, I guess I'll never know if the first heart attack could have been prevented.

"rainout" from your mask can be reduced by getting a hose wrap, flannel or terrycloth are better insulators than silk or satin. Higher humidifier settings will make it worse. If you can afford it, the "aussie heated hose" is probably the most sure-fire fix.

I have a Swift 1, and if I notice moisture build-up, I just face downward, and the moisture all blows out the vent holes, but I'm usually on my side or face down already.

Regarding my heart, I'm still careful, and sometimes a bit worried about chest pains, but I have not noticed anything that seems CPAP related. These past six months since I started CPAP have improved ALL aspects of my health, but I try to stay alert.

Good Health,
LyleHaze

WearyOne · Post by **WearyOne** » Sun Nov 04, 2007 2:19 pm

Yes, yes, keep that appointment. If it's PVC's, the majority of the time they're normal, but do need to be checked. How is your blood pressure? LOW BP could make you feel shaky and like you're going to faint because the heart isn't pumping enough blood back UP to your head, so it makes you feel dizzy and lightheaded. Then when you lie down, it gets better.

Could be panic attacks--I've had plenty over the years, the symptoms can be exactly like you explained.

Or possibly something you ate? Ever noticed if this happens after a heavy meal or a certain type of food? Also, sensitivity to MSG can cause some of those symptoms.

Have you had your thyroid checked recently (not just TSH, but two other ones called Free T4 and Free T3)? A messed-up thyroid can mess with your cardiovascular system and also make you feel hot, shaky, dizzy, etc. The symptoms with this don't USUALLY come and go like yours, but thought I'd mention it anyway.

Have you ever thought about purchasing a heated hose to help with the coldness and water condensation?

Keep us posted!

Pam

RosemaryB · Post by **RosemaryB** » Sun Nov 04, 2007 3:01 pm

I was getting lots of rainout. I have the Aussie hose. I raised the temperature in the house and that took care of it. This is an expensive solution, but until you find out what's going on, raising the bedroom temperature would be worth the extra cost of getting the best sleep possible.

jomac30 · Post by **jomac30** » Sun Nov 04, 2007 5:22 pm

I get ra[id heartbeat and shakey after eating if I eat too much(which happens on holidays) I was told overeating puts a strain on the heart. You're probably not over eating, but I thought I'd just share my experience.

Julie · Post by **Julie** » Mon Nov 05, 2007 4:21 am

Rapid heart and shakiness after eating (especially if the meal was carb-heavy) could be a sign of hypoglycemia and you should get your blood sugar checked.

Sundown · Post by **Sundown** » Mon Nov 12, 2007 4:00 pm

Normal mom of two... 43... happy.. and BAMB!!! One Saturday in Aug. out of the blue I thought I was dying... fast heart palps.... clammy... breathing hurt....family rushed me to ER.... bloodwork was done... EKG... chest x-ray... "Well your heart looks fine, you must be having a panic attack." PANIC ATTACK???? I have never had a panic attack in my life. Well since then, I have gone to a Cardiologist and have done Treadmill Stress Test....Echo... (all turned out good) and now they want to do a Cardio Cath on me... just to be sure... My blood pressure is normally 98 over 72 and pulse 88... low cholest... yet when I had the attack... my BP was 144 over 100 and pulse was 108.... scariest thing I have ever felt. I am scared to death of the Cardio Cath because of the risks... yet...they want to be sure. I may chicken out.. it's in 2 days.

I have had five attacks since the first one. I know that the last one was caused by the eight deep sea scallops I ate....I could feel my heart beating very fast and I felt horrible again...also.. like other say... MSG and other chemicals can cause heart palps...even the preservatives in dried fruits.

So I have been very careful. I also sleep much better now that I am on CPAP... I feel safer when I am on it.

Please go to the cardiologist ... just to be sure, though.... I still am wondering if I am having Heart issues or Panic attacks...

_________________

CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): CPAP

_________________

CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): CPAP

jjposey · Post by **jjposey** » Mon Nov 12, 2007 4:08 pm

You aren't by any chance taking Boniva are you?
My mom had those symptoms off and on for about 4 months.
Heart Cath, EKG, Upper GI scan etc all showed fine.
We finally tracked it down to a once monthly IV dose of Boniva.

Slinky · Post by **Slinky** » Mon Nov 12, 2007 5:18 pm

How come no one has mentioned the cheapest "rain out" solution of all?? Try hanging your hose above your head! If you have a headboard on your bed just bring the hose up behind the headboard and over to your head on the pillow.

Try putting your CPAP on the floor or at least considerably lower than the level of your mattress.

Try taking your hose under the covers w/you (this one works for me).

I would think a forum search on "rain out" and "hanging" w/o the parentheses would bring up some really good suggestions for hanging your hose above your head.

Country4ever · Post by **Country4ever** » Mon Nov 12, 2007 6:00 pm

Sleepynomore..........I'm not sure what your history is, but I would call your cardiologist and try to get in sooner. Yes, there are alot of non-cardiac possibilities for your symptoms, but I definitely wouldn't assume its not your heart. I probably would have gone to the ER. Please don't assume anything. In fact, assume its your heart, until it can be proven otherwise.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Nov 13, 2007 1:12 am

Well, I just posted my first cardiologist appt./ report I had for today, on another postearlier, she said it sounds like I might have a blocked artery in the neck on the right side, they did an ekg and sent me home with a 24 hour halter type heart monitor, that's gonna be fun with that and the hose, I hope I don't pull a lead off , . My post-op visit is tomorrow with my ENT for my nasal surgery so now i'm wondering if they will even do the surgery next tuesday on the 20th.? The cardiologist wants me back this thursday at 4:30pm to have an ecko and some other test because I told her i'm scheduled for surgery next tuesday. Also this thursday, I have an appt. at the hospital @ 1:00pm to get the blood work and pre-register but my appt. with the heart dr. for the tests is @ 4:30pm the same day, what to do??? If I don't get this surgery, I will chicken out , I guess I should call my ENT DR. in the am to let them know and see what they have to say. Well, I will keep you all posted, wish me luck and again, "THANK YOU" from the bottom of my heart for all your help and influence. Have a wonderful sleep, Shirley

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Nov 13, 2007 1:29 am

jjposey wrote:You aren't by any chance taking Boniva are you?
My mom had those symptoms off and on for about 4 months.
Heart Cath, EKG, Upper GI scan etc all showed fine.
We finally tracked it down to a once monthly IV dose of Boniva.

YES I AM, I have been on this Once A Month Boniva for about 2 to 2-1/2 years now! Is it that dangerous to where it causes a heart condition???

ozij · Post by **ozij** » Tue Nov 13, 2007 5:47 am

Maybe. Apparently the New England Joural of Medicine published as study in March 07,

http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/early_comm ... onates.htm

What does FDA know about this concern?
The FDA reviewed spontaneous post-marketing reports of atrial fibrillation reported in association with oral and intravenous bisphosphonates and did not identify a population of bisphosphonate users at increased risk of atrial fibrillation. In addition, as part of the data review for the recent approval of once-yearly Reclast for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis, the FDA evaluated the possible association between atrial fibrillation and the use of Reclast. Most cases of atrial fibrillation occurred more than a month after drug infusion. Also, in a subset of patients monitored by electrocardiogram up to the 11th day following infusion, there was no significant difference in the prevalence of atrial fibrillation between patients who received Reclast and patients who received placebo.

Atrial fibrillation is a heart rhythm disorder common in individuals 65 years old and older, the same age range of many of the patients studied in the article published in The New England Journal of Medicine. Upon initial review, it is unclear how these data on serious atrial fibrillation should be interpreted. Therefore, FDA does not believe that healthcare providers or patients should change either their prescribing practices or their use of bisphosphonates at this time.

This early communication is in keeping with FDA’s commitment to inform the public about its ongoing safety reviews of drugs. FDA is seeking additional data to allow for an in-depth evaluation of the atrial fibrillation issue for the entire class of bisphosphonates. It may take up to 12 months to complete the evaluation at which time FDA will communicate the conclusions and any resulting recommendations to the public. Moreover, FDA is continuing to monitor spontaneous post-marketing reports of atrial fibrillation reported in patients who have taken bisphosphonates.

Bisphosphonates are a class of drugs used primarily to increase bone mass and reduce the risk for fracture in patients with osteoporosis. Bisphosphonates are also used to slow bone turnover in patients with Paget’s disease of the bone and to treat bone metastases and lower elevated levels of blood calcium in patients with cancer. There are 7 FDA-approved bisphosphonates: alendronate (Fosamax, Fosamax Plus D), etidronate (Didronel), ibandronate (Boniva), pamidronate (Aredia), risedronate (Actonel, Actonel W/Calcium), tiludronate (Skelid), and zoledronic acid (Reclast, Zometa).

The FDA urges both healthcare professionals and patients to report side effects from the use of bisphosphonates to the FDA's MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program.

on-line at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/report.htm
by returning the postage-paid FDA form 3500 (available in PDF format at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/getforms.htm) to 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20852-9787
faxing the form to 1-800-FDA-0178
by phone at 1-800-332-1088
Back to Top Back to Drug Index

PDF requires the free Adobe Acrobat Reader

Date created: October 1, 2007

A Heart Thing during dinner,heavy chest, etc.

A Heart Thing during dinner,heavy chest, etc.

Rapid heartbeat

Thanks to everyone that responded

Yes, I have been taking Boniva for 2 yrs.

Machine	Mask

Additional Comments: Resmed HumidAir 11 for humidifier