Strange irregular heart rhythm

[burntout77]

I was diagnosed with Sjogren's Syndrome in 2014, then Trigeminal Neuralgia in 2015, and this year have had multiple flare-ups of symptoms. Now I have a troubling heart rhythm that lasted for several days, but I think is gone for now. I also am feeling like food is not going down my throat very good anymore, so I eat mostly moist foods like oatmeal, and no breads much anymore. Now even the oatmeal sits there in the throat for awhile no matter how much water I drink afterwards. Anyway, my main concern is the heart rhythm pattern. I was just wondering if other people with Sjogren's Syndrome have experienced heart problems due to the Sjogren's. I only found one article on the net about how Sjogren's Syndrome increases risk of heart attack. In the past doctor visits, she has found no problem with my heart. But now, I feel something has changed. Anyone have odd heart rhythms?

[Navigator]

Usually problems with levels of Thyroid hormone can effect heart rhythm.  You might want to check your thyroid.  It often comes along with SJS.  Simple blood tests can be done.

Less likely there are examples of autonomic nerve abnormalities with SJS.   Your doctor can check for these as well.

[Navigator]

Just as an addendum... I did feel I had heart rhythm abnormalities but it was a function of having been given too high a does of Synthroid.

[burntout77]

Thank you for your response, Navigator. I noticed that you have autoimmune hearing loss. I also have hearing loss and use hearing aids (although they don't always help me much), but not sure if mine is related to the SS. No one ever said for sure. Hearing loss runs in my family big time, though. Hate it. I don't think even the specialists in Illinois know anything about Sjogren's Syndrome. They seem behind on alot of important issues concerning autoimmune diseases.

In response to the heart rhythm and thyroid; I've been checked for that several times and it comes out normal so far.

[irish]

You can have blood work that will check for the antibodies that cause autoimmune hearing loss. I have total hearing loss in my right ea( 19 yrs)r and partial loss in my left the past few years. Blood work last year found the 2 antibodies for hearing loss.

The heart irregularity is something that should be followed up by cardiology. We have had people on this forum who have had heart irregularity related to Sjogrens/autoimmune disease and they have needed meds, pacemakers and defibrillators. It is not real common but it can and does happen to some. This is something that needs to be assessed and ruled out if possible. If you have a cardiologist that doesn't understand the association with autoimmune I would advise finding a different doc. These abnormalities are usually related to a neuropathy of the electrical system of the heart if I remember correctly. Good luck. Irish

Just a note to tell you that autoimmune hearing loss/disease has only one treatment per my immunologist. This is solumedrol IV. I had solumedrol 1000 mgm once a month for 5 months to try to save the hearing in my left ear. So far so good.

[burntout77]

Irish,

Thank you so much for the helpful info!