Normal BP but high HR........

[2johndeereboys]

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

[MichelleP_3811]

Giving blood itself can make you woozy for a short time afterwards but it should be cleared up by the next day.  Your heart rate isn't in a super high category but it does seem a bit elevated.  More often than not the type of tachycardia you have tends to be related to causes outside the heart.  If we don't drink enough water we can become dehydrated causing a rise in heart rate.  We can also see a rise when in rate when we aren't eating enough.  Hyperthyroidism is another possible cause.  Considering your Sjogren's Syndrome can affect the thyroid it is possible there may be an issue.  I would make an appointment with your primary to get a blood test done just to make sure all your numbers are in order.  Take care.