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Hypothyroidism and Heart Palpitations
Hello Everyone - I am a 34 year old female who was diagnosed about 8 months ago with hypothyroidism. Additional testing then diagnosed me with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis. My initial TSH level was 12.7, so I was I placed on 50 mcg of Levothyroxine. My TSH level is now 4.8.
I have had all of the normal hypothyroid symptoms - weight gain, muscle pain, tiredness, etc., but my biggest complaint (that doesn't fit symptoms of hypo) is heart palpitations. At their worst, I was having them for sometimes 5 - 6 hours a day. I did see a cardiologist, who did an EKG, echocardiogram, and also had me a wear an 24-hour heart monitor. After reviewing all of the tests, the cardiologist said that I had a perfectly healthy heart, and that the palpitations were most likely a result of hypothyroidism.
For the first few months after being on the Levothyroxine, I can honestly say that I did NOT feel any better. However, over the past 6 - 8 weeks, I have begun to feel more like my old self again. FINALLY, the palpitations started to subside - occurring for only 3 - 4 hours a day, then about 1 hour a day, then only a few flutters here and there. I was absolutely elated to have them gone!
Within the past week however, as soon as I woke up in the morning, I could tell I just didn't feel right. I've been having more palpitations again (an episode last night lasted for about 2 hours). It's only been a few days since the palpitations have returned, but I am scared to death that I am going to have to start dealing with them again. They make me feel awful!
I promised myself I was going to keep this as concise as possible, and looking at the above I appear to have failed. Has anyone else been diagnosed with Hashimoto's or hypothyroidism and suffering from long episodes of heart palpitations? Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated!
I have had all of the normal hypothyroid symptoms - weight gain, muscle pain, tiredness, etc., but my biggest complaint (that doesn't fit symptoms of hypo) is heart palpitations. At their worst, I was having them for sometimes 5 - 6 hours a day. I did see a cardiologist, who did an EKG, echocardiogram, and also had me a wear an 24-hour heart monitor. After reviewing all of the tests, the cardiologist said that I had a perfectly healthy heart, and that the palpitations were most likely a result of hypothyroidism.
For the first few months after being on the Levothyroxine, I can honestly say that I did NOT feel any better. However, over the past 6 - 8 weeks, I have begun to feel more like my old self again. FINALLY, the palpitations started to subside - occurring for only 3 - 4 hours a day, then about 1 hour a day, then only a few flutters here and there. I was absolutely elated to have them gone!
Within the past week however, as soon as I woke up in the morning, I could tell I just didn't feel right. I've been having more palpitations again (an episode last night lasted for about 2 hours). It's only been a few days since the palpitations have returned, but I am scared to death that I am going to have to start dealing with them again. They make me feel awful!
I promised myself I was going to keep this as concise as possible, and looking at the above I appear to have failed. Has anyone else been diagnosed with Hashimoto's or hypothyroidism and suffering from long episodes of heart palpitations? Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated!
I am incredibly grateful to find this website! I thought I was crazy with the heart palpitations and my TSH came back at 5.37. I have had a nearly complete thyroidectomey a few years ago and have had a very hard time stabilizing the levels since then. DR has ordered FT4 and FT3 in past and always very stable. Hmmmm.... I am glad I am not alone and am happy to hear if we can get me stable (I prefer 2.4-ish TSH) I can get rid of these awful palps! Thank you!!
Work with your doc to get T4 to 75-100% of reference value and T3 to 50-75% of the reference value and live well. Tsh should be non existent-near zero! This should help to alleviate palps, hair loss, symptoms of fibromyalgia, ,high cholesterol problems, etc. the list is long. I only need thyroid meds.
Before diagnosis, I needed statins, starterra, gerd meds, etc. Because of all the different thyroid cocktails I have tried, I noticed that I may be better served to take a generic made by Sandoz at one increased level. So, I am working to get my doc to increase from 112 of levoxyl (started back after they stopped mfg- it is not as effective and I can feel the heart palps in my neck as we speak). To 125 mcg of sandoz generic. Got my results back today and compared to the generic results. Now (on Levoxyl) my t3 is very low within range and t4 is very hi within range= recipe for palps. Based on generic -Sandoz, labs, my t3/t4 is much closer...just need 125mcg. I know it will. Ake me well based on lab-can't wait!
Before diagnosis, I needed statins, starterra, gerd meds, etc. Because of all the different thyroid cocktails I have tried, I noticed that I may be better served to take a generic made by Sandoz at one increased level. So, I am working to get my doc to increase from 112 of levoxyl (started back after they stopped mfg- it is not as effective and I can feel the heart palps in my neck as we speak). To 125 mcg of sandoz generic. Got my results back today and compared to the generic results. Now (on Levoxyl) my t3 is very low within range and t4 is very hi within range= recipe for palps. Based on generic -Sandoz, labs, my t3/t4 is much closer...just need 125mcg. I know it will. Ake me well based on lab-can't wait!
The walls of the blood vessels have its own so to say "muscular tone" which diminishes (like everything else) under Hashimoto. The blood vessels become so less cooperative with the heart. In order to compensate for it, the heart must do extra work. That's when palpitations appear. If prolongued for years, palpitations can lead to engrossment of the cardiac muscle. This means heart disease. Serious condition.
I have Hashimoto and have successfully eliminated palpitations WITHOUT any medication, only with exertion.
Next time you feel palpitations, try to accelerate willingly your heart rate (I used to go to my room and do some 10 sit-ups or squats) for instance jumping up and down until you feel your heart pounding fast. Look at it as if you were teaching your heart the difference between movement and rest, which seems it has forgotten.
Palpitations will go off for the rest of the day.
I have Hashimoto and have successfully eliminated palpitations WITHOUT any medication, only with exertion.
Next time you feel palpitations, try to accelerate willingly your heart rate (I used to go to my room and do some 10 sit-ups or squats) for instance jumping up and down until you feel your heart pounding fast. Look at it as if you were teaching your heart the difference between movement and rest, which seems it has forgotten.
Palpitations will go off for the rest of the day.
Please post your thyroid related test results and their reference ranges shown on the lab report. Also, please tell us about any symptoms you have that may relate to being hypothyroid?
Hi All,
I had zap Palpitation 5 years ago by RFA operation and its totally cured. In recent time we have plan for kid but its not success to be pregnant. After several test I found I have hypothyroid but doctor refused to give medicine for hypothyroid because I have history of Palpitation problem. Now I am in chaos that should I take risk of palpitation or give up to be pregnant.
SiruShrestha
I had zap Palpitation 5 years ago by RFA operation and its totally cured. In recent time we have plan for kid but its not success to be pregnant. After several test I found I have hypothyroid but doctor refused to give medicine for hypothyroid because I have history of Palpitation problem. Now I am in chaos that should I take risk of palpitation or give up to be pregnant.
SiruShrestha
Could there be something awry with your thyroid levels? Please post your thyroid test results and reference ranges shown on the lab report so that members can better assess the adequacy of your testing and treatment. Do you have any other symptoms? If so, please tell us about them. Have you been tested for Vitamin D, B12, ferritin and a full iron test panel? If so, please post those with ranges also.
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