I am a 42 y/o female who has Sjogren's Syndrome. I also have anxiety (both social & generalized). I donated blood for the first time this past Friday. During my mini exam my heart rate was 98. Was told it was "kinda high" but was ok to go ahead with the donation. Donation went fine. I did feel a little woozy at the very end, but I was fine after drinking orange juice & eating some pretzels.
Fast forward to later that night (donated blood around 10 AM that morning) I started having dizzy spells. So I took my BP. It was normal but my heart rate was 115. So I decided to monitor my BP & HR for the rest of the evening. BP continued to be normal and my HR continued to be high ( last HR reading was 108 right before I went to bed). I have been having dizzy spells off & on for a while now. I just chalked it up to my anxiety and or Sjogren's. And I should mention that at my last Rheumatologist appt in July my BP was normal and my HR was up over 100 also (can't remember the exact number). But again I thought it was anxiety.
And today I had been up cleaning out a closet. But had sat down for about 5 minutes, then decided to check my HR. It was 108. My Mom has dilated cardiomyopathy & her father had it as well (he passed away 18 years ago). So I am aware that I am at an elevated risk for heart disease. So what I am asking is could this be happening because I recently gave blood? Should I be concerned? Should I wait a while and see what happens or bring it up at my next Rheumy appt (9/12)? Or make an appt with my PCP? Or am I making a mountain out of a mole hill?
TIA for any insight anyone can give.
Have a happy & safe Labor Day!!
Lisa