Hep C's effect if any on Heart, as well as Meds effect.
ty said
Apr 10, 2012
Lindsay - I have been meaning to write and say how fantastic you are! You are such a gift for supporting Renee through what is a tough tx at times. ( OK - most times! LOL.
I too had a cardiologist through tx because of heart failure. It was an excess iron problem brought on by Hep C. I made it through tx and by the time my treatment ended - my heart was fine. These thnigs can be scary - but I sense a long and happy future for both of you!
PS Sorry everyone about the funny writing - now my computer wont type commas! I'm giving up on getting rid of this computer virus. I don't think this thing will attain SVR! Oh well -have a wonderful day - ty
Lindsay said
Apr 10, 2012
I know some of you have been worried and contacted Renee and I. The news at the ER was more informative than before. There is only very mild concern that it is something more intense, although I know Renee is planning on finding a new cardiologist when she moves out here in June or July. Apparently, several people in her family have similar symptoms but are generally okay. I'm cautiously optimistic that every thing's okay, but will feel a lot better having one more opinion. Thanks for all your well wishes and messages!
inspireme said
Mar 31, 2012
I too have a cardiologist keeping an eye on me. I am on that same med for heart rate due to leaky valves in my heart. It doesnt work as good as theother one I was on but the insurance would not pay for it. Since starting the meds I have had chest aches on and off radiating into my shoulder which isnt a good sign but I think I know too much, I was a medic functioning as an RN on the road and in the ER. I am just going to deal with it all....the only thing I want help on is sleeping soundly and my damn MOODS!!
Shep said
Mar 31, 2012
What a rough night for you guys! Hope you get some real answers soon. Seems like doctors don't want to communicate with each other when they have to reach out of their speciality area. Glad you have Lindsey with you--you both rock!
Cinnamon Girl said
Mar 31, 2012
Oh dear Renee, so very sorry to hear what you`ve been going through, last night must have been scary and traumatic almost beyond words, and thank goodness you have Lindsay with you, she is a rock.
It really is very difficult to understand why your cardiologist kept telling you it wasn`t an issue. He is a professional heart specialist - surely he should have understood the implications? So glad you`ll be seeing a new one soon, you can`t have any faith left in you current one.
I hope you get some good advice soon from your new NP about the beta blockers and where you go from here.
You must be absolutely exhausted today Renee, I really feel for you. Take care and get plenty of rest.
Sending love and hugs, Jill xxx
LadyAlaise said
Mar 31, 2012
Update: It's 3:30 am here; just got back with Lindsay from the ER went there at about 10pm. Was having bad chest pains; loss of color, feeling like passing out; racing heartbeat; partially unresponsive. Got more of an answer this time around; I do have Extra heartbeats; when an extra heartbeat happens it apparently kicks starts my heart into major overdrive; fast cycles of Arythmia's. Before going to ER Lindsay took my pulse twice within a few minute period; 132, & 154 bpm. at the ER they recorded 148 bpm (From a normal rate of like 70 to that within seconds) and alarms were going off like crazy as I was gripping my chest & trying to breathe, then my heart rate would return to normal within a minute or two; this repeated several times. They were able to 'catch' the arythmias on thier machines. They suggested I go back on a beta blocker to lower my heart rate. (I was taken off mine because of med interactions with TX) Will be discusing this further with new Liver NP and my current cardiologist but will be getting another cardiologist after I move partially because he kept telling me I was fine and there was seemingly no issues. I am sorry but in my world an extra heartbeat basicly "Jumpstarting" my heart to Arythmias and Tacycardia's within seconds of a resting heart rate is a problem in my world .... Long night and glad to be out of ER
LadyAlaise said
Mar 19, 2012
Thanks Jill :) I will keep you guys updated.
LadyAlaise said
Mar 18, 2012
Thanks Isis; The blood pressure med I was on was Metoporol. Though they told me my blood pressure was fine; I was told to take it as it helps lower the heart rate...
Cinnamon Girl said
Mar 18, 2012
Well Renee, I guess you`re just lucky - we don`t all have Extra Heartbeats!
You`re doing the sensible thing by calling your Cardiologist tomorrow, there are some sx you just can`t take a chance with. Hope you get an appointment without too much delay.
As Isiscat says, the patient info leaflets for Peg and Riba do include `cardiac disorders` under rare sx, but in your case sounds like it may be more to do with stopping your blood pressure meds. Whatever`s going on I`m sure they`ll soon be able to sort it out for you.
In the meantime take it easy and try not to worry, and do let us know what your doctor says. You know we`re all here for you.
~ Jill xx
Isiscat2011 said
Mar 18, 2012
Hi Lady: As usual, the experts don't agree, and the clinical studies yield conflicting or incomplete results on Hep C's effects on the heart. The majority view seems to be that there probably is some independent connection but they don't really understand it.
Interestingly, Hep C patients have fewer incidents of high blood pressure and diabetes (as well as some other heart disease risk factors) than the uninfected population. OTOH, we have increased risk factors such as alcohol/drug abuse, liver problems, etc.
I am finding that the best source of information regarding the effects of Hep C treatment, hands down, are the FDA approval hearing transcripts. That is where the drug manufacturers have to answer specific questions that they don't want to address in their marketing campaigns.
The triple therapy FDA approval hearing transcripts are available on line, and they do discuss cardiovascular incidents during tx. Further, they discuss the Incivek vs double therapy risks extensively.
During the Phase 3 Incivek trials there were 3 reported myocardial infarctions and 1 death. The Incivek reps blamed the Interferon/Riba combo. I believe they also reported that these incidents occurred in patients who had some history of heart disease. As to future effects, who knows? The double therapy FDA approval hearing transcripts (1998) may be available on line as well. Just depends on how much you want to know.
The pegasys warnings clearly advise that the drug can cause or exacerbate heart problems, so I would definitely check into this with your cardiologist. On the positive side, now that you have stopped taking the blood pressure med you have eliminated the drug interaction risk between that rx and the tx drugs. Now, they will hopefully be able to find a different med for your hypertension, assuming it is necessary.
LadyAlaise said
Mar 18, 2012
lol Thanks Alan :) I was Diagnosed with Chest Wall Pain when I was 28. I wasn't too sure about that diagnosis for a long time and the pains kept getting worse despite testing and testing showing nothing seemingly wrong. Feb of 2011 I was rushed to the hospital; it was believed I was having a heart attack. While at the ER the doc said I was Tacy(Tacycardia thing?). Then the pain flared up again and my heart rate shot through the roof; last I had seen the monitor it shot up past 160. They called out A fib and called for a crash cart. They were able to get my heart rate back down but tests showed that I didn't ACTUALLY have a heart attack; just all the signs and symptoms of one. I was hopitalized for a few days and was released. Had more tests and tests; the only new thing they could find was Extra Heartbeats (How in the world can a heart have Extra beats? abnormal rythm I get, skipped beats I get but Extra??) So my Cardiologist re-diagnosed me with Extra Heartbeats and chest wall pain. As far as I understand Chest Wall pain; you get pain sometimes in different spots in your chest wall cavity; can be provoked by old rib fractures. (Which I have had). the thing that still bothers me about it all is: When I get the pain it is and has always been in one SPOT; over my heart, never on the side, or 'in my ribs' etc. And sometimes with the pain my left arm will go numbish-like some one put a tight rubber band around my shoulder, and I will sometimes get tight pain down the arm. The pain usually stops me in my tracks and all I can hear in my ears is my racing heartbeat. I get weak, and dizzy and sometimes will start to sweat. I am wondering if the meds or just from having hep for the time I have may have done something to my heart. Heart Disease does run heavily in my family, and my Cardiologist is aware of this, but I never had any pain before I was 28.
news said
Mar 18, 2012
I bet there is some info out there, but ours is such a new "science" it might not be very conclusive. One thing is certain. You are doing the right thing to get a quick appointment with the doc and see what is going on. While not a lot is known about our treatment, there are decades of data about heart stuff, and even if you have to do an EKG, they can find out if the ticker is taking a beating. And if it is, they'll know what to do. Then they can decide what is causing this... was it stopping your previous heart meds, or is it your current treatment, or is it both. Wishing for your safety. Let us know what the doc says (since I am very nosy). Alan
LadyAlaise said
Mar 18, 2012
Was wondering if there is any info out there on Hep C's effect and or Interferon & Robaviron's effect on other conditions namely any Heart Conditions (Preexisting or possibly caused or worsened by Hep). I was on a blood pressure med to control my heart before starting treatment and had to stop taking it because of med interactions. My chest pains have come back (get pain just from bending over or climbing stairs). I am calling my Cardiologist tomarrow. Was just curious.
Lindsay - I have been meaning to write and say how fantastic you are! You are such a gift for supporting Renee through what is a tough tx at times. ( OK - most times! LOL.
I too had a cardiologist through tx because of heart failure. It was an excess iron problem brought on by Hep C. I made it through tx and by the time my treatment ended - my heart was fine. These thnigs can be scary - but I sense a long and happy future for both of you!
PS Sorry everyone about the funny writing - now my computer wont type commas! I'm giving up on getting rid of this computer virus. I don't think this thing will attain SVR! Oh well -have a wonderful day - ty
I too have a cardiologist keeping an eye on me. I am on that same med for heart rate due to leaky valves in my heart. It doesnt work as good as theother one I was on but the insurance would not pay for it. Since starting the meds I have had chest aches on and off radiating into my shoulder which isnt a good sign but I think I know too much, I was a medic functioning as an RN on the road and in the ER. I am just going to deal with it all....the only thing I want help on is sleeping soundly and my damn MOODS!!
Glad you have Lindsey with you--you both rock!
Oh dear Renee, so very sorry to hear what you`ve been going through, last night must have been scary and traumatic almost beyond words, and thank goodness you have Lindsay with you, she is a rock.
It really is very difficult to understand why your cardiologist kept telling you it wasn`t an issue. He is a professional heart specialist - surely he should have understood the implications?
So glad you`ll be seeing a new one soon, you can`t have any faith left in you current one.
I hope you get some good advice soon from your new NP about the beta blockers and where you go from here.
You must be absolutely exhausted today Renee, I really feel for you. Take care and get plenty of rest.
Sending love and hugs, Jill xxx
Update:
It's 3:30 am here; just got back with Lindsay from the ER went there at about 10pm. Was having bad chest pains; loss of color, feeling like passing out; racing heartbeat; partially unresponsive.
Got more of an answer this time around;
I do have Extra heartbeats; when an extra heartbeat happens it apparently kicks starts my heart into major overdrive; fast cycles of Arythmia's. Before going to ER Lindsay took my pulse twice within a few minute period;
132, & 154 bpm. at the ER they recorded 148 bpm (From a normal rate of like 70 to that within seconds) and alarms were going off like crazy as I was gripping my chest & trying to breathe, then my heart rate would return to normal within a minute or two; this repeated several times. They were able to 'catch' the arythmias on thier machines. They suggested I go back on a beta blocker to lower my heart rate. (I was taken off mine because of med interactions with TX)
Will be discusing this further with new Liver NP and my current cardiologist but will be getting another cardiologist after I move partially because he kept telling me I was fine and there was seemingly no issues. I am sorry but in my world an extra heartbeat basicly "Jumpstarting" my heart to Arythmias and Tacycardia's within seconds of a resting heart rate is a problem in my world ....
Long night and glad to be out of ER
The blood pressure med I was on was Metoporol. Though they told me my blood pressure was fine; I was told to take it as it helps lower the heart rate...
Well Renee, I guess you`re just lucky - we don`t all have Extra Heartbeats!
You`re doing the sensible thing by calling your Cardiologist tomorrow, there are some sx you just can`t take a chance with. Hope you get an appointment without too much delay.
As Isiscat says, the patient info leaflets for Peg and Riba do include `cardiac disorders` under rare sx, but in your case sounds like it may be more to do with stopping your blood pressure meds. Whatever`s going on I`m sure they`ll soon be able to sort it out for you.
In the meantime take it easy and try not to worry, and do let us know what your doctor says. You know we`re all here for you.
~ Jill xx
Hi Lady: As usual, the experts don't agree, and the clinical studies yield conflicting or incomplete results on Hep C's effects on the heart. The majority view seems to be that there probably is some independent connection but they don't really understand it.
Interestingly, Hep C patients have fewer incidents of high blood pressure and diabetes (as well as some other heart disease risk factors) than the uninfected population. OTOH, we have increased risk factors such as alcohol/drug abuse, liver problems, etc.
I am finding that the best source of information regarding the effects of Hep C treatment, hands down, are the FDA approval hearing transcripts. That is where the drug manufacturers have to answer specific questions that they don't want to address in their marketing campaigns.
The triple therapy FDA approval hearing transcripts are available on line, and they do discuss cardiovascular incidents during tx. Further, they discuss the Incivek vs double therapy risks extensively.
During the Phase 3 Incivek trials there were 3 reported myocardial infarctions and 1 death. The Incivek reps blamed the Interferon/Riba combo. I believe they also reported that these incidents occurred in patients who had some history of heart disease. As to future effects, who knows? The double therapy FDA approval hearing transcripts (1998) may be available on line as well. Just depends on how much you want to know.
The pegasys warnings clearly advise that the drug can cause or exacerbate heart problems, so I would definitely check into this with your cardiologist. On the positive side, now that you have stopped taking the blood pressure med you have eliminated the drug interaction risk between that rx and the tx drugs. Now, they will hopefully be able to find a different med for your hypertension, assuming it is necessary.
I was Diagnosed with Chest Wall Pain when I was 28.
I wasn't too sure about that diagnosis for a long time and the pains kept getting worse despite testing and testing showing nothing seemingly wrong.
Feb of 2011 I was rushed to the hospital; it was believed I was having a heart attack. While at the ER the doc said I was Tacy(Tacycardia thing?). Then the pain flared up again and my heart rate shot through the roof; last I had seen the monitor it shot up past 160. They called out A fib and called for a crash cart. They were able to get my heart rate back down but tests showed that I didn't ACTUALLY have a heart attack; just all the signs and symptoms of one. I was hopitalized for a few days and was released. Had more tests and tests; the only new thing they could find was Extra Heartbeats (How in the world can a heart have Extra beats? abnormal rythm I get, skipped beats I get but Extra??)
So my Cardiologist re-diagnosed me with Extra Heartbeats and chest wall pain.
As far as I understand Chest Wall pain; you get pain sometimes in different spots in your chest wall cavity; can be provoked by old rib fractures. (Which I have had). the thing that still bothers me about it all is:
When I get the pain it is and has always been in one SPOT; over my heart, never on the side, or 'in my ribs' etc. And sometimes with the pain my left arm will go numbish-like some one put a tight rubber band around my shoulder, and I will sometimes get tight pain down the arm. The pain usually stops me in my tracks and all I can hear in my ears is my racing heartbeat. I get weak, and dizzy and sometimes will start to sweat. I am wondering if the meds or just from having hep for the time I have may have done something to my heart. Heart Disease does run heavily in my family, and my Cardiologist is aware of this, but I never had any pain before I was 28.
Wishing for your safety. Let us know what the doc says (since I am very nosy).
Alan
Was wondering if there is any info out there on Hep C's effect and or Interferon & Robaviron's effect on other conditions namely any Heart Conditions (Preexisting or possibly caused or worsened by Hep).
I was on a blood pressure med to control my heart before starting treatment and had to stop taking it because of med interactions. My chest pains have come back (get pain just from bending over or climbing stairs). I am calling my Cardiologist tomarrow. Was just curious.