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Suggest Treatment For Stress And High Heart Rate

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Posted on Thu, 11 May 2017
Question: Been having a high heart rate lately... Could be stress but also my svt is back when I get my hr up above 170, which isn't taking that much effort any more. Have a zero calcium score, a good ekg last week, low cholesterol and no family history. Don't know if it's anxiety or heart related issue. Thoughts? XXXXXXX

Ps. 48yr old active male 6'2". 214lbs
doctor
Answered by Dr. Sagar Makode (55 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Likely svt with such high heart rates.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
With heart the heart rate above 170, the First possibility remains of arrhythmia only like psvt or atrial fibrillation. You may get symptoms of palpitations, dizziness, fainting, blackouts, sometimes syncope. Usually ecg is normal as it is usually done in between the episodes. ECG done during episodes will show abnormality. If it's occuring on daily basis or frequently, you can get 24 hour holter monitoring done, it will also help to identify asymptomatic episodes.
Any stress or anxiety will not this high heart rate. Till the time your evaluation is complete, you can ask your local doctor for tab Metoprolol xr 25 mg once a day. This will prevent such episodes. Also, you can vagal manoeuvres to terminate these like coughing hard or neck massage.
Another option is of electrophysiological studies which is invasive test which can diagnose and treat the arrhythmia permanently in most of the cases.
Hope this helps you and get back if you have any doubts.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Sagar Makode (32 minutes later)
Sorry, I failed to mention that the 170 hr was during exercise interval training. However, my basal hr is 60bpm when lying down, 80-95 standing, and 90-110 when casually walking around. That is what I think could be anxiety. Also, just climbing one flight of stairs shoots hr up to 140-150 but comes down quickly. I have been formally diagnosed with svt back 10 years ago but it went away. Guess it's back! Thoughts?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Sagar Makode (30 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Then it's not svt

Detailed Answer:
Then it's highly unlikely to be be a svt. It's normal response to physical activities. Whatever heart rates you have mentioned are very well acceptable and within normal limits. Resting heart rate is also normal so that means there is nothing influencing your heart rate which should have been affected if having any problems, and standing and activities can cause this much elevation. If you are not having symptoms because of these, then needs no treatment and not a matter of worry.
Svt is will not be linked to activities in this manner. Hope this clears your doubt.
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Sagar Makode

Cardiologist

Practicing since :2013

Answered : 1867 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Stress And High Heart Rate

Brief Answer: Likely svt with such high heart rates. Detailed Answer: Hello, With heart the heart rate above 170, the First possibility remains of arrhythmia only like psvt or atrial fibrillation. You may get symptoms of palpitations, dizziness, fainting, blackouts, sometimes syncope. Usually ecg is normal as it is usually done in between the episodes. ECG done during episodes will show abnormality. If it's occuring on daily basis or frequently, you can get 24 hour holter monitoring done, it will also help to identify asymptomatic episodes. Any stress or anxiety will not this high heart rate. Till the time your evaluation is complete, you can ask your local doctor for tab Metoprolol xr 25 mg once a day. This will prevent such episodes. Also, you can vagal manoeuvres to terminate these like coughing hard or neck massage. Another option is of electrophysiological studies which is invasive test which can diagnose and treat the arrhythmia permanently in most of the cases. Hope this helps you and get back if you have any doubts.