Posted By Roy on August 07, 1999 at 10:25:11
Recently after having a cold, I noticed that my heart would seem to skip a beat and the next beat would be stronger. This would occur as often as 2-3 times per minute or not for several hours. Generally, I only notice it when I am at rest. I visited with my physician and had the following tests completed; blood test for thyroid function,
echocardiogram, and I wore a
holterHolter monitor (24h) monitor for a day. The echo was negative. The
holterHolter monitor (24h) showed the beat skip, and the blood test showed I was
hypothyroidHypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism - primary
Hypothyroidism - secondary
Neonatal hypothyroidism
Primary and secondary hypothyroidism. The doctor prescribed synthetic thyroid hormone (0.025 mg
SYNTHROID) and a beta blocker (50MG
METOPROLOLMetoprolol
Metoprolol succinate er
Metoprolol tartrate
Metoprolol-hydrochlorothiazide TARTRATE).
I understand the need for the thyroid hormone but I don't understand the need for the beta blocker. My resting pulse is approx. 75 and my normal blood pressure is typically 120 over 80. I am 41 years old.
With the first dose of the beta blocker, my blood pressure decreased to 90 over 60 and my pulse decreased to 60. The skipped beats seemed to feel stronger although no more frequent. I am afraid to continue with the beta blocker until I can contact my doctor. What are typical reasons for prescribing the beta blocker in my case?
I should have included that I do not have any pain, shortness of breath, or any other symptons of heart trouble other than the skipped beat. I do have slighly elevated cholesterol (~250 total). So the purpose of the beta blocker is unclear to me. Thank you for your consideration of my problem!
Follow Ups:
Heart Beat Skips & Hypothyroid CCF CARDIO MD JMF 8/08/1999
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