Heart Palpitations

[Liz1900]

Hello Dr. Lupo,

    I wrote to you several weeks ago about my problems with Armour Thyroid after 40 years with no problem at all.  Due to my blood tests, my dosage has been reduced from 135 mg to 120 to 90 and I reduced it to 75 two weeks ago and Ok'd this with my doctor.  Thus I must still wait for another few weeks before blood work.  I have felt pretty good for almost two weeks on the 75 mg., but a couple of days ago I felt that my heart was beating faster again - palpitations in the 80's and low 90's.  Especially upon waking and in the morning - nights are sometimes better.  I am taking the medicine 45 mg in the A.M. and 30 in the afternoon and OK'd that with my doctor too.

   In your earlier response you mentioned something about the T3 and its effect on the heart when you get older as it is stimulating.  I thought that dropping my dosage would help, but I think the palpitations are returning.  Sometimes when my heart is beating in the 70's, I feel as though I can still feel my heartbeat.  It is more than frustrating and I never feel like myself.

    I have also had a virus of some kind over the past couple of weeks - sore throat, losing my voice, sinus drainage and swollen glands - does this type of illness effect the thyroid?

    Any more suggestions when I do go to my doctor - I told him that I had been doing research on the internet and did he test the T3 and T4 in addition to the TSH?  He doesn't nornally as I never had any problems with my medicine.  Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Liz

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

If you haven't had a heart evaluation, would do so.  Also, may need to consider a change to a T4-only product (ie levoxyl or synthroid)