Hi,

I was wondering if anyone with lupus has every experienced chronic heart palpitation
along with some shortness of breath on a regular basis. They started at the beginning
of the year - mentioned it to me rheumy - he told me have my primary doctor check
it out which I did - It is not thyroid related that test was neg - Had a ekg - wore a
halter monitor and had a echocardiogram done all was normal - they seem to be
worse when I have a flare up - I think some how it is still thyroid related or somehow
lupus related - any thoughts anyone?

Did you wear the monitor for just 24 hrs? Sometimes wearing the monitor for a week at a time will show things that a 24 hr. test will miss.

Some types of cardiac arrhythmia can occur relatively infrequently.

There are many tests that can be done to eval thyroid function. Not just one -- though many docs would have us believe that the TSH thyroid screening test tells all. So if you suspect a possible thyroid cause, gather up your hard copies of thyroid related test results, figure out which tests haven't been done, and request them.

Cortisol (adrenal hormone) deficits can interact with thyroid hormone and lead to heart palps -- esp. since adrenal hormones also influence electrolyte balance, which is so critical for cardiac function.

If you haven't had a recent draw for 8 a.m. fasting cortisol & ACTH level plus electrolytes, those are simple screens that might give indication if you have severe adrenal malfunction.

On the other hand, if the problem were something like a thyroid nodule that occasionally acts up & squirts out excess thyroid hormone, the best place to begin might be thyroid ultrasound.

Best wishes.

SnoozQ,

Thanks so much for taking the time to reply and

for all the good information. I am waiting to hear

from my doctor to see what I should do next.

I only wore the heart monitor for 24 hours.

You seem like you have a lot of medical knowledge are

you a nurse or work in the medical field.

Sue

I do not work in the medical field. I do have post-grad ed. and have spent many enjoyable yrs at universities.

As a hobby I like to do a bit of research, as well as patient-advocacy for myself, my extended family & friends.

Best wishes to you.