Advice on emerging symptoms

[highlander133]

Note to mods: feel free to move this thread if this is the wrong forum.

I started coming around HCMA about a year ago, after being told by my family doc that I had HCM. Long story short, after visiting two highly regarded cardiologists with experience in HCM treatment (had ultrasounds, MRI, et cetera), I was told I have 'borderline' HCM, with a thickening of the septum right at the valve. I was put on Toprol XL (50mg), and told to come back in a year.

After getting adjusted to the medicine, I felt fine for about 10 months. However, the last 3 or 4 months, I have had increased frequency of dizzy spells when standing up or crouching down, as well as increased frequency of shortness of breath with no exertion. It comes and goes. I'll be fine for two weeks, then have issues for the next two.

Finally, over the last couple days, I have been short of breath to the point of gasping for air at times. No real chest pain, but severe chest tightness. Like someone is sitting on my chest.

Now I've read through these forums a bit, and realize that I am definitely not going through it as rough as some of you are. But this is really starting to get annoying. My work doctor has told me it's likely just side effects of the Toprol. Same thing from my family doc. I have an appointment to see my cardiologist in about a week.

So my questions are:

1) In your experience, is this likely a medication thing? Because I'd love to switch/get off meds completely if it stops this problem.

2) What should I be asking my doctor?

3) Any additional advice?

Thanks in advance for the responses. I appreciate them.

[Midge Rollins]

I think a lot of this is normal HCM, but the chest pain you are describing as someone sitting on your chest needs to be checked out now. Like today. So, please call your Dr. and let him know about the last couple of days.

[Cynaburst]

Do you know if you are obstructed? Many of those symptoms sound to me like the kind I experienced when I was severely obstructed. I agree that you should see your cardio and have an echo to check out those symptoms.

[gfox42]

The chest tightness is the one that I'd worry about as most likely being directly due to HCM. I doubt it's due to your meds.

The light-headedness on standing/crouching might well be due to your meds, though it can also be due to HCM itself. This is called orthostatic hypotension.

It's unlikely that they'll think it's a good idea to go off your Toprol, and even if it is the cause of some of your orthostatic hypotension, it's likely that you'd have worse problems without a beta blocker. The Toprol is slowing your heart so that it can fill more fully; it's also lowering your blood pressure to some degree. Without Toprol you might have a different set of problems, but they'd likely be worse.

Gordon

[MariaB]

Hey Highlander
I was diagnosed less than a year ago and like you, I feel lucky compared to what some people are going through.
Did you happen to see a Cardiologist in Columbus ? Im only 40 minutes from Grove City. Im headed back to Cleveland for my first MRI.
Sorry to hear about your symptoms. I hope you get answers soon and I hope its good news !!! Take care
Maria