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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Does This Heart Rate Indicate?

I have a heart rate of 140, sitting down. Should I get an appointment with a cardiologist? It s the first time it has been like this, but I have always had a heart rate that is faster than normal. It is usually followed by an abrupt, stabbing pain, that stays in my chest for a moment.
Wed, 5 Aug 2015
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Cardiologist,  's  Response
Hello. Thank you for your question and welcome to HCM. I carefully read your query.

The heart rate of 140 beats per minute is not a normal finding. It can be accepted as a one-time thing during the day, when you are under a lot of psychological or physical stress. But, if it is a constant finding, it shortens the period during which heart performs its cycle and, in a prolonged time, can decompensate the heart. My main concern, at the moment, is if this is a regular or irregular heart beat. So, I would recommend you to do the following tests:
- complete blood count (CBC)
- blood electrolyte levels
- EKG
- echocardiogram
- 24-hour Holter rhythm monitor registration.
At this point, I would also recommend to start treatment with a beta-blocker or a calcium channel blocker, and if you have a lot of stress at work or at home, I would recommend propranolol. I would suggest you to discuss this option with your cardiologist.

I hope I was helpful. Wish you a good health. Best regards.
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What Does This Heart Rate Indicate?

Hello. Thank you for your question and welcome to HCM. I carefully read your query. The heart rate of 140 beats per minute is not a normal finding. It can be accepted as a one-time thing during the day, when you are under a lot of psychological or physical stress. But, if it is a constant finding, it shortens the period during which heart performs its cycle and, in a prolonged time, can decompensate the heart. My main concern, at the moment, is if this is a regular or irregular heart beat. So, I would recommend you to do the following tests: - complete blood count (CBC) - blood electrolyte levels - EKG - echocardiogram - 24-hour Holter rhythm monitor registration. At this point, I would also recommend to start treatment with a beta-blocker or a calcium channel blocker, and if you have a lot of stress at work or at home, I would recommend propranolol. I would suggest you to discuss this option with your cardiologist. I hope I was helpful. Wish you a good health. Best regards.