Medication Sensitivity and Heart Rhythm Issues - Cardiology

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Medication Issues


Hello, Dr.
He.
I was originally taking 5 mg of Kankun once a day.
However, one night I woke up and was experiencing involuntary shaking throughout my body.
After discussing this with my attending physician, he thought I might be too sensitive to the medication, so he changed my dosage to half a tablet at a time.
This has indeed made me feel more comfortable, but I still occasionally experience a sensation of skipped heartbeats, and I have sharp pain in my left lower back.
Recently, my blood pressure readings have been around 115-125 mmHg for systolic and 60-75 mmHg for diastolic.
I would like to know if the issues I'm experiencing might indicate that the medication is not suitable for me.
Since my next appointment is still about two weeks away, should I discuss with my doctor the possibility of changing my medication? (P.S.
When I switched to half a tablet, my attending physician suspected I might have arrhythmia, but he said to just monitor it as it wasn't serious.) Additionally, Dr.
He, is there a connection between my symptoms and arrhythmia?

Nìmíng, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/03/15

Dr. He Dongjin reply Cardiology


Hello, you are experiencing skipped heartbeats and suspecting arrhythmia.
Taking half a 5 mg dose of Concor (Bisoprolol) can help manage arrhythmia.
Your systolic blood pressure is between 115-125 and diastolic blood pressure is between 60-75, which is good.
Currently, there is no evidence suggesting that the medication is unsuitable for you.
Just monitor your condition; it's not severe, so there's no need to worry.
Changhua Hospital cares about you.

Reply Date: 2021/03/15

More Info


Understanding medication sensitivity and heart rhythm issues can be quite complex, especially when considering the interplay between various medications, underlying health conditions, and individual physiological responses. Based on your description, it seems you are experiencing a combination of symptoms that may be related to your medication, specifically the sensitivity to the dosage of the drug you are taking, as well as potential underlying heart rhythm issues.

Firstly, it’s important to recognize that medications can affect individuals differently. In your case, it appears that the initial dose of the medication (康肯, which I assume refers to a specific heart medication) may have been too high for your body, leading to symptoms such as involuntary shaking and possibly exacerbating feelings of heart rhythm irregularities. When you reduced the dosage to half, you noted an improvement in comfort, which suggests that your body may indeed be sensitive to the medication. This sensitivity can manifest in various ways, including palpitations, skipped beats, or even discomfort in the chest or back, as you described.

The symptoms of feeling like your heart is skipping beats (often referred to as "palpitations") can be associated with several factors, including anxiety, stress, or even the effects of medication. Additionally, the left back pain you mentioned could be a separate issue or related to muscle tension or anxiety, which can often accompany heart rhythm concerns. It’s also worth noting that your blood pressure readings (systolic 115-125 and diastolic 60-75) are generally within a normal range, but the diastolic pressure is on the lower side, which can sometimes correlate with symptoms of dizziness or palpitations.

Regarding your question about whether you should discuss changing your medication at your next appointment, it is certainly a valid consideration. Given that your physician has already expressed some concern about potential heart rhythm irregularities, it would be prudent to bring up your ongoing symptoms, including the skipped beats and back pain, during your next visit. Your doctor may want to conduct further evaluations, such as an electrocardiogram (ECG) or a Holter monitor, to assess your heart rhythm more closely and determine if there are any underlying issues that need to be addressed.

In terms of the relationship between your symptoms and heart rhythm irregularities, it is possible that they are connected. Heart rhythm disorders, or arrhythmias, can present with a variety of symptoms, including palpitations, chest discomfort, and even back pain. However, not all palpitations indicate a serious underlying condition. Many people experience benign palpitations that can be triggered by stress, caffeine, or medication.
In summary, your experience with medication sensitivity and heart rhythm issues is not uncommon, and it is essential to communicate openly with your healthcare provider about your symptoms. Keeping a symptom diary, noting when the palpitations occur, their duration, and any associated symptoms, can be helpful for your doctor in making an informed decision about your treatment plan. It’s also important to consider lifestyle factors that may contribute to your symptoms, such as stress management, sleep hygiene, and dietary choices, as these can significantly impact heart health and overall well-being.
Ultimately, your health and comfort are paramount, and discussing your concerns with your physician will help ensure that you receive the most appropriate care tailored to your individual needs.

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