Potential cardiac issues after pregnancy complications with preeclampsia and severe anemia

[Danni1991]

hi there, I’ve been trying to find anyone who has been in a similar position to myself before now. I’m roughly 9 months postpartum and since the last month of my pregnancy my resting heart rate has been between 105-110 with shortness of breath, especially on exertion or lying flat at times. It’s never really gone away since I’ve given birth.

I did go on to develop Preeclampsia at 36 weeks in my pregnancy, despite being on labetalol since 23 weeks gestation. I also did end up having an iron infusion too, due to low hemoglobin which is what I initially put my fast HR down to. I’ve since been weaned off of labetalol due to no longer needing to be on the drug.

I’ve had various blood tests done to rule out further anemia, thyroid diabetes etc. but everything has came back clear.

I’ve since been referred to a cardiologist where they’ve suggested a 24 he holter and echo.

Not asking for any medical advice, more just wanting to talk with other women who’ve been in my situation before now.

[RufusScamp]

My mother had a similar problem, and went on to have two more children with no problems, and lived to be 88. Unless you have a good medium, I'm afraid she can no longer help!

[Danni1991 in reply to RufusScamp]

this is really reassuring to read, thank you! x

[DanniC88]

Hi there I hope your well. I developed problems during my 3rd and last pregnancy in 2019. I developed a fast heart rate with ectopic beats. I was admitted at 37 weeks to the cardiac ward where they monitored me for a few days and gave me bisoprolol. They say i have sinus tachycardia. I was given an epidural early on in labour to keep me heart rate low and 14 hours later bubba was born. I have remained on the bisoprolol ever since. Ive had a 7 day holter monitor in the pregnancy. After pregnacy I had a echo scan, MRI scan, the exercise stress test and just week a 24hr monitor again. Trouble is everything is coming back clear yet i still dont have any answers as to why i suffer with fast heart rate and ectopic beats. I feel as though ive been given tablets and just left to my own devices. I never see my own consultant either. Just phone calls with random registrars or doctors.

Im sorry I cant be of much help to you. One thing I know for sure is he was my 3rd and finally baby, definitely no more!

Take care xx

[Danni1991 in reply to DanniC88]

Thank you for your reply, it’s really helpful reading other women’s experiences and it’s comforting knowing that I’m not suffering alone x

[Aries17]

Hi! I suffered with palpitations, ectopic beats, breathlessness etc before pregnancy however my symptoms definitely worsened when I was pregnant in 2020. I had an echocardiogram and was supposed to have a 24hr holter but this was cancelled as the pandemic hit.

I went on to have an extremely long labour and my my HR was 150+ throughout labour, I then became pre-eclamptic and had lots of people shoving medication down me and it was recommended I had an epidural to help bring my blood pressure down. Baby was eventually born by emergency c-section and 24 hours later I was told I needed either a blood transfusion or iron infusion due to my low levels. I opted for the iron and ended up having a bit of a reaction to it and it made my HR very fast and I came over extremely dizzy.

A 7 day ecg I had recently picked up a lot more (understandably!) than the 24hr one, so would recommend pushing for that if your symptoms are sporadic.

I’m now awaiting to see a consultant in a few weeks time after having a cardiac MRI.

Take care x

[Danni1991 in reply to Aries17]

sounds like you had a really rough time. Literally my labour was very similar to yours! It’s very scary at the time and even more confusing now trying to figure out what’s happening with our bodies. I hope that you get some answers really soon x