atrial fibrillation

Hello Chammer - my experience of PMR and steroids is that I suffer from an irregular heartbeat (arrythmia) and am therefore at risk of developing atrial fibrillation, and every time I have had to increase the steroid dosage I have developed uncomfortable palpitations which eventually settle again. I was diagnosed with the arrythmia some time before contracting PMR, so in answer to you question I don't feel that PMR is necessarily the cause of the problem. However, as in my case increasing the steroid dose has brought on palpitations, I've thought it possible that steroids can cause atrial fibrillation as in your case - I have now checked on Google and confirmed this as a fact, especially doses above 7.5mg. I also read that osteoporosis drugs (bisphosphonates) can also cause atrial fibrillation. I also came across a forum where a PMR sufferer in the States had posted her experience of developing atrial fibrillation. I also read a medic's recommendation to eat plenty of fresh water fish, vitamin C and magnesium to combat AF. As it happens, I do eat oily fish several times a week in the hope that this will help to protect my bones as I have not been prescribed bone protection meds. So far so good with the DEXA scan after over two and a half years on steroids. Are you taking bone protection meds alongside the steroids? If so, I wonder if you could talk to either your GP or rheumatologist to see if there is any way they can trial you without the bone protection meds for a while and see if the AF settles down. If not, then the steroids could be the culprit. Do hope all this helps but do come back if you can't understand anything that I may have garbled! MrsO

Hi Mrs O,

Thanks once again for your reply and the very helpful information you have given.I too suffer from arythmia which was diagnosed alongside pmr and atrial fibrillation.I did ask the consultant initially why I had developed these heart problems so suddenly his answer was \"these things just happen\" which seems to be his answer to most things.

Regarding bone density I had a dexa scan a few weeks ago and was told that I have developed osteoporosis of the spine .Iwas prescibed a bisophomate at the same time that I was prescibed prednisolone.

I am very interested in the info about improvements I can make to my diet I shall certainly take this on board and hope that it may help the condition.

I am really grateful for your help because I think my GP thinks I ask too many questions!

I have had A fib for about 4 years which has been well controlled with a Beta blocker. Started having more issues with Afib 6 weeks ago and then had the diagnosis of PMR and started on prednisone. Still having issues with frequent A fib but mine started before starting on the prednisone. Lots of muscle and joint inflammation with PMR which could trigger the Afib. My inflammatory markers were way up but are back to normal after a month on prednisone. Less likely that it is the prednisone causing the Afib and more likely it is the PMR. Even though my inflammatory markers ( sedimentation rate and C-Reactive protein) are back in "normal" range I feel there is still a lot of negativity (for lack of a better word) going on in my body even though I am back to normal activity and feel pretty good.

It is reasuring to find soul mates with the same questions.

Charlie44644

Charlie44644

Although you posted a year ago I am very interested. I have PMR for 5 years new and I am still taking prednisilone. My PMR keeps flaaring up. Like yu I am sure my PAF has been caused by the steroid, of course the consultant just looked at me as f I was stupid when I suggested this, but it is so helpful to read your posts and others here that have felt as I do.