All week I've had a strange sensation. I can feel my heart beat HARD in my chest. Sometimes it comes with lightheadedness and a generally awful feeling. Sometimes it is more mild. I called my rheumy and she said its not lupus or my meds-- I should go to my regular doctor. I went to my doctor, and they did an ekg and I had a premature beat. They're giving me a 24 heart monitor, an ultrasound, and stress test.
But I've been on plaquinel for 4.5 months now. Could it cause heart palps? Or could lupus? It seems rather coincidental that this hasn't been a problem until less than 6 months after being diagnosed.
Although I haven't heard of Plaquenil causing heart palps, you should see your cardiologist and possible your kidney doc. Kidneys play a major role in hypertension and palpitations could be indicative of kidney involvement.
I have them often and take 2 different BP meds which help immensely. I tend to get them when rising, walking short distances or lying flat on my back when I sleep.
I don't think there is anything to worry about, but better safe than sorry.
Interesting. I have neither a cardiologist nor a kidney doc. I was first diagnosed w lupus and sjogrens in march (symptoms started in November). I'm trying not get get worried, hoping that the tests will show there is nothing wrong with my heart or if there is that it can be easily monitored and treated.
I suffer from anxiety which triggers palpitations at times plus my heart does a beat to much as i've been tests but i've been on plaquenil over 2yrs now but like yourself i was only on it about a month and that side affect drove me bad and my hubby hardly left my side as i'd start panicing ontop, i'm not a doctor to diagnose but if your tests come back ok, then it's the plaquenil...i stopped mine as i was taking it through the day, then the rheumo wanted me back on it, a friend suggested night time before bed, i had 4-5 days of nausea and nothing since.
This bit of info may help you also :)
This is a study of Palpitations (Heart palpitations) among people who take Plaquenil. The study analyzes: the time on Plaquenil when people have Palpitations, gender and age of these people, the severity of Palpitations, how they recovered, and common conditions and drugs used besides Plaquenil. In total 13,441 Plaquenil users are studied. The study is created by eHealthMe based on reports from FDA and is updated regularly.
Plaquenil
Plaquenil has active ingredients of hydroxychloroquine sulfate. It is used in systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, sjogren syndrome, arthritis, mixed connective tissue disease. Commonly reported side effects of Plaquenil include nausea, fatigue, joint pain, injection site pain, pain.
Palpitations
Palpitations has been reported by people with high blood pressure, osteoporosis, depression, high blood cholesterol, pain.
I've only just saw this after my 1st reply...sjogren's alone can cause many issues according to if you have it primary or secondary...if your not with the site you may want to join it, as the discussions on there alone would help you.
Interesting. I have neither a cardiologist nor a kidney doc. I was first diagnosed w lupus and sjogrens in march (symptoms started in November). I'm trying not get get worried, hoping that the tests will show there is nothing wrong with my heart or if there is that it can be easily monitored and treated.
cbk, I have heart palps, and a delayed beat that makes itself up quickly, called an arrythmia, happens about 1 time a minute. Anxiety, some meds, caffeine, stress, can all make it cause the heart palpitations. And although I have high lipids, cholesterol, and triglycerides, I have NO arterial plaque, but high blood pressure is bad. Like you, no kidney doc (nephrologist) as yet but think a consult would be wise. Sounds though like your regular doc is on top of things. They can do a simple blood draw to check your kidney function, but doesn't always tell the whole story. Mine always test out normal range, but do have small kidney stones from time to time. Also a family history with my mom, one stopped working and died off, never knew why. Makes me be careful.
Drinking purified water, avoiding meds that metabolize through your kidneys, can help to protect them.
If in good enough shape to walk a tredmill and get your heart rate up, is for me a more comfortable way to do the test. Not fond of the chemically induced ones. Hoping they have made changes and are more advanced with those now. Ask lots of questions on what to expect.
I sure hope you are feeling better soon, and if this is a health issue, they get you sorted out and treated correctly. Just know you are not alone! hugs!
Thanks for your replies. The worst part is that I have to wait to even get some of the tests done. Meanwhile, I have nerves that something may be wrong. I'm actually feeling better than I was. I don't feel my heart beating as much, and even when I can, it doesn't seem like its racing for the most part (I woke up at 3 and got up. I did feel some palps then). I am unfortunately reading into every little nothing I feel-- from heart beats to pains in my chest, back, and arms, aches in my body, to exhaustion. I'm trying to take it easy, but its nerve wracking. Tomorrow is my anniversary with my husband. We're going 2.5 hours away with the kids for a few days. Hopefully we can get the most of our trip and I can relax a bit until I can get the tests done, and get back the results.
Thanks for updating we...i'm pleased your feeling slightly better and Lupus alone is enough to cause we all severe palpitations the amount of symptoms it throws at we because we never know what we're waking to the next morning.
"Congratulations on your wedding anniversary"....and i hope it's one special day enjoyed by you both and it gives you one break from it all.
A large group from we all....love and best wishes Terri :)
A large group 