Heart rate and steroids

[Ana-16]

Has anyone else experienced an increase in heart rate whilst on steroids? Is this normal? This is not constant but in general the rate is higher than usual.

[Kendrew]

Hi Ana-16.I was diagnosed with PMR in May 2019 and prior to that I had a history of palpitations periodically. Nothing serious, just very noticeable ectopic beats. These had been dormant for some years until I began pred and then they re-emerged. Investigations showed just more of the same. I was prescribed propanolol (a beta blocker) like before, and everything has settled down again.

It's definitely a possibility that increased heart rate could be a side effect of steroids but as with any new symptoms, it's always advisable to get them checked out with a medical professional.

[Ana-16 in reply to Kendrew]

Many thanks. I’ve just booked an econsult with my GP and will discuss this with her

[PMRpro Ambassador]

It isn't unusual - and some people find it causes arrythmias/palpitations.

[Ana-16 in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you for letting me know. Always reassuring to know I’m not alone or just imagining it!

[winfong]

Yeah, my heart was bouncing all over the place. Had to wear a halter (twice). Getting down to lower doses helped immensely.

[Ana-16 in reply to winfong]

Thank you. That’s reassuring

[Sophiestree]

I was so shocked by my heart beating so hard that I contacted the hospital and GP. As winfong says, as my dose lowered things got a lot better. I still have moments, but nothing like what it was. I wish I had known all of those things at the time.

[Ana-16 in reply to Sophiestree]

Yes it’s so reassuring to know. Thank you

[Maudie19 in reply to Sophiestree]

Me as well.

[Koalajane]

I wonder if this was why I had an ECG on starting steroids

[Ana-16 in reply to Koalajane]

That’s interesting. Neither my GP nor the rheumatologist suggested that it would be necessary.

[diana1998]

I had spasmodic palpitations but once down to 12mg they disappeared. I

[Ana-16 in reply to diana1998]

Thank you for letting me know. It’s reassuring

[diana1998 in reply to diana1998]

👍👍👍

[sequeluk]

Yes, and coincidentally was thinking of putting the question on here today. Heart rate is all over the place and can easily shoot up without much effort so keep wearing a monitor so I can avoid pushing it too high. I’ve been on high dosage of pred for 2 months now and coming down a bit now (45mg) and hoping the reduction in the next few weeks will improve it. Encouraging to know we’re not alone. Seeing the consultant next week so will discuss with her.

[Suffererc]

Yes. It goes in remission for a week then gradually builds up to where it is relentless. Took both while it was happening and it drops quite low. Had ECG but of course it wasn’t happening. Don’t know the results cos they still haven’t contacted me, so assume everything ok. Hope yours settles

[Suffererc in reply to Suffererc]

Took BP

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Suffererc]

When it doesn't happen during an ordinary ECG (and it almost never does!) then they need to order at the very least a 24 Holter ECG, There are longer and better options nowadays that go over more days. But an easy way to get the evidence if the episodes last a decent amount of time is to call 999 - paramedics carry 3 and 12-lead ECG equipment and get there faster than even you nipping round to A&E so are more likely to see it happening.

[2013mayo]

Hi,

Mine has gone up to a much higher level to what it used to be, at the start of pred it went from 76 beats per min to 113, it was like this for ages, I had it checked out and no reason could be found, it’s still much higher than normal, 95-100 per min and I’m only on 5mg pred.

It’s not normal by any means but don’t know what I can do about it.

Hope yours sorts itself out.

Xx

[LBM1953]

I had a period of similar a couple of weeks ago and my practice nurse has booked me in for an ECG at the end of this month. In the meantime they seem to have disappeared!! Not sure if it because I am tapering (down to 20 mg from 30 mg). I will have the ECG anyway. I have also noticed that my blood pressure has improved on steroids, albeit it can be a bit erratic at times.

[sequeluk in reply to LBM1953]

That’s interesting. I’ve been on blood pressure tablets for years and was expecting the pred to make it worse but the opposite has happened and now can be too low at times and coincides with increased heart rate. I’ve reduced the dosage on the BP tablets and looking to come down further.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to sequeluk]

Having any degree of vasculitis (inflamed arteries) narrows them - and narrowed blood vessels can lead to raised BP. The pred relieves the inflammation ...

[sequeluk in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks for the response. Makes sense. I just assumed the opposite as I was told it could lead to high blood pressure problems.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to sequeluk]

It can - but it depends what else is going on.

[Ballywilliam]

Pred def affects HR . I had the complication of being diagnosed with Takaysus at same time as developed Myopericarditis post vaccine . And it’s been a balancing act protecting the heart rate and taking the steroids . As the high doses def drive the rate and ectopic beats . Keep an eye on potassium levels ( which run low on pred) as when they were low my palpitations were much worse . Also if you were worried or wanted evidence to show Docs re rate / rthythm - could buy - Kardicore device and phone app . Records your rhythm / rate whenever you want and stores it - . ( there are watches available too ) . 😊

[Sophiestree in reply to Ballywilliam]

Do you mean Kardia? Bet your phone decided that's what it was called 😜

[Iamfedup]

My heartbeat pre PMR was 68 it went up to 78 now it’s 74 at 3 mg of prednisone

[sampete]

Yes mine was well over 100 doctor put me on Bisoprolol a Beta blocker, have been fine since.

[Ana-16]

Thank so so much to everyone who has taken the time to reply. I will see what my doctor says but it does seem to be a ‘normal’ response to steroids