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Does hypothyroidism cause a fluctuating heart rate?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I am a moderately fit female (running 6.21 to 9.32 miles). My height is 5' 6", and my weight is 149 pounds. I have hypothyroidism, and I am on Levothyroxine. My TSH is around 1.5 mIU/L. My question is about a fluctuating resting heart rate. According to my sports watch, my RHR can be between 80 and 41 bpm. It is the lowest two or three days after a run where I have struggled to keep my heart rate below 150 bpm, even while running slower than a walking pace. Is this something to be concerned about, or is it just a weird glitch? Please help.

Thank you.
Answered by Dr. Vivek S Narayan Pillai

Education:

DM

Professional Bio:

Dr. Vivek S. Narayan Pillai is a skilled Cardiologist with expertise in diagnosing and treating heart conditions such as hypertension, coronary artery disease, arrhythmias, and heart failure. He is proficient in advanced cardiac diagnostics, including ECG, echocardiography, and stress testing. Known for his patient-centered approach, Dr. Pillai is dedicated to providing evidence-based cardiac care to improve heart health and overall well-being.

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Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

You have chronotropic incompetence (an inability to increase heart rate with exercise). This could be a consequence of hypothyroidism. However, I understand that it remains persistently high, possibly due to autonomic disturbances. My advice is to keep exercising at a low-intensity level so that your autonomic nervous system becomes accustomed to it and slowly increases the intensity later.

I hope this helps.

Please revert so I can assist you further.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed by Dr. K. Shobana
Published At February 10, 2023
Reviewed At October 21, 2024

Education:

DM

Professional Bio:

Dr. Vivek S. Narayan Pillai is a skilled Cardiologist with expertise in diagnosing and treating heart conditions such as hypertension, coronary artery disease, arrhythmias, and heart failure. He is proficient in advanced cardiac diagnostics, including ECG, echocardiography, and stress testing. Known for his patient-centered approach, Dr. Pillai is dedicated to providing evidence-based cardiac care to improve heart health and overall well-being.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. K. Shobana is a Dental Surgeon specializing in oral health and dental care. She is skilled in preventive dentistry and provides oral hygiene education. She can do restorative treatments such as fillings and crowns. She can handle periodontal problems such as gum diseases and periodontitis. She can do root canal treatment.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Vivek S Narayan Pillai
Dr. Vivek S Narayan Pillai

Cardiology

Education:

DM

Professional Bio:

Dr. Vivek S. Narayan Pillai is a skilled Cardiologist with expertise in diagnosing and treating heart conditions such as hypertension, coronary artery disease, arrhythmias, and heart failure. He is proficient in advanced cardiac diagnostics, including ECG, echocardiography, and stress testing. Known for his patient-centered approach, Dr. Pillai is dedicated to providing evidence-based cardiac care to improve heart health and overall well-being.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality
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