OUT OF BREATH CONTINUED

[jevuki]

I WENT TO THE CARDIOLOGIST AND THEY WILL DO AN ECHO CARDIOGRAM ON 2-22...HE THINKS IT MAY BE THE PREDNISONE BUT IS NOT SURE MY HEART IS NOW SKIPPING A BEAT.......HE SAID NOT TO WORRY UNTIL ALL THE TESTS ARE DONE AND HE ALSO DID MORE BLOOD WORK. SO I AM LIKE A HOBBIT OFF ON A NEW ADVENTURE FROM PMR.....HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE

[Megams]

Hi Jevuki - I will be most interested to know the final analysis from your heart tests.

You haven't said how long you have had PMR nor the dose of your prednisone? I would be interested to know both.

Whilst I had a slightly "skippy" heart from time to time pre PMR (genetic fault) I certainly didn't have the occasional episode of breathlessness, nor the extra "skips" that have appeared to make my heart work harder since PMR & steroids. I am just over 2 years + with my PMR diagnosis.

I have aired this topic to the kindly folks on this site - I have found more answers to my present heart changes here than from any medical person. PMRpro will be along soon I am sure.

I have a new Cardiologist who inspires me with confidence - what a blessed relief.

Wishing you well with your tests.

[jevuki in reply to Megams]

I have had PMR a little over 2 1/2 years started at 20 mg Prednisone have had multiple side affects, it has attacked my jar lost my upper teeth now my heart. EKG was abnormal I am skipping beats prior Echo and EKG was normal, will have new Echo tomorrow and hopefully we find out what this is. Currently I am at 14 mg Prednisone practicing dead slow reduction

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to jevuki]

My arrythmia is due to PMR, or at least, the underlying autoimmune cause of the PMR. not to pred. And it is very paroxysmal - can go weeks even months with nothing and then out of the blue it sticks its head above the parapet!

[tiasbear in reply to PMRpro]

That's how I feel, sometimes it's there and sometimes not. It feels like my heart is skipping a beat but every time I try to show the Dr. it doesn't do it. I'm sure they think I'm nuts!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to tiasbear]

You need at least a 24 hour Holter monitor - and they do do longer ones if something doesn't show up. Half the time it won't play for them to see - not sure whether that is good or bad really. At least it means it isn't too often!

[HeronNS in reply to tiasbear]

I've had same experience and my doctor has her usual reaction that she's not worried about it. However I looked up my specific symptom and it appears to be most likely what's called premature ventricular contractions, which according to dr google are usually benign. I would describe it as skipping a beat but apparently the beat is there, just misplaced so we don't notice it. Unless you are also experiencing changes in heart rate, especially speeding up, it probably isn't anything to worry about - not yet, anyway!

my.clevelandclinic.org/heal...

[jevuki in reply to tiasbear]

I was lucky it showed up in the EKG and also the echo test. I get the results next week and will keep you all posted

[lyndamcw]

I am the same and was put on anti histamine as it is a steroid side effect.it has helped a lot

[Dianabee]

Hi I have been on pred for PMR for two years now and I did have an episode of missed heart beats about a year ago. Over the last six months I have had three episodes where my pulse was racing for no reason and I had a fluttering feeling in my chest. On instructions from my nurse the last time it happened I took myself off to A&E where I was put on a monitor, given ECG and beta blockers and diagnosed with atrial fibrillation. I am wondering if this was caused by high blood pressure or if the pred had anything to do with it?

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Dianabee]

Probably neither - but the PMR! Or to be more accurate, the underlying autoimmune part of PMR. It can also damage the electrical cells in the heart and lead to arrythmias. I started having minor episodes of something soon after the PMR symptoms started. I mentioned them to the GP - he couldn't find anything wrong (well, of course they NEVER happen while you are at the surgery do they?). It wasn't pred - wasn't on it - but about 5 years ago it was identified I had atrial fibrillation and it has been managed with medication since. And those episodes I'd had? Gone most of the time and when they very occasionally happen after too much coffee - obviously a/f now I know what i'm looking at!

That's why I tell everyone with palpitations to insist on them being investigated properly and not allow a GP to put them down to pred. And it takes a LOT more than taking your pulse and a single ECG if you have what is called paroxysmal a/f (occurs irregularly and briefly) - at least a 24 hour Holter ECG and there must be an episode during the recording.

[jevuki in reply to Dianabee]

The heart doctor said Prednisone will affect blood pressure my was normally low and now it is elevated. He is looking to find out why.

[dinhal]

I have had breathless episodes and wondered if it was PMR. This was before prednisone so that wasn't it . Wondered if anyone else has had this.

I have heart echos every year and seems to be ok.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to dinhal]

See my post immediately above - breathlessness was part of the "episodes". And when I have an episode now I get short of breath.

[Dobermanlover]

I had an echocardiogram because my legs were swelling. (I was also very breathless), and it uncovered the fact that my heart was pumping well but not relaxing properly and allowing fluid to enter my lungs. I am on ferusamide yo get rid of excess fluid (have to be careful what time of day I take that!) and although it has stopped my legs swelling, the breathing hasn't really improved. Prednisolone was blamed of course, just one more thing to add to my list, along with the start of a cataract in my right eye. When I discovered that, my reaction was 'Bingo' just about got the lot now! I have had PMR for 1 3/4 years and am on 12 mg of Pred. Good wishes to everyone out there and keep smiling, there are people worse off!