What Causes Recurrent Episodes Of Rapid Heart Rate Despite A Normal BP Reading?

Posted on Thu, 10 Nov 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 10 Nov 2016 Answered on

Wed, 7 Dec 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi....my sister in law has had repeated episodes of rapid heart rate over the last several weeks....in the range of 130 bpm while resting. Her BP was mostly OK ....125/80 with some variation. I checked her pulse and BP with my home BP tester. She also complains of bloating and nausea. She is about 43....5' 8" and roughly 140, 150 lbs. He health has been generally good. HOWEVER....she drinks wine very heavily and has for years and the last six months or so, smokes a pack of unfiltered cigs a day. She gets zero exercise. Her diet is not terrible....not burger and fries....but not grilled fish and veggies either. She is probably clinically depressed. Of course there are lots of things wrong here, but her immediate concern are these episodes of rapid heart rate and the feelings of nausea. (the two don't seem to be directly connected)

Answered by Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Explained

Detailed Answer:
Hello and Welcome

I appreciate your concern

Palpitations, tachycardia signify anxiety and / or panic attack. The association with GI symptoms such as GERD is a possible however a causal relationship is unlikely.

A baseline EKG should be obtained to rule out any rhythm abnormality.

Propranolol , a beta blocker can be advised for the tachycardia provided she is not asthmatic. PPIs like lansoprazole with anti emetics/ pro kinetics should also be given for addressing the reflux symptoms.

Wishing you best of health

Thanks

Let me know if you have any query

Please consult your doctor before deciding on any further course of action.

For future follow up / correspondence you may ask me directly at the link given below

http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/Funnel?page=askDoctorDirectly&docId=68107

Dr. M.S. Khalil

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar