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What Causes Palpitations In Bronchial Asthma?
Question: I was poorly just over a month ago - had lots of asthma attacks! Since then I've had a dull indigestion type feeling in the centre of my chest And been having dizzy spells. I've always had palpitations as long as I can remember but drs have always told me its to do with my asthma.
I saw a different Dr last week who referred me for an ECG and blood tests. I went for the ECG and the nurse looked a little worried and took the results to see a Dr...when she came back she told me there is an abnormality and I need to see Dr next week once blood results are in.
I'm still in constant pain with my chest and am now worrying! Could this all be due to my asthma or could there be something seriously wrong?sp
Brief Answer:
Supraventricular Tachycardia is a possibility
Detailed Answer:
Dear Friend.
Hi , I am Dr Anshul Varshney , I have read your query in detail , I understand your concern.
Let me try to explain you things one by one.
Palpitations in Bronchial Asthma can be due to any of the following reasons :
1. Increase in Respiratory efforts , Breathlessness can directly cause tachycardia (Increase in heart rate) and also palpitations.
2. As a adverse effects of drugs used for bronchial asthma like Salbutamol.
3. Anxiety
Now , since you were on treatment , you must be taking inhalers containing Salbutamol or its related derivatives , that if taken in excessive doses can cause Supraventricular Tachycardia , causing Palpitations , and sometimes even Dizziness.
Chest Pain can be a part of Supraventricular Tachycardia.
Now Two Possibilities that can be there with Chest pain and abnormal ECG's :
1.Chest pain with ECG changes can also occur in Myocardial Infarction (Commonly known as Heart Attack).
2. Chest Pain with Dizziness can occur due to Heart Block.
But chances of having any of these 2 above mentioned possibilities is very unlikely because these conditions requires urgent admission and immediate management. So, your doctor must have suggested you for admission that time only.
See, there is a long list of possibilities of an abnormal ECG. But certainly , there was not any evidence of Acute Emergency in your ECG , that's why your doctor asked you to come later.
I see a lot of Supraventricular Tachycardia in my Clinical Practice in Asthma Patients. That is the reason i am thinking of that.
If you have your ECG , just scan and sent it to me. I will tell you what it is.
This is my personal opinion based on details available here. If you still have any query you may please ask me.
Stay Healthy.
Dr Anshul Varshney , MD
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you, I haven't got a copy of the ECG and the nurse wouldn't let me see it...I haven't taken any asthma medication for about a month now so I'm pretty sure that it shouldn't be the medication causing it. I wasn't sure if asthma alone could be the cause of an abnormal ECG? I should add, I've been monitoring my pulse since the ECG...sometimes it 50bpm and other times its 140
Brief Answer:
Such Variation occurs in Sick Sinus Syndrome
Detailed Answer:
Welcome Back.
Yes , Asthma can be related to Cardiac conditions but usually in Acute Severe Asthma like Cardiac tamponade , Reduced Left Ventricular Ejection , Rarely Pulmonary Arterial hypertension or Right Ventricular Strain pattern.
Usually , these complications are found either with Acute Severe Asthma or with Chronic Asthma of many years duration. Since you are just 33 years old , chances of these complications are less.
If you have such a fluctuating heart rate of 50 bpm to 150 bpm. This can occur in Sick Sinus Syndrome.
i would really like to see your ECG for a further comment.
Once you get your ECG , share it with me.
If you have any further query , please ask me.
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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