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Heart Palpitations Forum >> Symptoms and other concerns >> Da Costa's Syndrome? New here and need help
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Message started by mbajd on Dec 22^nd, 2011, 4:23pm

Title: Da Costa's Syndrome? New here and need help
Post by mbajd on Dec 22^nd, 2011, 4:23pm

Hi, RLR and all - I am a lifelong sufferer of heart palpitations and anxiety. My palps really got bad back in 2004 and have been worse and better since that time. I thought I had them licked, but last week they came back with a vengeance. I wore a King of Hearts 30 day monitor recently (before this big flare up) and they only found an elevated heart rate when I felt the symptoms and not even PACs or PVCs (which had been found on other monitors and EKGs I've gotten). I have redundant mitral valve tissue but no prolapse and I don't premedicate before surgery, etc.

I'm going to describe my symptoms that I'm currently having: when I get up to walk around my office, walk to the bank, go up flights of stairs and back, etc., I don't have palps, but my heart does beat fast (I am not overweight and in pretty good shape). Then, when I sit down at my desk, I start having multiple palps which I think are PACs, which last for 2-3 minutes or so. I will have couplets, bigeminy, every 3rd to 4th beat, etc. during this time. Weirdly - I get HORRIBLE adrenaline rushes that feel like tingling up and down my arms, into my hands and even aching into my left arm when this is happening (I'm young and have NO evidence of CAD). It eventually settles down and I'm ok. If I'm at home (not stressed), this doesn't happen. If I take an anxiety pill, it generally doesn't happen.

What I'm wondering is does this sound like Da Costa's syndrome (effort syndrome)? I read a previous post where you told someone similar symptoms sounded like that to you. If it could be that, what can I do for it? I am taking meds for anxiety and have been in therapy all my life. What more can I really do? I have had all the tests and have been dx'ed with benign palps.

Thank you.

Title: Re: Da Costa's Syndrome? New here and need help
Post by ckgage on Dec 24^th, 2011, 10:29pm

Sorry to hear of your distressing symptoms. I don't have a lot to offer, other than that I relate! When I am struggling with anxiety, I can get that pins and needles sensation anywhere and everywhere. They are temporary and transient, which helps me know that they are anxiety-related. If there were true nerve impingement, I don't think the feeling would be so transient.

You say that your heart rate is high upon lite exertion......how high?

I hope you find answers to your questions.

Title: Re: Da Costa's Syndrome? New here and need help
Post by mbajd on Dec 25^th, 2011, 8:56am

Hi - thanks for responding. I do think it's anxiety related, too and it's good to know others experience this - even though it's not good that we're experiencing it.

My heart rate goes up to about 90-100 with light exertion. I can workout on my elliptical and my heart rate will not go above what's normal for exercise. I am in good shape but have become deconditioned due to fear of making my palps worse and I'd really love to exercise again without fear.