Ask a Texas Heart Institute Doctor
Informed patients make better patients.
Question:
Are sensations of being overheated and tachycardia caused by a coronary artery bridge?
A male friend in his forties who currently is in Southeast Asia has coronary artery bridging. The bridge is long. About 4 months ago, he began experiencing episodes of quite severe tachycardia, mostly* in connection with sleeping. (*The tachycardia also occurred a few times while he was surfing.) He wakes up during the night feeling very hot (although he doesn't sweat much), and then his heart races. At these times, his chest feels hot to the touch. He puts ice or cool water on his chest which seems to help. He also says that he can feel weak during these episodes, as if he might pass out. The medication prescribed by his U.S. doctor (in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area) made him so tired that the doctor said to take the medication only when he has symptoms. He is thinking of returning to the U.S. for treatment. My friend has several questions. Are the sensation of being overheated and the tachycardia both caused by the bridging? Is there anything he can/should do for his condition before he returns to the U.S.? What are the treatment options--can the bridging be corrected surgically without great risk of complications? He has been advised against receiving a stent. Where should he go for the best advice and treatment? Thank you so much for your time and expertise.
submitted by Melanie from Bethesda, Maryland on 1/27/2012
Answer:
by Texas Heart Institute cardiologist, Roberto Lufschanowski, MD
Dear Melanie: Coronary bridges are present in about 15% of the population. In general, it is a benign condition. The symptoms experienced by your friend are not related to muscle bridges. Very rarely a stent or surgery is indicated. Your friend should seek consultation in a cardiology center with experience with this condition.Sincerely.
See also on this site:
Has your question or a similar one already been answered?
Search all the Heart Doctor questions and answers.
To search for a doctor or access St. Luke's physician referral service, use the "Find a Doctor" link at the top of this page.
Updated February 2012
