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Experiencing Increased Heart Rate And Pressure Feeling In The Chest Area. Is This The Side Effects Of Armour Thyroid Medicines?

Posted on Tue, 10 Dec 2013

Question: What are side effects of Calcifood Powder? I am taking the Standard Process supplement. I am experiencing a increased heart rate (rate is usually in high 80's & 90's with normal activity--occasionally it get to 102-103) and a pressure feeling around the heart area in my chest. I have been afraid to be more active than regular house work & walking activities. Could it be related to the Calcifood Powder? I have also started taking several new medications in addition to the Calcifood Powder. Could it be a reaction to my new Armour Thyroid meds or my new HRT meds (Bi-est cream 2.5mg; Testosterone; & Progesterone? I know the standard range of 60 to 100 beats per minute may be listed as a normal range, but my increased rate in not the normal for me. The pressure/paid I feel seems to be directly in the heart area.

Answered by Dr. Vaibhav Gandhi (2 hours later)

Brief Answer: Armour thyroid medicine can lead to such symptoms Detailed Answer: Hello, I have studied your case. Calcifood powder is just supplement of calcium to increase bone strength and will not lead to tachycardia [increase heart rate ]. Your armour thyroid tablet can lead to increase in heart rate and irregular heart beat [arrhythmia] and heaviness in chest area.You can consult your doctor regarding this side effect. HRT has its own side effects you should be aware of those as you have stared those medication. Hope this answers your query. If you have additional questions or follow up queries then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your queries. Wishing you good health. Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Vaibhav Gandhi (15 hours later)

1- take Armour Thryoid 60mg for 46 days 2- increase from 60 to 75 mg for 42 days 3- decrease from 75 to 60 mg for 8 days 4- decrease from 60 to 30mg for 46 days. 5- holding @ 30mg since Sept 26th (46 days) How long until the 30mg should be completely effective? If I am still having a fast heart rate & tightness, although not as much as in September, How longer should I wait before I reduce the dose again?

Answered by Dr. Vaibhav Gandhi (11 hours later)

Brief Answer: Dose can be reduced clinically checking you. Detailed Answer: Hello again Dose can be reduced clinically checking your symptoms and your thyroid function test result. So you need to consult your treating doctor for reducing dose. Hope this answers your query. If you have additional questions or follow up queries then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your queries. Wishing you good health. Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Vaibhav Gandhi (11 hours later)

I understand that follow up lab work must be done and reviewed before the doctor changes the dosage. However, I'm interested in what the timeframe is between the time I start taking a new dose until the time I should get the new blood/lab work done again? (2 weeks? 4 weeks? 6 weeks? ) Thanks.

Answered by Dr. Vaibhav Gandhi (10 hours later)

Brief Answer: Hello Detailed Answer: Hello You can repeat test between 8 weeks to 12 weeks and can change dose accordingly. Wishing you good health. Take care.

Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar