Questions posted in the
Heart Forum have been answered by doctors from The Cleveland Clinic Foundation.
| |
|
Subject: Re: Heart Palpitations, Prior to Menstral Cycle Topic Area: Heart DiseasePosted by Teri on May 06, 1999 at 16:54:18I am a 38 year old female, significantly over weight. I exercise 5 days a week for 30 - 40 minutes. About 10 days prior to the beginning of menstration, I experience very rapid heart beats when I lay down at night. I have never experienced any pain, it's either "fluttery" or racing. It lasts for a very short period of time, but enough to scare me. Once my period starts and for about a week after I feel great. I have no other PMS symptoms except for occasionally a minor back ache. I have talked to my doctor and he put me on a holter monitor for 24 hours. Everything was fine, however, because of the timing of my appointment (just after my period)I only had the sensation once while I has the monitor on and it was very quick. When I exercise more, the frequnecy of the rapid heart rate seems to decrease slightly. Am I panicking for no reason? It all seems to be related to my cyle, but I don't understand the connection if there really is one. In terms of health history I am in generally good health, my cholestoral is in normal range and the only time I have ever been hospitalized if for the removal of my thyroid (because of a goiter)3 years ago. The only medication I take is synthyroid.
Posted by CCF CARDIO MD - MTR on May 06, 1999 at 22:55:36 Dear Teri, thank you for your question. I don't know of a specific association with palpitations and menses, but your symptoms sound believable. The best way to sort this out is for you to wear a Holter monitor during your menstrual cycle to possibly pick up more palpitations than were seen when you wore the Holter monitor. Additionally, if you haven't had your thyroid hormone levels checked recently, it may be a good idea because your synthroid dose may be too high. If this is the case, then you may have hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism could explain your symptoms. I hope you find this information useful. Information provided in the heart forum is for general purposes only. Only your physician can provide specific diagnoses and therapies. Please feel free to write back with additional questions. Good luck! If you would like to make an appointment at the Cleveland Clinic Heart Center, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE or inquire online by using the Heart Center website at www.ccf.org/heartcenter. The Heart
| |
