Imuran/Predinsone and heart palpations

Hi Jessie,

Do you notice this any other time, or is it just when you eat sugar?  How about caffeine?

I did have this issue not long ago, when I was on more prednisone.  I asked my rheumy about it and she said once the pred is reduced I'll stop having them. She was right. 

Here's the other thing to think about.... I have heart valve related issues caused by my lupus. It's called Libman Sach's Endocarditis.  It is inflammation of the mitral heart valve.  That condition also causes heart palpitations.  The treatment for it is prednisone.  So it's important to find out how your heart is working.  A simple, painless test called an Echocardiogram will determine if you have this.  It's an ultrasound of the heart.  I get them every year.

So make sure you run this past your rheumy.  Don't assume it's just your meds. Especially when the heart is involved.  It could be other things too.

Hope this helps,

Ginny

Hi, Jessierose,
Please listen to whatever your body tells you. Upped doses of pred make me "jittery", but I have never noticed heart palpitations. However, as I mentioned on another thread, Imuran just had a field day with me. No heart palps (I don't think), but everyone reacts in there own way. So please stay in touch with your doctor and don't underestimats how quickly serious symptoms can develop.
Good Luck!

There is some subtle difference between feeling like you're having heart palpitations and actually having them. I think you can tell the difference by checking your pulse, but I'm not sure. Checking w/the doc sounds like a good plan to me!