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What Does My ECG Test Report Indicate While On Medication For Hypothyroidism?
Question: My ECG shows low heart rate of 45. I take meds for Hypothyroidism. I also exercise twice a day and have been doing so for last 5 yrs. No tiredness or fatigue or dizziness, but the last week or so, I've had a funny feeling kn the chest.
Should I be worried?
Should I be worried?
Brief Answer:
hypothyroidism itself and a well trained heart may have lower pulse rate .
Detailed Answer:
Hello , I am Dr. Mody and I would be addressing your concern.
As I start I am happy to know that you follow such intensive health regime and I am sure you will bear the fruits in later part of your life .
I can think of two possibilities here
1) hypothyroidism itself can decrease the pulse rate , so in a manner you are not taking enough of thyronorm to maintain euthyroid state .
So if you haven't got a recent Thyroid profile (s. Tsh) done I request you to get it done and titer the dose of thyronorm likewise.
2) pulse would be on lower side in a well trained heart ( atheletic) life , so a good exercise regime would make heart stronger in a way that it's pumps more effectively such that it requires to pump less to effectively circulate same amount of blood , however here heart rate adequately increases in response to exercise which you can check during treadmill run or something.
3) very rarely at your age and without any risk factors some inherent heart rhythm issue .
A simple ecg at rest will rule that out . Do upload the same
Let me know if any clarification needed.
Regards Dr Priyank Mody, lilavati hospital, XXXXXXX
hypothyroidism itself and a well trained heart may have lower pulse rate .
Detailed Answer:
Hello , I am Dr. Mody and I would be addressing your concern.
As I start I am happy to know that you follow such intensive health regime and I am sure you will bear the fruits in later part of your life .
I can think of two possibilities here
1) hypothyroidism itself can decrease the pulse rate , so in a manner you are not taking enough of thyronorm to maintain euthyroid state .
So if you haven't got a recent Thyroid profile (s. Tsh) done I request you to get it done and titer the dose of thyronorm likewise.
2) pulse would be on lower side in a well trained heart ( atheletic) life , so a good exercise regime would make heart stronger in a way that it's pumps more effectively such that it requires to pump less to effectively circulate same amount of blood , however here heart rate adequately increases in response to exercise which you can check during treadmill run or something.
3) very rarely at your age and without any risk factors some inherent heart rhythm issue .
A simple ecg at rest will rule that out . Do upload the same
Let me know if any clarification needed.
Regards Dr Priyank Mody, lilavati hospital, XXXXXXX
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Hello Dr. Mody,
Thank you for a quick response. I do check my T3/T4/TSH every 6 months. My last test was a week ago. It has remained well-within range for the last 3+ years with Thyronorm-50.
I'm overweight by about 15+ Kilos. My current weight is 95. My height is 177 cms, and I am classified large-frame. 79 is supposed to be my near-ideal-weight. I used to weight 120 and over the last 2+ years I've los5 25+ kilos to get to 95 (no medications, only diet & exercise). I'm continuing my exercise routine to lose some more weight. But, in the process, I've indeed gained tremendous stamina and energy. My Blood-sugar and Cholesterol are all well within range. I also trek once a month and go on cycling trips once a month.
My primary concern is :
1.) Am I overdoing the exercise ? Is that why my heart-rate is so low? Should I cut down?
2.) Am I at risk (because of the funny feeling in the chest) for heart-issues?
3.) I do a high-altitude himalayan trek every year (sometimes 17000+ ft altitude). Will this activity be at risk considering that the resting heart-rate would go lower with reduced oxygen levels and cold temperature?
I've uploaded the ECG for your perusal.
Thanks so much, I really appreciate your help.
- XXXX
Thank you for a quick response. I do check my T3/T4/TSH every 6 months. My last test was a week ago. It has remained well-within range for the last 3+ years with Thyronorm-50.
I'm overweight by about 15+ Kilos. My current weight is 95. My height is 177 cms, and I am classified large-frame. 79 is supposed to be my near-ideal-weight. I used to weight 120 and over the last 2+ years I've los5 25+ kilos to get to 95 (no medications, only diet & exercise). I'm continuing my exercise routine to lose some more weight. But, in the process, I've indeed gained tremendous stamina and energy. My Blood-sugar and Cholesterol are all well within range. I also trek once a month and go on cycling trips once a month.
My primary concern is :
1.) Am I overdoing the exercise ? Is that why my heart-rate is so low? Should I cut down?
2.) Am I at risk (because of the funny feeling in the chest) for heart-issues?
3.) I do a high-altitude himalayan trek every year (sometimes 17000+ ft altitude). Will this activity be at risk considering that the resting heart-rate would go lower with reduced oxygen levels and cold temperature?
I've uploaded the ECG for your perusal.
Thanks so much, I really appreciate your help.
- XXXX
Brief Answer:
24 hour Holter and treadmill stress test for chronotropic competence befo
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
The ecg attaches is more of sinus bradycardia, it doesn't suggest any conduction abnormalities.
Coming to some answers
- yes you should continue exercise,
- no you need not cut down on exercise
- yes you should go forward with your himalayan trek ( some pre tests )
The most probable reason is well trained heart for your pulse being on lower side , if we have ruled out other causes .
For your reassurance , XXXXXXX phelps resting heart rate is in lower 30 s and was 28 when he swam for Olympic gold .
So my recommendation for extra surety .
It's not what your resting heart rate is which is important, it's whether it van increase if needed .
So 2 test before you go for trek .
1) 24 hour Holter - here you perform all activities you do routinely , for ruling out any pauses
2) a treadmill stress test for chronotropic competence.
Rather lower pulse gives you an edge to survive in himalayan treks as it decrease the oxygen consumption of your body .
Wishing you an healthy life ahead
24 hour Holter and treadmill stress test for chronotropic competence befo
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
The ecg attaches is more of sinus bradycardia, it doesn't suggest any conduction abnormalities.
Coming to some answers
- yes you should continue exercise,
- no you need not cut down on exercise
- yes you should go forward with your himalayan trek ( some pre tests )
The most probable reason is well trained heart for your pulse being on lower side , if we have ruled out other causes .
For your reassurance , XXXXXXX phelps resting heart rate is in lower 30 s and was 28 when he swam for Olympic gold .
So my recommendation for extra surety .
It's not what your resting heart rate is which is important, it's whether it van increase if needed .
So 2 test before you go for trek .
1) 24 hour Holter - here you perform all activities you do routinely , for ruling out any pauses
2) a treadmill stress test for chronotropic competence.
Rather lower pulse gives you an edge to survive in himalayan treks as it decrease the oxygen consumption of your body .
Wishing you an healthy life ahead
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
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