Palpitations
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I had PMR and temporal lobe arteritis from May 2012 to May 2014. On April 4 of this year I had continuous palpitations as well as pain down my left arm and left shoulder. This has continued and I have had extensive cardiac testIng and there is no blockage or problem with my heart. In early June I recognized the other symptoms of pain and weakness in the upper arms, upper legs and low back. Inflammatory markers checked by rheumatologist do indicate that the PMR has returned. To this point the pain and weakness has not been as severe as it was 3-5 years ago. So far no temporal lobe arteritis symptoms. Since my symptoms are not as severe, I requested not to be put on prednisone at this time - osteopenia, cataracts and other effects of the prednisone contributed to that request. Last time when I had PMR I had lots of palpitations and the assumption was that it was caused by the high dose of prednisone I was on - 80 mg at times. But as I said, not on prednisone this time around but the palpitations are even worse. Almost continuous. It seems that there must be a connection between the PMR and the palpitations because it all started on the exact same day. I have been put on a low dose beta blocker but that's not really helping the palpitations to this point. I see the cardiologist again in about two weeks and perhaps a higher dose will be necessary. I am wondering if others have experienced palpitations and irregular heartbeats with PMR. Thank you.
0 likes, 4 replies
EileenH MarLou
Posted
I have atrial fibrillation which the cardiologist is confident was caused by the autoimmune part of the PMR. It certainly wasn't the pred - I'd had it the entire time I'd had PMR symptoms that no-one seemed able to diagnose. It was paroxysmal (happens occasionally) and of course never happened while I was at the surgery! Eventually I had a drug reaction while in hospital for something else which resulted in severe a/f and once it was treated I realised the episodes I'd been having had been short-lived a/f attacks.
I am on a low doses of both a beta-blocker and an angiotensin receptor antagonist as well as an antiarrythmic. I doubt a beta-blocker alone would be enough. If you have palpitations then the most important thing is actually an anticoagulant - I'm on one of the new generation ones now.
There are medical articles describing arrythmias in rheumatic diseases - it is more common, that is well known. I have asked a rheumatologist about it in PMR and all I got was "it is the same age group...". Yes, but is it MORE COMMON in patients with PMR than in the otherwise healthy population? Judging by my experiences on the forums it probably is.
I assume you mean temporal arteritis - not temporal lobe arteritis?
MarLou EileenH
Posted
EileenH MarLou
Posted
Well no - no necessarily. The damage to the electrical cells in the heart has been done - I'm not expecting mine to get any better. It is a common complaint at our age anyway!
MarLou EileenH
Posted