Is Tachycardia Common With Asthma Sufferers?
- Thursday, August 13, 2009, 23:05
- Asthma
- 919 views
- Add a comment
- Jody: I was diagnosed with asthma a year-and-a-half ago by a pulmonologist and notice that when my asthma symptoms appear – difficult breathing and a tight chest – I am prone to getting tachycardia fairly easily. Is this common with asthma? I told my pulmonologist at my initial visit and he sent me home with a Holter monitor [a machine that records heart activity], which didn’t display any unusual results. Also, I went to a cardiologist 3 years ago – for breathing difficulties and palpitations – for stress tests and my results were all fine, with no abnormalities. I am 37 years old, of normal weight, a nonsmoker, an occasional drinker, and fairly active – I used to be more active prior to asthma. I am really intrigued by this. It is to the point that I am very careful about the activities that I participate in. I am invited to play volleyball but hesitate due to these problems. Any suggestions?
- Dr. Kraemer: The heart rate will go up when there are intense breathing problems, partly from an autonomic nervous system response to low oxygen levels, and partly from your sense of panic and anxiety with your perceived difficulty breathing. This is not a profound effect and most patients barely notice it. Some of our older asthma medicines could also increase the heart rate: Primatene, theophylline, Isuprel, Alupent, and Metaprel. The newer agents have only minimal or no effects on heart rate.
A slight increase in resting pulse rate may just go along with your recent lack of regular exercise. If your doctors continue to give you the message that your heart is fine, I think you should try to get back into shape, and don’t be too concerned with this. If it seems to be getting more troublesome, get back into their clinic.
About the Author
admin has written 208 stories on this site.
Write a Comment
Gravatars are small images that can show your personality. You can get your gravatar for free today!