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What Causes Rapid Heart Rate Despite A Normal EKG?
Question: My 31 year old son is having fast heart rate. Seems to come and go. The ER told him to take propranolol. He thinks it is mental to some extent because he can't stop thinking about it and it makes him very anxious. EKG was normal. He runs a stressful demanding business, just moved and is working on his house, and has a new baby. He wore a halter monitor for 24 hours and has an appointment with his regular doctor (not the cardiologist) next week to go over the results. What about mindful meditation and other calming techniques? He is healthy otherwise and started exercising again a after this last episode. Although he's still anxious and having fast heart rate.
Brief Answer:
Propranolol is effective
Detailed Answer:
Hi and welcome to HCM. I understand your concern. Thank you for your question.
If your son would have been my patient, I would also prescribe propranolol. It is one of the oldest drugs from the beta-blocker family, which lowers the heart rate, also helps in reducing the stress levels. Furthermore, I think that all of the symptoms are coming from excessive stress he is experiencing. You see, after vigorous physical activity, excessive psychological stress, after consuming caffeine-containing beverages, the human body acts by secreting more adrenalin in the circulation. Adrenalin, among others, raises the heart rate in significant amounts. Therefore, a drug, such as propranolol, is recommended for blocking the adrenalin actions in the human body. If the fast heart rate continues, then it is recommended for your son to see a clinical psychologist or a psychiatrist, so that drugs for stress relief, such as benzodiazepines, could be described. Only if this kind of stress has a considered impact on his quality of live and work.
I hope you find this helpful. I am happy to help, if you have follow-up questions.
Best regards,
Dr. Meriton
Propranolol is effective
Detailed Answer:
Hi and welcome to HCM. I understand your concern. Thank you for your question.
If your son would have been my patient, I would also prescribe propranolol. It is one of the oldest drugs from the beta-blocker family, which lowers the heart rate, also helps in reducing the stress levels. Furthermore, I think that all of the symptoms are coming from excessive stress he is experiencing. You see, after vigorous physical activity, excessive psychological stress, after consuming caffeine-containing beverages, the human body acts by secreting more adrenalin in the circulation. Adrenalin, among others, raises the heart rate in significant amounts. Therefore, a drug, such as propranolol, is recommended for blocking the adrenalin actions in the human body. If the fast heart rate continues, then it is recommended for your son to see a clinical psychologist or a psychiatrist, so that drugs for stress relief, such as benzodiazepines, could be described. Only if this kind of stress has a considered impact on his quality of live and work.
I hope you find this helpful. I am happy to help, if you have follow-up questions.
Best regards,
Dr. Meriton
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Would propranolol be a temporary situation or on-going. Like most of us, he would rather not take drugs. Again what are your thoughts on mindful meditation or cognitive behavioral therapy to help deal with stress and his anxiousness.
Brief Answer:
My follow-up is as follows
Detailed Answer:
Hi and welcome back.
I am not prone to medication nor the meditation techniques, as long as one's mind is "suffering" from excessive stress. However, in this scenario, I would recommend propranolol to be more helpful. Also, the meditation techniques could help, no doubt, but these techniques are recommended even when one is in stressless state. In the end, I would recommend the combination of both.
I hope my follow-up was helpful. Please close the discussion and rate the answer, if you do not have further questions.
Kind regards,
Dr. Meriton
My follow-up is as follows
Detailed Answer:
Hi and welcome back.
I am not prone to medication nor the meditation techniques, as long as one's mind is "suffering" from excessive stress. However, in this scenario, I would recommend propranolol to be more helpful. Also, the meditation techniques could help, no doubt, but these techniques are recommended even when one is in stressless state. In the end, I would recommend the combination of both.
I hope my follow-up was helpful. Please close the discussion and rate the answer, if you do not have further questions.
Kind regards,
Dr. Meriton
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
One more question. He wants to know if he can continue exercising while taking propranolol. He's taking 10 mg two times per day.
Brief Answer:
Yes, of course
Detailed Answer:
Not a single problem should be started by propranolol, so he should keep up with the exercise.
I am glad you found my answer helpful.
Best regards,
Dr. Meriton
Yes, of course
Detailed Answer:
Not a single problem should be started by propranolol, so he should keep up with the exercise.
I am glad you found my answer helpful.
Best regards,
Dr. Meriton
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
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