Heart rate higher??

Hello everyone,

Before starting on levothyroxine 5 weeks ago my HR was about 54bpm when resting.

Since being on levo I have noticed a dramatic change in my HR. Resting is now around 72bpm and when I am walking it goes up to about 135bpm.

Is this normal?

Thanks

[shaws Administrator]

What dose of levothyroxine are you taking?

[Hidden in reply to shaws]

Was taking 75mcg and now 125mcg

[shaws Administrator in reply to Hidden]

Usually the starting dose is 50mcg and every six to eight weeks thereafter an increase of 25mcg. Slow and easy is best.

If you didn't have fast pulse when on 75mcg, I revert to that for a few weeks so that your heart can settle down. Then increase by 25mcg every six weeks until you are feeling better. Usually, before being diagnosed, our pulse and temp are slow and it can slowly rise to normal as levo is slowly increased.

I am not medically qualified but was undiiagnosed hypothyroid.

[puncturedbicycle]

So you started on 75 and they raised it to 125 within this initial five week period? Do you know why it was raised? Usually you're on a stable dose for 6-8 weeks before they test your blood and adjust if necessary.

Your heart rate will rise when you're on thyroxine (it was too slow when you were unmedicated). Have a look at the chart on this page: heart.org/HEARTORG/HealthyL...

Resting heart rate of 72 is well within the normal range.

[Hidden in reply to puncturedbicycle]

Hello, yes I was started on 75mcg and then a very well endo who I went to see privately asked the gp to up it after 4 weeks. I am not sure why it was raised but he said I should feel better on the new dose. I believe the t4 was in range but could be more at the top of the range.

[shaws Administrator in reply to Hidden]

Too high too quick, our body has been without sufficient thyroid hormones for a long time, so it is usually always gradual. You will get the hang of it soon, we've all been there done that but when we get better it is worth the struggle.

[jimh111]

72 is OK. If you are worried you could reduce to 100 mcg for a while. Your walking heart rate is high probably because you are not fit as a consequence of being hypothyroid. This should improve over time and with some exercise.

[Hidden in reply to jimh111]

Hi jimh111, I am quite fit. I go to gym and do running for 30 mins solid. (5k) do weights etc. My heart rate for walking does seem quite high.

[jimh111 in reply to Hidden]

Then I would skip your levo for a couple of days and then reduce it. Did your doctor check your blood hormone levels before the recent increase? Do you have any test results?