Raisinwheat

[Raisinwheat]

hi, it’s Raisinwheat. Update, blood tests organised by GP clear apart from kidney function a bit low and it’ll be repeated in two months. Slight deviation, I’d signed on one for of those NHS survey thingys. Went on Thursday where they take height, weight etc and blood pressure etc. pulse rate was 118 twice then 114. Frightened the hell out of me although they were very reassuring but said I’d be wise to inform my doctor. Went straight to my GP, tachycardia mentioned and an ECG organised for next week. Pred upped to 20mg as I’m feeling lousy. GP writing to consultant to advise them what’s occurring.

Can the gang inform or point me in the direction for information on tachycardia in relation to GCA. Thanks

[Obscureclouds]

Maybe scary but at least you know about it and it’s being looked into. One of my symptoms from the outset has been peaks of high pulse rate both for this and a previous autoimmune illness . Past ECGs, echo and heart ultrasound have all proved clear. Not sure why it happens I did think higher Pred was perhaps the cause but I’m now down to 12mg and was sitting quietly reading a couple of days when an alarm went off on my watch to say my heart rate was over 120 when idle for over 10mins. This was the third time in a fortnight. I’ve learned not to worry about it but if it happens a few times I take Bisoprolol 1.25mg for a 3or 4 days and it settles down. This had been prescribed during the previous illness and GPs have said it’s ok for me to use it in this way to manage symptoms. Obviously if it persists medical attention needs to be sought. Strange thing is I don’t usually feel my heart racing so have no idea my pulse rate is so high whereas sometimes when it feel my heart pounding for no reason I take my pulse and it’s below 90. I do hope there is an easy solution for you and it proves to be nothing to worry about

[Raisinwheat in reply to Obscureclouds]

Thanks that’s reassuring to hear. Being so new to GCA every sneaky thing it throws at you tends to send to panic mode.

No two ways about it this forum is a blessing. ❤️

[PMRpro Ambassador]

It isn't a severe tachycardia - up to 100 is normal and being on pred can cause a faster heart rate anyway. But I am impressed to hear your GP is taking it seriously. Most just blame pred!

I have atrial fibrillation - common at our ages, more common if you have PMR/GCA and also if on pred. That is a fast and irregular heart beat. It isn't dangerous but it can make you feel a bit rubbish and is almost always treated by giving you an anticoagulant as the main risk from it is a clot being disturbed in the base of the lower chambers of the heat which could cause a heart attack or stroke. Mine is spasmodic - happens for a short time and then goes away, My heart rate is rarely above 130 and even then only for a few seconds before slowing to more like 120. Makes me feel tired - it is like running a race so understandable. Once it was identified it was well controlled with pills like Obscureclouds and last year I had an ablation which has almost stopped it altogether.

Don't worry about it - it isn't unusual and your doctor is investigating.

[Raisinwheat in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks PMRpro. Yes I’m very fortunate, second GP, both ‘young fellow me lads’ and they’ve been very diligent and listened to what I’ve been saying. Flicked the not worrying switch ❤️

[SnazzyD]

It’s good you are being investigated. In case it helps, my heart rate normally 55-60bpm was always hovering around 90-110 while on Pred. The bigger the dose the worse it was. I think it was not until I got below 10mg that I started to see better numbers.

Just a posting tip - if you put your subject, like “fast heart rate”, in the title instead of your name, you’ll get more related posts come up. This topic has come up before so you would benefit from those old posts too.