racing pulse

[Starseed56]

hi thyroid community. Quick question…I’ve noticed since I’ve been taking Erfa that my pulse races quite often sometimes over 100. Especially when I’m climbing up hill or going up stairs for example.

I’ve realised I’ve had this for quite a while (years) and had put it down to being breathless due to fibro, Hashis etc. but now it’s exacerbated I’m pretty sure it’s always been my heart but I’ve not physically felt it as such.

I’ve recently had medichecks bloods done which I posted here and it was clear I’m under replaced so I now take 90mg Erfa a day split into 1x60 and 1x30, only for about 5 days.

I’m going to start three arrows iron could it be related to low ferritin?

I’m assuming it’s going to settle as my body settles with Erfa. I’ve been on it 7/8 weeks now. Just wondered have others had this and has it settled? My resting pulse is usually 55-60. It can’t be due to over replacement so am a bit stumped. 💜

[helvella Administrator]

In my view, you need to have an ECG done.

The issues are too complex to assess by how you feel alone.

I'm not for one moment dismissing the possibility of iron issues, shown by ferritin or other tests, but again you need to check further.

Personally, I very often have high heart rate - but my ferritin is high. But that doesn't mean it isn't related to low ferritin for you.

[WitchingHour2point0]

I have the same issue and have just put it down to hypothyroidism.

In fact, I went for a run the other day and noticed that my heart rate had increased to over 200bpm. Definitely didn't feel like it was going that fast!

I had an ECG done in 2022 which came back 'fine' but it does concern me. Just a brisk walk will take my heart rate up to 140!

[Regenallotment Ambassador in reply to WitchingHour2point0]

My heart date has been higher and I’ve had palpitations since my ferritin was raised (and I was over range FT4 & FT3. Now back in range) I’ve since noticed that eating chocolate 80%+ if I have an evening square or 4 it happens. 🌱

[WitchingHour2point0 in reply to Regenallotment]

I very rarely get palpitations. My ferritin has been reasonable since I had my iron infusion in 2021 but has been dropping. Now at around 100 so I can't pin it on those things either. Iron panel all suggest I shouldn't supplement.

I would be nice to be able to walk up the stairs without my heart rate rocketing though.

It's not a fitness thing either. I can walk for hours and comfortably run 3k so I'm at a loss!

[Starseed56 in reply to WitchingHour2point0]

I’m with you gloaming. I climb my cottage stairs and sometimes have to sit down! Like you I can walk too as long as not too hilly then it’s like the stairs. I’m some ways I’m glad I’ve switched to NDT because it seems to be highlighting this so I think it’s time to try and puzzle it out. With a usual pulse of about 55-60 it’s quite a shock to my system as you might imagine! 💜

[Incoguto in reply to Regenallotment]

Hey Regenallotment, I'm trying to understand what's happening with me. I had iron infusion 13 days ago and I'm breathless, my HR is spiking, vision gets all blurry. Could it be that iron makes hormones working better?

[Regenallotment Ambassador in reply to Incoguto]

Hi Incoguto I’m not sure to be honest, so many things could give you those symptoms.

My symptoms mirrored over medication/over replacement (feeling hot, resting heart rate raised, loose bowels) but it was quite gradual. I can imagine if your iron stores were recovered rapidly due to the infusion then you might get a rapid change in how your body copes with uptake of hormones. But I’d also be worried it is something else as I have no experience in this area.

Is this the first time it’s happened or have you had to is before?

Would it be worth visiting A&E to check?

I had a quick Google a side effects of iron infusions and it’s probably best to get checked out.

Internet suggests 7-9 days for ferritin to rise to peak level after an infusion. 2-3 weeks for haemoglobin but I didn’t check many sources and don’t have personal experience. So it might be conversion and it might not 🤷🏽‍♀️

Let us know how it goes 🤗🌱

[Incoguto in reply to Regenallotment]

Thank you 😊 I was already in A&E last week, they have discharged me, did 2 x ECGs and tests. They told me to check levels of thyroid hormones and maybe I'm allergic to iron IV.

My results from iron IV just came through, checked then 2 weeks after the infusion:

Iron = 71 (50-170)

Ferritin = 260 (range up to 200), it was 37. Hemoglobin normal-high

Red cells and hematocrit over range.

Typically these symptoms I have are always from an overdose I think, had them before.

[Lalatoot]

When I am undermedicated my resting heart rate is higher. Undermedicated it usually sits between 78 and 82 resting. When my thyroid hormones are right for me resting heart rate sits at 68 to 70. I use this as one way of monitoring my levels.

[pennyannie]

Hey there again :

A ferritin of 28 needs further investigatation - please go to your doctor -

it is under 30 and the NHS are obliged to do at least an iron panel :

I too was breathless when my ferriin was at 22 - and couldn't stand for too long -

let alone walk up a hill :

Once your core strength vitamins and minerals are optimal - you will be better placed to build up the NDT .

[Starseed56 in reply to pennyannie]

Thanks Pennyannie the doctor hasn’t even bothered to call re the result! I had an iron panel done on last nhs tests one was a little too high serum folate I think. When I called for the ferritin result I mentioned to the receptionist that I’d not been contacted, she said nothing 🧐. As I’ve said previously I’ve been anaemic or low in some kind of iron most of my adult life. I am now thinking the pounding pulse and breathlessness could well be related so I’ve ordered a three month stock of three arrows iron, as mentioned on this forum. I’ll see what happens. Am going away for an amazing trip in just over two weeks so don’t want to do or try anything too much before then! 💜 when I’m back if iron not helping I will reluctantly go visit doctor. I’m afraid I have little trust in them these days….

[pennyannie in reply to Starseed56]

I hope you have an amazing trip and look forard o keeping us in the loop on your return.

I fully understand - I've had to do everything for myself - and why this forum is so important to me and why I now try and give back where I can - as a way of saying Thank You to Thyroid UK and all forum members.

[Starseed56 in reply to pennyannie]

Thank you I intend to! 🐘🦓🐆🦏🦌😉 and I’ll be back on the case big time. I’m hugely grateful for this forum and like you happy to offer my experience tho my knowledge is as yet quite small. I’m learning so much here more than the medics ever told me! Sure I’m not alone with that one…. I’m shocked at their negligence to us thyroid patients.

[Bertwills]

Hi, I’ve had recent problems with a racing heart but I think it’s because I’m transitioning from T3 only to combination 3 & 4. I read that the mushroom Cordyceps can help regulate a heart beat so I’m trying it. I bought Time Health from Amazon.

Certainly my heart has stopped pounding. Don’t know if it’s the mushrooms or settling to my new regime but I’m more comfortable now.

[Starseed56 in reply to Bertwills]

That’s interesting thanks. If it doesn’t settle with iron I will give cordyceps a try.

[Batty1]

I have the same issue with pulse racing doing the most mundane task…. I find that I can not consume too many carbs particularly bread products because immediately I feel my pulse going into over drive and some days my pulse just revs up.

Hypothyroidism is exhausting and feels hopeless.

[Starseed56 in reply to Batty1]

Hi Batty1 sorry to hear your dealing with this too. Interesting re the carbs thanks for that info. It is exhausting indeed 🤗💜