Fluctuating heart rate

[Floridalady]

I am wondering if any of you get episodic tachycardia? After I had Covid over Christmas it got worse and I was put on low dose of Toprol. But, I have really had it since being diagnosed with Sjogrens. I had an echocardiogram and two EKGs and my heart is fine. I have gastroparesis and wonder if it is some type of autonomic dysfunction? Today I was working outside in heat and immediately my heart rate went up.

I would appreciate any thoughts.

Thanks,
Anna

[meirish]

Just out of curiosity, are you seeing a cardiologist? If you are feeling your heart rate go up and it bothers you I would think you could discuss this with your doctor. Ii know that sometimes it feels worse than it is. In other words, it may be an increased rate, but it may feel and sound (in your ears) worse than it is. I know that I have aortic stenosis and I can feel my heart rate increase and it feels lousy but I get it checked every year or so and they say it is within normal rate.

Also, people with Sjogrens can have electrical issues with their heart, We have had several people on here over the years with these electrical issues and they do need a cardiologist to assess and treat this. Sometimes we have to just bug the doctor if we feel we need a better explanation. Good luck. meirish

[susanep]

My son has that happen, and it always scared him. He has been to heart doctors and everything would be fine.
susanep

[Floridalady]

Thanks, yes I have had two normal EKGs and normal echocardiogram.

Anna

[sunflower]

Hello Anna,
Is it ever irregular when it speeds up?  I developed fast, fluctuating heart rates around 15 years ago.  It would pound and beat erratically and then calm down after a few minutes.  My doctor wanted me to try to catch it on an EKG at emergency but it would always settle just before I could get hooked up.  Then three years ago I developed full-blown atrial fibrillation which sent me to emergency for the day.  A cardiologist was called and I was placed under his care and was soon on an anticoagulant.  I have since had an ablation by an electrophysiologist.   

If your heart rate is erratic, it may be AFib.  If you feel skipped and double beats, it may be ectopics and may be nothing to worry about.  If it is fast and thumpy but even, it may be atrial flutter.  It would be a good idea to talk to your doctor about it. 

It's interesting to hear that Sjogren's and electrical issues with the heart can go together.  Thanks.  I had never heard that.

As to heat, since my autoimmune condition I am very sensitive to heat and heat exhaustion.

[Floridalady]

Thanks Sunflower. The first EKG showed tachycardia but otherwise normal. So, we were able to get EKG during Tachycardia. I have also worn Apple Watch during Tachycardia and it always says no atrial fibrillation.

I had a procedure this past week at hospital and nurses were telling me lots of stories about elevated heart rate caused by Covid. So, we will see. At this point I am glad I am on Beta Blocker.

Anna