New medication query

[Knavesmire27]

This might seem trivial or a bit strange to some but I am going to put it out there and see if anyone has any advice. To put things in context I have had multiple hospital stays and procedures for a few years due to rapid heart rate or a very low resting heart rate. . I eventually had a mechanical mitral valve replacement in November as this was seen to be the root cause and unfortunately due to complications after, had to have a pacemaker fitted also (heart rate set to 50). My resting heart rate did seem to settle down to 50/51 following this. Unfortunately since coming home I had a few episodes of rapid heart rate, in one instance resulting in a trip to Resus dept of hospital. So then a week ago it was found I now have overactive thyroid and so I was given a new medication for that (Carbimazole). Since then my resting heart rate has increased to around 65 beats a minute. Now I know this is still a healthy rate and some of you may wonder why I am even mentioning it and I am hoping 🤞 it could be the new medication I am on. I just wondered if anyone else could share any experience they may have had.

[Happyrosie]

I’m given to understand that the Thyroid group on Health Unlocked is very helpful.

[Catlover1981]

I think it could be both the medication and your pacemaker. My dad had one in the last year of his life because his heart rate was very low 34bpm but he was taken off half of his medication. I would ask your consultants or GP.

[Blearyeyed]

Yes it could be but that's because any new medication can cause an increase in heart rate while your body adjusts to the new chemical and starts working to recover. It can take time for initial side effects to calm down , GPs usually like to check how things are going after a month.Take it easy, pace yourself day , eat light, drink enough fluids , try relaxation and all this helps to reduce your heart rate but also helps to give your body chance to get accustomed to the medication in a less stress environment.

The thyroid issue in itself could have also caused heart rate fluctuations as well as many other symptoms as is common with thyroid problems.

Anxious thoughts and the Stress of coping with a new diagnosis would also increase your heart rate for a time until you become more confident about dealing with the new condition.

As you say the heart rate changes you are having are still in normal healthy range and are also normal symptoms under the circumstances.

Your GP should keep monitoring your thyroid and progress on the new medication and you feel that things are getting worse or you have more severe symptoms of any sort contact your GP to discuss it. Take care , Bee

[Partner20 in reply to Blearyeyed]

Just to say that hyperthyroidism is not treated or monitored in primary care, unlike hypothyroidism. Those with hyperthyroidism are under the care of their endo.

[scentedgardener]

I had a subclinically overactive thyroid for years but had no treatment. It gradually became a full blown thyroid problem.I always had a fairly reasonable resting HR of 65 to 70, which dropped to 55 to 60 when first given Bisoprolol, but as my thyroid experiences have gone on my HR has gradually increased to high 70s, low 80s. Thyroid medicationhas made no difference to it at all. I would think it's unlikely to be carbimazole as there is a 4 to 6 week lag between starting it and feeling any effects, more likely just the thyroid increasing your heart rate.

Good luck with it all.

[Partner20]

You will be aware that ine of the main symptoms of hyperthyroidism is a fast heart rate, so carbimazole, tasked with regulating the thyroid hormone to calm down such symptoms is unlikely to do the opposite. In some people carbimazole works almost instantly, in others it can take a month or so for its effects to become noticeable.If your heart rate becomes problematic most likely it will be your thyroid condition, not the medication for it, which is the cause. In this case your medication may be increased or another, such as propranolol, added. Any concerns you have should be mentioned to your endo, who will be responsible for monitoring your condition. Hope things settle down for you soon.