Drop in resting heart rate since pred

[kalgoorlie]

HiI have been on 40mg pred for suspected GCA for2 weeks now. ( actually was 60 in first week then dropped to 40 in second). I had a temporal artery biopsy yesterday so resting up and taking it easy.

I wear a fitbit so am aware of my usual resting heart rate.

It is normally between 61-65.

When asleep in early hours it doesn't normally drop below 60, although sometimes to 58 or so.

But since taking pred 2 weeks ago my resting heartrate has noticeably dropped to 56 - 58.

During asleep in early hours the lowest it drops to is 50 - 53.

My blood pressure is optimal, today 118/70, always been ok.

I do not feel any dizziness, nor lightheadedness nor feel faint nor have any chest pains. But do feel generally tired at the moment and do not have a lot of energy...I mean I possibly have GCA, have just had a biopsy and am on 40mg pred so that's not surprising!

I have been taking pred at around 6pm with my evening meal...it suits me, and I sleep like a log. My first dose was at that time because that's when I picked up the prescription and I stuck with it. I eat twice a day at around 10am and 6pm and like to take pred with my meal. I am out like a light by 11.30pm and sleep soundly until at least 8 or 9am!

But I was wondering whether to shift the dose to the morning with my breakfast as it may be preferable for my heart rate to drop more during the day rather than when asleep? However it may not make any difference.... and hopefully it is not a cause for concern. But if so, how should I shift 40mg timing to morning, and comments on heart rate welcome please!

I have previously always been moderately active and my heart rate has never been a cause for concern at all.

I have asked for a call back from GP today too.

Thank you!

[SnazzyD]

That’s interesting, Pred normally raises heart rate! However, in some it can cause a slower heart rate or fluttering. It might be your rate was raised before because you were in fact really quite ill; GCA isn’t a small thing. I would mention it to the doctor though if only to get guidance on when (if) to seek advice. They might need to check your potassium as Pred depletes that and it can affect the heart. Watch salt as it can cause you to hold onto that.

[kalgoorlie in reply to SnazzyD]

Thanks for reply. My heart rate was not raised before, it has always been 61 - 65 which is reasonably healthy and fine I believe .

[SnazzyD in reply to kalgoorlie]

I meant raised for you. But nevertheless, it is a change that bucks the trend for Pred and is worth mentioning.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Your heart rate normally tends to drop at night and your overall heart rate is pretty good so I wouldn't worry about the rate you go down to at night unless you start to have problems and it goes very low.

[kalgoorlie in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you, will discuss with GP anyway.

[kalgoorlie in reply to PMRpro]

HiGP confirmed same as you, nothing to worry about especially as absence of dizziness etc. Suggested reasonable to take pred in morning if I wish to do so.

I did in fact take them at 1pm today and will push to morning tomorrow.

[JanetRosslyn]

Prior to PMR/steroids my resting heart rate was 52 (I was an athlete). As soon as I started steroids it gradually dropped over the course of two or three weeks to a very worrying 38bpm overnight before eventually returning to normal. I had all sorts of tests and all was okay. My GP said he would report it as a side effect.