Shortness of breath and heart racing

Last week I had problems with my heart rate going up to over 125 bpm and shortness of breath. My heart rate would increase just walking across the room. Hard to take in deep breaths. This lasted for two days, my sugars were actually good those days. I started having a little pressure in chest on second day so my husband took me to er and they admitted me. Blood work was good, did an echocardiogram which they said was ok. Cardiologist started me on Ranexa. Have to see him next week. Probably do a 30 day monitor and he mentioned a stress test and possible heart cath, which I want to avoid at all cost! I’ve had diabetes for 35 years , diagnosed with neuropathy a few months ago. I feel like I am starting to fall apart!!

That is a similar experience to mine. And the next thing for me if mine happens again is the heart catheter and a sonic something or other.

You need to rest and follow doctor’s orders. I sincerely hope you do well.

1 Like

Hi Tonya,
Try not to get too excited, and do listen to your cardiologist as they have your best interests at heart (pardon the pun). I’ve had heart disease for 30 years now, and I’ve had 26 heart caths, and one ablation and an implantable defibrillator over that time period. I also, had open heart surgery with six by-passes 15 years ago. I take my meds daily, and do what the docs tell me, and I’m doing pretty good for my age. Wearing the 30 day Halter monitor will give your cardiologist a better understanding as to your rhythm issues so please don’t be afraid. Ranexa is a relatively new medication that helps with angina, and my cardiologist wanted me to try it, but since I go to the VA for my health care and meds the VA doesn’t want to pay for this new medication for me because it is very expensive unless you have private insurance. My wife who is a type 1 like you, has had diabetes for 60 years, and she had open heart surgery about 10 years ago and is doing well. The key to good health is laughter take things in stride, pray to the good Lord, and better things will come your way. Best wishes we will keep you in our prayers as well.

2 Likes

@Jimbo31 thanks for the encouragement. Glad to hear you and your wife are doing well. My husband has an icd as well. I’m hoping they tell me not a thing with my heart, I’m just imagining all this :wink:

1 Like

Hi Tonya, I completely understand how you are feeling. I have been Type 1 for 46 years, heart conditions for 14 years, 17 stents, open heart surgery with 3 bypasses and 5 inoperable blockages. I get chest pain for no reason at all. Like Jimbo and Robert said, listen to your doctor and take your meds. It does help, it can be a pain, but it does help. Some days age better than others. Try to stay positive, remember Diabetes is part of you, you are not part of it. Stay active but within your limits. Exercise can help rebuild your heart and build collateral veins around the problem areas. I have some funky angiogram pictures that look like a spiders web, and that is how God designed us, to survive and adapt. The Holter monitor is more annoying than scary. I found it got in the way more than anything, but it was a good tool in tracking heart activities. Watch you blood sugars. I have noticed in myself ( I can not say if this applies to anyone but me) if my blood sugar climbs I get chest pain. I have had ECGs that are normal while I am having chest pain because of it. We are all in this together… Take care

1 Like