Fibromyalgia and Tachyardia
Tachycardia can be part of the symptom list for fibro because: -
1. The pain associated with fibro and other chronic pain conditions means that the sympathetic nervous system (this is responsible for directing the response to dangerous or stressful situations) is stimulated, which in turn increases heart rate. This is because of the release of adrenaline, which raises heart rate and blood pressure.
2. Research has found that those who have problems with the heart have also been diagnosed with fibro and other chronic pain conditions, therefore making the cross over a strong possibility.
3. The stress-build up with people dealing with pain on a daily basis, also means there is a lot of negative emotions, leading to depression. This is quite complicated in some ways, as our emotional response to pain actually makes the pain worse because of the stress hormones in the blood stream. This can affect the heart rhythm leading to tachycardia.
It is worth bearing in mind, there are lots of different tachycardia conditions, some are worse than others, and this does not mean it is necessarily dangerous.
Here are some examples:
Sinus Tachycardia
This is when the body sends out electrical signals to make the heart beat faster. Extreme exercise, certain drugs, a fever, and anxiety are some of the reasons this can happen.
However there is a variation on this type of tachycardia called Inappropriate Sinus Tachycardia, which is when it happens for no reason with just a small movement, or when at rest.
Symptoms of Sinus Tachycardia:
Dizziness/light headedness/fainting/headaches.
Fluttery Heart/chest pain (bear in mind fibro causes chest pain).
Weakness (mainly in the limbs)/decreased ability to exercise.
Breathlessness.
Atrial Fibrillation (A-fib)
This is the most common type of tachycardia and is a heart condition that causes irregular and often abnormally fast heart rate.
Symptoms of Atrial Fibrillation:
Dizziness/feeling faint.
Shortness of breath.
Chest Pain.
Palpitations (pounding or fluttering heart).
Atrial Flutter is similar to A-Fib but the heartbeats are more organized.
Ventricular Tachycardia
This type is when the lower chamber of the heart beats too fast and the outcome is the body is not getting enough oxygen.
Symptoms of Ventricular Tachycardia:
Chest Pain.
Dizziness.
Fainting.
Shortness of breath.
Cardiac arrest.
Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT)
This is similar to ventricular above, but it affects the upper chambers of the heart, usually in the atria.
Symptoms of Supraventricular Tachycardia:
Very rapid heartbeat.
Fluttering or pounding in the chest.
Pounding sensation in the neck.
Weakness or feeling very tired.
Chest pain.
Shortness of breath.
Light-headedness or dizziness.
Sweating.
Ventricular Fibrillation
This is a type of irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) that affects the heart’s ventricles, this is life threatening and requires immediate medical attention. CPR and defibrillation can restore the heart to normal rhythm.
Symptoms of Ventricular Fibrillation:
Chest Pain.
Very fast heartbeat.
Dizziness.
Nausea.
Shortness of breath.
I have covered this topic because I have recently been having palpitations that have caused dizziness, light head, and other symptoms.
I have had a heart monitor attached for 72 hours, but I had no episodes in that time (I had one the day before the monitor, typical!).
After the results came back normal, which I knew they would I had a long phone appointment with my GP, after asking lots of questions, he has ascertained I have a mild sinus tachycardia.
If you are at all worried it is happening to you, DO NOT PANIC!
My experience was that it did not last long, the heartbeat stayed under the safety levels of 100 BPM (normal heart rate is 60 – 100 BPM – beats per minute). My GP told me to monitor it by:
1. Take my pulse rate when it happens, this is done by putting two fingers on my other wrist or neck pulse to count how many heart beats you have in 15 seconds, then times this by four to get your beats per minute. If this is happening a lot, and the beats are going consistently over 100 – 120 BPM, seek help with your GP.
2. If you have a blood pressure machine at home, take your blood pressure straight away as these give heart rate too.
3. Notice when it is happening, how quickly it rises, by how much and keep a diary. Also note if you are at rest or not.
4. Keep a note of other symptoms like dizziness, or fainting, chest pain or any symptoms mentioned above.
REMEMBER
If you are having severe chest pains, rapid heartbeat, or any of symptoms mentioned above, do not ignore this. Call emergency numbers immediately and get an ambulance.
Treatment
Depending on the type and severity of the tachycardia, the GP can give you lots of different medications to keep the heartbeat stable, but these meds are to be discussed with your GP or if you are referred to a heart specialist, then discuss it with them.
I do not wish to frighten anyone, I simply wanted to share my experiences with you all so that you can be vigilant and watch out for any of these symptoms. IT DOES NOT MEAN YOU HAVE HEART DISEASE OR HEART FAILURE.
Adopt my motto – IF IN DOUBT, CHECK IT OUT.
Happy pain free and palpitation free month!