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Increased resting heart rate
Hello,
I am 53, male, with episodes of tachycardia and palpitations for the past few years. The cardiologists told me that my heart was structurally normal, but couldn't give a reason for the palpitations. After surfing the net, I have come to suspect a thyroid issue, since I also have many other symptoms like difficulty regulating body temperature, strong sensitivity to glare, to certain foods, as well as to temperature changes. My resting heart rate is 62, and I am not a fit person. Recently, I came down with bouts of alternate shivering and sweating at nights, after exposure to plant allergens. Now, around a week later, the bouts of shivering have ended, but my resting heart rate has increased to 72. Since this is nearer to what is considered "normal", should I ignore it or is there a cause for worry?
Thanks for taking the time to read through this, and I would be grateful for any advice.
I am 53, male, with episodes of tachycardia and palpitations for the past few years. The cardiologists told me that my heart was structurally normal, but couldn't give a reason for the palpitations. After surfing the net, I have come to suspect a thyroid issue, since I also have many other symptoms like difficulty regulating body temperature, strong sensitivity to glare, to certain foods, as well as to temperature changes. My resting heart rate is 62, and I am not a fit person. Recently, I came down with bouts of alternate shivering and sweating at nights, after exposure to plant allergens. Now, around a week later, the bouts of shivering have ended, but my resting heart rate has increased to 72. Since this is nearer to what is considered "normal", should I ignore it or is there a cause for worry?
Thanks for taking the time to read through this, and I would be grateful for any advice.
Please give us the reference ranges shown on the lab report for the Free Tt3 and Free T4 results. Test results and ranges vary from lab to lab and results should always be compared to ranges from the same lab. From experience I expect that your Free T4 level is around the middle of the range, which is fine. On the other hand I expect that your Free T3 is low in the range and could be the source of your problems. Free T3 usually needs to be in the upper third of its range, or as needed to relieve symptoms. Also you need to know your Vitamin D level since it is also very important in metabolizing thyroid hormone.
Thanks very much for the suggestions and sorry for this late response. My last test results indicated Ferritin level of 146 ng/mL; Vitamin B12 level of 311pg/mL; Free FT3 level of 2.61 pg/mL; Free FT4 level of 1.30ng/dL; and TSH level of 1.19 uIU/mL. I m also trying to get more sunlight exposure. Thanks very much again for taking the trouble to read through my post and or giving your suggestions.
If you get thyroid tests done, the doctors always test for TSH. You should also make sure they always test for both Free T4 and Free T3 (not the same as Total T4 and Total T3). You can be hypothyroid with either a high TSH (primary hypothyroidism) or a relatively low in the range TSH (central hypothyroidism). Regardless of the type, having Free T4 and Free T3 test results that fall in the lower half of the range, along with symptoms, are
a strong indication of being hypothyroid, for many people.
I would also suggest testing for Vitamin D, B12 and ferritin. Low levels can cause symptoms that mimic hypothyroidism. Low D and low ferritin can also adversely affect metabolism of thyroid hormone. D should be about 55-60, B12 in the very upper end of its range, and ferritin should be about 70 minimum.
If you would like, when you have additional test results, please post them, along with reference ranges and we will be glad to help interpret and advise further.
a strong indication of being hypothyroid, for many people.
I would also suggest testing for Vitamin D, B12 and ferritin. Low levels can cause symptoms that mimic hypothyroidism. Low D and low ferritin can also adversely affect metabolism of thyroid hormone. D should be about 55-60, B12 in the very upper end of its range, and ferritin should be about 70 minimum.
If you would like, when you have additional test results, please post them, along with reference ranges and we will be glad to help interpret and advise further.
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