Many thanks for your previous replies to my earlier post but I now feel like I'm stuck between a rock and a hard place and need some advice as to where or what I should be doing next.
So I spotted a high heart rate back in April after buying a Fitbit which is pretty accurate after wearing it through 3 ECG's. GP sent me to a cardiologist who measured BP at 168/96 and BPM at 126 but heart is in correct rhythm. He recommended reducing Levothyroxine from 175m to 100 and after 6 weeks this has had minimal impact on BPM and just increased my level of fatigue. Sleeping 10 hours per night and always ready for a nap in the afternoon.
GP Finally did full Thyroid tests last week T3, T4, TRAK, antibodies and some other stuff but I don't have the readings though all are within normal limits. So now I am waiting for an appointment with Endocrinology which could take months even as an urgent referral. Now reduced Levothyroxine to 75 and asked me to go back for bloods in 2 months!
Normal high BPM is around 118 - 126 and resting with a glass of wine is 73 but never much lower even when asleep but today hit 160 on 2 occasions just walking around town so this scared me a little.
I guess the question is where do I go to for some real answers and help? High Blood Pressure and high BPM with little change form reducing Levothyroxine make me feel like a timebomb just waiting to go off.
62 years old, smoker and drinker, retired last year but usually get 8000 steps in a day so not too unfit.
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Mazdaman1
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Hi, you really need to get your test results to see where in range you are. It's possible that you're under medicated - my heart rate decreases when I'm on the right dose as opposed to being slightly under medicated. I think this can be quite complex so having a good understanding of your results will be the best starting place.
My Endo put me on Metoprolol ER and referred me to a cardiologist just to make sure my heart was in good shape and no other underlying issues after having similar problems with a complete thyroid removal and my test results in the range she wanted them. So if your results come back in range you might need the medication to keep your heart rate low and steady and bring your blood pressure down. Also I was told that if my heart ever goes above 100 bpm while resting then go to the ER. With your risk factors I wouldn't hesitate and get this taken care of as soon as possible.
Could most definitely be as simple as low iron/ferritin levels (which would also mean you're under-medicated). Most doctors are not the brightest bulbs in the factory. You can call your doctor and request for tests for iron serum and ferritin, along with Vitamin D (those deficiencies go hand-in-hand). I'd suggest you also get copies of all other related blood tests and post them here.
Smoking depletes the body of nutrients. I will bet you are in need of restoring optimal ranges on all your nutrient levels. Have your doctor test your nutrient levels. Tell him you're a smoker and it's been proven that smoking depletes nutrients. Find a functional medicine site and use their optimal ranges to discover where you need to be.
"Cadmium, naturally found in tobacco, decreases the bioavailability of selenium and acts antagonistically to zinc, a cofactor for the antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase. Vitamin E, the principle lipid-soluble antioxidant, may be at suboptimal levels in tissues of smokers. In addition, tobacco constituents have been shown to reduce levels of several vitamins of the B-complex. "
Remember: the heart is regulated by the thyroid. Heart dysfunction (rapid, thumping heart beats or racing beats, skipping beats) is a common sign of thyroid dysfunction. Testing will work wonders for your peace of mind.
But nutrients are without a doubt something you need. Please get them tested. Without adequate levels of selenium and many other nutrients, you can take all the T4 (Levothyroxine) you want and be able to make full use of it. Selenium is essential for conversion of thyroid hormone T4 into T3 (Triiothyronine), which is the active thyroid hormone needed in your cells in order to properly regulate your heart and the rest of your body's organs.
In the meantime, you can do yourself a world of good by skipping the wine, gluten, and dairy for now. For you at this time, they are fanning the fire of inflammation in your body. Wine will heighten your histamines. Not a good thing. Histamine levels will lower as your symptoms are addressed and put in check.
Ask your doctor to perform nutritional testing. You'll feel better knowing the sky isn't falling and that there's plenty you can do yourself about getting the right care. Educate yourself. Be proactive in your healthcare. It was the best thing I ever did after fifty years of no one else being able to connect the dots.
Rest assured, you're in the right place. Lots of great people here to help you.
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