Irregular heartbeat issues

I have nothing to offer, but I will be following. I'm new to the PMR journey with an existing history of high BP, high cholesterol, osteoporosis and most likely small fiber neuropathy - all treated with prescription meds - Lisinopril, Lipitor, Boniva & Gabapentin. I'm 73. I've also had a recent MRI of lumbar spine which did indicate some degeneration and possible nerve root compression.
I developed pain and discomfort at night significantly different from the numbness and tingling I have had with the neuropathy which led me to a Rheumatologist in consult. I had already had excellent results on a Medrol dose pack and I've continued on 15 mg. Prednisone daily prescribed by my PCP. . Rheumo thought that I might be able to fast track on the taper since I was doing so well. That did not work out. Symptoms returned.
Meanwhile at the same time I learned that I have AFib and I'm now on Eliquis and Metoprolol. Since the Prednisone really revs me up, I'm very anxious to taper to ease my stress in terms of dealing with AFib.
I had a stress echo and I did fine on the treadmill, but my EKG was slightly abnormal.
What changes in the course of just a few months!!! Good news - once the Prednisone kicks in for the day, I can still manage walking 1-3 miles.

@pah17
This disease has done a number on me. I’m a 78 year old female, on several prescription meds including osteoporosis meds, blood pressure meds, cholesterol meds, thyroid meds and now on ant acid meds as the prednisone has done a number on my stomach.
I was diagnosed in late August with 15 mg, went down to 10 mg and had to go back to 15 because of pain.
Almost 6 months later I’m down to 1 mg and hopefully off on the 20th. I am feeling some stiffness but nothing like the pain I had prior to the diagnosis. My flexibility is suffering too but it’s all probably due to my body adjusting to the tapering off prednisone. I have been on kevzara injections for 3 months which I hope is going to control the PMR pain. I am pretty sure the irregular heartbeat is due to the changes my body is going through and hopefully it’s not a serious, permanent condition caused by this disease and treatment.
This site has been a wealth of information and support for me as I know no one in my large city that has this disease. My mother had it and at least I was acquainted with it before being diagnosed.
Best wishes to you!

It would be interesting to ask your doctor to do an
EKG for comparison to an old baseline taken before
PMR. I experienced a new onset Right bundle branch block after PMR. My diagnosis of PMR was straightforward as my mother had it as well. I was very
healthy until retirement at 72.

@caroljeand I really appreciate hearing your story. I have a suspicion that my mother may very well have had it as well. But she passed many years ago, so I'll never know for sure.
This is a very helpful site. I take a peak every day to gain new information.
All the best to you.

I think it would be a good idea for those who experience Afib or high heart rates to take magnesium supplements before doing anything else. Magnesium would certainly not harm you and could be all you need to do. Most Americans do not get enough magnesium in their food. 3 years ago I started having some instances of Afib and high heart rate as detected by my Apple watch. After some research online I started taking Magnesium Glycinate before bedtime as that type magnesium helps you sleep. I also take Magnesium L Threonate in the morning. I haven't had any Afib since then. I would also suggest reading the book "The Magnesium Miracle."

@retiredphil
Thank you … I just started on magnesium glycinate, one that that I could swallow. The capsule form was too scary so I found a pill form that is huge but not as scary.
Hoping this is all related to my body coping with new cortisol demands so we’ll see how the heart monitor test comes out and hope for the best!

@pah17
Do you think your mother may have had it but didn’t get treatment for it? My mother was on prednisone for 15 years and I don’t want to follow that lead. It was the only known treatment at the time. She died in 1998. I definitely believe in the genetic link.
I am so happy for this site to able gain real experience with this disease. It’s so hard to go through without anyone to share the ups and downs that go along with it.

@seniormed
I’m sure there will be a lot learned from the heart monitor I just turned in yesterday. It was a 48 hour one.
I have a recent ekg but can’t remember if it was before PMR. I’ll find out at the follow up visit.

I have PMR and GCA Vasculitis since 2019. GCA is asymptomatic and was only recently Dx. I've been on and off Prednisone since 2020. Now on biologic Tyenne injections as well as Prednisone.
I was in PCP office in January and she heard extra heart beat, did EKG. It revealed Premature Atrial Contractions PAC's. Had planned a three week vacation for the next week. Cardiologist cleared me to leave without further testing. The PAC's are asymptomatic also. BP monitor picks up irregular heartbeat icon. I never noticed until after EKG.
I see cardiologist once I return from vacation. I'm on the cruise now, then a week in California before home.
Heart problems are scary, but your heart is stronger than you realize. This is the second heart hiccup for me, first was in 2019-2020 and it took almost 6 months before they started treatment. The monitor should give them what they need to know. Hang in there and keep us informed on progress. Try not to worry, it really doesn't help.

@retiredphil I will challenge taking magnesium without talking to your doctor first. Magnesium can be hard on your kidneys, and many, many seniors have kidney decline if not into a stage of kidney failure. Also, magnesium can cause slow heart rate, that is called tackycardia and I can have this several times on any day, like down into to 40's. Pre PMR I had it all the time. Lastly magnesium can slow blood clotting as well as cause problems if you already have a heart rhythm problem.
True that we may benefit from magnesium, but I would encourage people to ask their doctor about going on any supplement first, just in case it's not for you.