Çardiac response to Steroids

[Beachcomber2]

What effect does Pred have on the heart. I have Aortic Stenosis and LBBB.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I think this is something you need to ask your cardiologist.

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/107...

suggests "The major adverse effects of glucocorticoids on the cardiovascular system include dyslipidemia and hypertension. These effects may predispose treated patients to coronary artery disease if high doses and prolonged courses are used. Accordingly, corticosteroids should be employed judiciously in patients with other risk factors for cardiovascular disease, and attention should be paid to risk modification."

However, a bit of general reading suggests to me that arrythmia problems in various conditions can be associated with increased inflammation/immune system activity. That is certainly something I notice with my own atrial fibrillation - always worse when the PMR is flaring and being at a higher dose of oral pred definitely has a role to play in managing it better. I could probably manage on a lower dose for the PMR itself but the dose I take is the one I find works best for it all put together.

[Beachcomber2 in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you - I'm now talking to my Cardiologist about how Pred either causes side effects or hides side effects of my other meds.

[Karenjaninaz in reply to Beachcomber2]

Prednisone, acid blockers deplete Magnesium. - which is necessary for normal cardiac rhythm. In hospital magnesium is used to treat arrhythmia.About six months ago I developed frequent, annoying palpitations. Rather scary. Since I have eschewed magnesium supplements because of the laxative effect I never supplemented. Multivitamins I also cannot tolerate. I learned that magnesium glycinate does not overstimulate and is well tolerated. While waiting for my cardio work up( turned out negative- except for low Mg) I started supplemental Mg gradually. The palpitations disappeared. My nephew who developed Hashimoto thyroiditis/ mixed connective issue disease used slow mag to correct his a fib.