Concerns Over Heartbeat and Health Issues
Greetings! I’m currently waiting to see a cardiologist, but I’m uncertain about how urgent my situation is. I was born with a heart murmur, although in recent years, medical professionals have indicated that they no longer detect one. I also suffer from severe rheumatoid arthritis, which is managed considerably well with medication. Despite ongoing discomfort, I can maintain a relatively normal life. My treatment includes 50mg of Enbrel weekly and 20mg of Leflunomide daily. Previously, I was on Methotrexate and Humira for over a decade, switching to my current medication regimen about two years ago. I use ibuprofen as needed and have intermittently taken prednisone since 2012. Additionally, I am living with epilepsy and currently take 600mg of Lamictal every night. My dosage has been adjusted upwards over the past decade, but my tonic-clonic seizures occur infrequently and are effectively controlled with medication. I also grapple with mental health issues, for which I take 60mg of Buspirone and 2mg of Rexulti daily. Recently, I’ve noticed a breathy sound coming from my heartbeat, particularly when I’m lying down or bending. This noise sometimes disrupts my sleep. Interestingly, I also hear a similar sound when I exert myself during bowel movements. Apologies for the odd detail, but I wanted to provide a complete picture! 😂 Last year, I experienced a health crisis involving seizures, which led to a hospital stay. Due to medication interactions, I suffered a significant decline in kidney function to just 10% and developed sepsis. I might have a cyst in my brain, which is another aspect that my new neurologist will evaluate. To add to my concerns, my resting heart rate usually stays in the 90s but occasionally exceeds 100 beats per minute. I've observed that engaging in physical activity quickly leads to fatigue, prompting me to sit down. My smartwatch indicates that my heart rate spikes to 115 and above, even when I’m at rest, leaving me feeling incredibly drained and unwell. I would appreciate any insights or advice you can provide. I hope to receive approval for my appointment soon, as I’m quite worried about these symptoms. Thank you for your help!
Answers (1)
7/9/2025, 12:20:48 AM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for sharing such detailed information about your health concerns. It’s understandable to feel worried, especially with the complexity of your medical history and the new symptoms you’re experiencing. Here are the main points regarding your heartbeat and overall health:
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Breathy Sound and Heart Rate: The breathy sound from your heartbeat, combined with an elevated resting heart rate, is noteworthy. This could relate to various factors, including changes in heart function or the effects of your medications.
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Impact of Other Conditions: Your history of rheumatoid arthritis, epilepsy, and the recent kidney issues may all interact with your heart health, making it essential to monitor these symptoms closely.
Explanation:
Given your health history of a heart murmur (now not detected), elevated heart rate, and fatigue with physical activity, it’s important to consider the potential for cardiovascular effects related to your medications or underlying conditions. The sound you hear in your heartbeat could indicate changes in blood flow or heart function that need further evaluation.
Next Steps:
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Symptom Monitoring: Keep a detailed journal of your symptoms, including when you notice the breathy sound, your heart rate during different activities, and any other symptoms like fatigue, dizziness, or shortness of breath. This will be valuable information for your cardiologist.
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Hydration and Rest: Make sure you’re well-hydrated and get adequate rest. This can help manage some of the fatigue and may benefit your overall health.
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Calm Breathing Techniques: Practice calming techniques, such as deep breathing or gentle stretching. This might help ease anxiety and could have a positive impact on your heart rate.
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Minimize Stressors: Be mindful of situations or activities that could increase your heart rate unnecessarily, especially if they exacerbate your fatigue.
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Prepare for Your Appointment: Prior to your cardiology appointment, compile any relevant medical records, including past tests and your current medication list, and write down all your symptoms and concerns to discuss fully with your specialist.
When to Seek Immediate Help:
If you experience chest pain, severe shortness of breath, or any new symptoms (like fainting), seek medical attention promptly.
I hope this guidance helps you feel more equipped as you await your appointment. It's important that you address these symptoms and concerns with your cardiologist so they can provide the best possible care tailored to your needs.
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