Suggest Medication For Severe Heart Palpitations Other Than Metoprolol

Brief Answer:
I would explain as follows:

Detailed Answer:
Hello xxxx!

Welcome and thank you for asking on HCM!

Seems that your tachycardia has become a real problem. First of all it is very important to notice if it is a sinus tachycardia (which is a normal compensatory heart reaction to several stimuli) or a pathological tachyarrhythmia.

This is done by reviewing a resting ECG (which has been done for sure by your doctor), and if it is not of much help by an ambulatory 24 to 48 hours ECG monitoring.

In case of sinus tachycardia several underlying factors may be responsible (which should be carefully sought), such as:

- fever and any inflammatory diseases
- anemia
- several stimulants such as caffeine, theophylline, nicotine, cocaine, or amphetamines
- hyperthyroidism
- dehydration
- anxiety
- chronic pulmonary disease
- sometimes persistent pain
- heart failure
- increased catecholamine blood levels, such as in stress, or in pheocromocytoma
- drug withdrawal (incorrect use of any beta-blockers including metoprolol)
-etc. etc.

Considering so many potential causes it is necessary to perform some medical tests to exclude them one by one (I believe you have check most of them):

- complete blood count (to investigate for anemia)
- PCR (for inflammation)
- thyroid hormone blood levels (for hyperthyroidism)
- cardiac ultrasound (to study cardiac function)
- urine metanephrines (for increased catecholamines)
- a psychological interview by your doctor (for ruling out anxiety disorders)
- arterial blood gas analysis with electrolyte (to rule out acid-base and electrolytes disorders)
- chest X ray study and pulmoary function test (for exploring a pulmonary disorder)
-etc. etc.

Addressing the right responsible cause will resolve also the discussion of the appropriate therapy.

I recommend you discussing with your attending doctor about the above mentioned issues (I believe most of them should have been clarified already), for better arriving to the underlying cause of your complain.

Hope to have been helpful to you!

In case of further uncertainties, feel free to contact me directly on the link below:

http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/Funnel?page=askDoctorDirectly&docId=69765

Kind regards,

Dr. Iliri

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Brief Answer:
An optimal body fluid balance is necessary.

Detailed Answer:

Hi again, xxxx!

Talking about dehydration, it is important to consider the management of daily fluid balance (fluid intake/elimination ratio).

That is fluid loss should not overcome the intake amount. Keep in mind that a proportion of body water is eliminated by perspiration (sweating) and with respiration (they may account in certain conditions for up to about 1 liter).

So a good hydration is surely maintained by following a diet rich of watery foods (mainly vegetables and fruits like: cucumber, lettuce, zucchini, radish, celery. tomato, cauliflower, eggplant, red cabbage, peppers, spinach, broccoli, carrots, etc, also watermelon, strawberries, grapefruit, cantaloupe, pineapple, cranberries, orange, raspberries, apricots, cherries, banana, etc) from one side.

As a general rule, water and other juices intake should be frequently during the day (at least 1.5 - 2 liters depending on your body weight).

By the other hand, a reduction of excessive fluid loss would prevent dehydration too. So, avoiding strenuous exercise, exposing directly on the sun for prolonged periods of time, and generally in the hot weather, wearing to allow appropriate skin perspiration, etc.

Hope this will help!

Best wishes,

Dr. Iliri

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Brief Answer:
It is necessary to follow the diagnostic work up first.

Detailed Answer:
Dear xxxx!

I think that the above mentioned tests are indispensable to find the right cause of your tachycardia.

If dehydration is confirmed then metoprolol should be avoided, and plenty of hydrating solutions used instead.

I mentioned above the natural ways of maintaining a good hydration status.

Regarding the pharmaceutical hydrating choices (like pedialyte, etc), they are also numerous, and may be helpful too. But, I am more in favor of natural solutions.

Regards,

Dr. Iliri

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Brief Answer:
You are welcome!

Detailed Answer:
You are welcome!

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