Re: Heart Beat Skips & Hypothyroid

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 holter monitor for a day. The echo was negative. The holter showed the beat skip, and the blood test showed I was hypothyroid. The doctor prescribed synthetic thyroid hormone (0.025 mg SYNTHROID) and a beta blocker (50MG METOPROLOL 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?

[CF-CARDIO-MD-JMF]

Posted By CCF CARDIO MD JMF on August 08, 1999 at 14:22:24
Dear Roy,
It is likely that your physician has prescribed the beta blocker to decrease the frequency of PVC's ( or skipped beats).  You may wish to discuss your decrease in heart rate eith your MD.  PVC's are in general of no concern other than the symptoms they cause you and if your physician concurs, you may stop your beta blocker if they are causing your worse side effects than the occasional skipped beats.  
I hope this has been useful. I wish you the best of luck. Feel free to write back.
Information provided here is for general purposes only. Specific questions should be addressed to your own doctor. 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 Center website contains a directory of the cardiology staff that can be used to select the physician best suited to address your cardiac problem.


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