High TSH, High heart rate

[serendipiti]

Hello, I'm a Type 2 diabetic that had a TSH result of 4.722 (0.450 - 4.500 reference range).  I recently returned to regular exercise.  My resting heart rate before my exercise program was around 100; now it's 88 (I'm 44, F).  Weight was 140, now it's 130 (I'm 5' 7").  I haven't been diagnosed with any thyroid problems and have had a normal cardio echo test.

Although I'm getting regular exercise, when I exercise on an elliptical my heart rate hovers around 160, maxing at 172 when I'm at a comfortable exercise pace - I can keep a normal conversation.  When I cycled today it maxed out at 195 and averaged 175 - I was pushing myself hard to get up hills and breathing hard.  If I work out on the elliptical in the AM and PM, I've noticed it stays lower in the PM.

I'm just worried about the high heart rate - I'd like to get it down.  Is there a way to do that without medication?

Thanks in advance!

[kitty9309]

Yeah! It sounds like the derm is up on thyroid issues. Glad you are getting some treatment.
Make sure to re-test in 6-8 weeks. You may need another small dose increase- or not. We are all different.

[serendipiti]

Thanks - yeah, I guess the heart rate isn't a problem until I start having real symptoms.  I just didn't want to do anything to damage my heart - when it's really fast it feels like it's beating out of my chest.

I told my dermatologist the TSH story and she prescribed 25 mcg of Synthroid.  She said most women feel better when their TSH is lower than 2.

[kitty9309]

If your TSH is repeated and is still over 3-ish, you should see an endo about getting treatment for subclinical hypothyroidism. (My TSH was about what yours was and only as high as 6 when I was diagnosed. My endo said it should have been treated years ago.)

I would also request to have your thyroid antibodies tested.

My heart rate is higher when my TSH goes over 2. I also have a friend who experiences the same thing. I hate the high heart rate. When I used to go to the gym, I would actually cover up the readout b/c I was embarrassed about how high it went!