What Causes Tachyarrhythmia?

Posted on Sat, 27 Sep 2014

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

Sat, 27 Sep 2014 Answered on

Tue, 21 Oct 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Hello. I am a 72yo male, overweight smoker with atrial fib, and congestive heart failure. Slightly elevated BP but not too bad. I am not diabetic. I have suffered one minor small vessel stroke. No chest pain ever in my life. Using CPAP for 20 years. On Oxygen,Coumadin,Digoxin,Cartia,Sotalol,Furosemide, Nexium +more.

Recently, a portion of my heart occasionally bulges from under my left ribcage next to my breast bone/sternum. It is beating etc., so I know it is part of my heart. It is about 2"x 2" x 1" protrusion. This phoenomena happens a few times/day and lasts for 30 seconds to 1 minute or so. No pain, just weird feeling.

I have had a LOT of problems finding a non-elitist, non-arrogant cardiologist in my city of XXXXXXX I currently am not seeing one. What's up with the bulge?

Thank you so much.
XXXX

Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Ventricular arrhythmia should be rule out first...

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX

I have gone through your medical history carefully and understood your concerns. It seems that you are experiencing tachyarrhythmia.

Having episodes of tachycardia is normal as you are diagnosed with atrial fib, and any other ventricular arrhythmia (ventricular extra systoles) due to congestive heart failure. They are both non-serious and not-life threatening.

But first you should exclude life threatening ventricular tachyarrhythmias (such as non sustained ventricular tachycardia) which are best detected with holter monitoring.

If I was your caring doctor, taking into account all your medical history would advise to run :
- holter monitoring to see the changes
- regular follow ups

When it comes to online doctors, we are here to help you and assist with second opinion. We are trying to find out some clues that will help your XXXXXXX doctor determine the right diagnosis associated with your current health problems.

I will welcome any queries you might have, but, it is a must to get followed up with your cardiologist. You can change hospital or clinic, but remember to take all your medical records to let the new cardiologist revise your entire medical history.

All the best!
Dr.Benard

Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E