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What Causes Elevated Heart Beats Along With Pain In The Chest?
I was recently admitted in the hospital four times and diagnosed with irregular sinus node tachycardia. My heart rate races up to 195 beats per minute and does not come back down without the assistance of medication through the ER. This last ER visit the doctors said my heart is strong but the problem may be my esophagus, the bottom part that is near the heart. When I swallow it hurts in my chest, I am not able to eat much because of this. I hear noises coming from the middle of my chest too. What can be done to help, I am starting to go into a depression over this
Tue, 24 Jul 2018
Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service.
I have reviewed your query and understand your concern.
To help with your stomach i would recommend you to take omeprazole 20 mg 1-2 capsules a day and also avoid big meals. You can have frequent small amount of food and fluids instead of 3 big meals. Try to avoid food and fluids 3-4 hours before bed time. Smoking, alcohol and coffee make these symptoms worse as well.
As for the heart, sinus node tachycardia is not generally dangerous and most of the time it can be controlled with some manouvers like valsava manouver or massage of the carotid sinus (you can ask the doctor to explain how to make them)- you never massage both carotid sinuses at the same time as it might cause your heart to stop.
If the problem with the heart racing continues or it is very often it is advisable for you to have a CBC to rule out anemia and TSH to rule out thyroid problems. If these tests come out normal than you can talk with your doctor on the need to regularly take metoprolol to keep the heart rate under control.
Depression and anxiety can also cause the heart rate to go up and be uncomfortable so you need to discuss with your doctor so he can evaluate you and rule out these as a possible cause.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Kind regards,
Antoneta Zotaj, MD
I have reviewed your query and understand your concern.
To help with your stomach i would recommend you to take omeprazole 20 mg 1-2 capsules a day and also avoid big meals. You can have frequent small amount of food and fluids instead of 3 big meals. Try to avoid food and fluids 3-4 hours before bed time. Smoking, alcohol and coffee make these symptoms worse as well.
As for the heart, sinus node tachycardia is not generally dangerous and most of the time it can be controlled with some manouvers like valsava manouver or massage of the carotid sinus (you can ask the doctor to explain how to make them)- you never massage both carotid sinuses at the same time as it might cause your heart to stop.
If the problem with the heart racing continues or it is very often it is advisable for you to have a CBC to rule out anemia and TSH to rule out thyroid problems. If these tests come out normal than you can talk with your doctor on the need to regularly take metoprolol to keep the heart rate under control.
Depression and anxiety can also cause the heart rate to go up and be uncomfortable so you need to discuss with your doctor so he can evaluate you and rule out these as a possible cause.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Kind regards,
Antoneta Zotaj, MD
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