ever since I had chemo I noticed that my heart rate over all has been on the high side,90 to 110 at rest,and exercising up to 170(only walking on a treadmill)I have low blood pressure sometimes and my heart rate is always regular
should I be concerned about this?does anyone know what might be the cause ,and is it dangerous for me to do strenuous exercise?
have been trying to research on internet but can’t find anything relating to chemo?any thoughts are appreciated,will ask my doctor too but often we don’t have enough time to ask all the questions.I hope someone can offer advice
thanks to you all
Hi, I think its certainly something you need to get checked out, especially if its something that has only started since chemo. I certainly would get it checked out before doing anything too strenuous. I always come out of appointments and then realise i forgot to ask something, always so much to ask. Next time i am going to write down and tick the list off as i am asking it.
good luck
The only time I had this problem, very high heart rate, some years back, was when I had an overactive thyroid. Best thing you can do is see your GP about it.
All the best Alice
hello,
my heart has kept a higher rate than normal since I started my chemo, Epirubicin. I had an allergic reaction to it the last 2 times and my heart went very fast, 250, but the hospital let me go after various treatments as whilst my heart still was going fast, 111 - 120 resting, the rhytham (spelling?) was not irregular. I definately think you should go and get it checked out but as long as it’s steady I wouldn’t panic, just don’t leave it. Last night I had a temperature for a few hours and faster heart beat again and they gave me antihistamin and paracetamol. They said it’s not the allergic reaction now just a side effect.
Like Alice said aswell when I had an overactive thyroid my heart went fast then too.
Doesn’t stop it being scary and I think just for peace of mind you should ask - what about BCN call?
Good luck
Katie
Hi, I find it interesting that you say your heart rate went fast whilst having Epirubicin, mine has done that the last couple of times and has been put down to anxiety. I have now finished the Epi and will be starting Docetaxel makes me wonder though whether it was actually a reaction.
Hi Anna, it could have been. My heart was thumping away when I got there for my 2nd dose and I was very anxious because of the anaphylactic reaction the first time but when the reaction started again and my heart went fast it was a different sort of fast (can’t explain how but it felt different). I couldn’t make it slow down with focused breathing after the other SE started to go either. I had had antihistamin before they started and they gave it with steroids but still got a rash and blood pressure dropped and my throat started to swell up. We’re not sure of my next steps. Onc is discussing with the allergy clinic and my doctor there. The allergy doctor said that my heart beat is directly responding to the drug and it’s not in my mind or anxiety (thought it might be me you know as soo not looking forward to it). Told the BCN yesterday that I can’t do it again but she said I don’t really have much choice as I need it (she was nice when she said it not at all flippent which helped).
Good luck with the Docetaxel.
Katie
Hi, sorry to hear you had such a dreadful time, it certainly sounds more than anxiety, although i think mine probably was anxiety because i only experienced the racing heart bit. I did have a rash on my chest on the 2nd day but they said that could be either the chemo or the steriods. It is all very frightening isnt it? it must be more so for you going through that. I am anxious about this next one but have been having hypnotherapy to try help with anxiety. I am trying to keep in mind that the chemo is going to kill this cancer, and when it is all over it will be worth it. I did get some diazepam from my GP to take 2 hours before my next chemo, i havent decided yet if i will take it, good to know i can though. I am just really scared, which is bizarre because i used to be so strong, and used to be able to face up to fears and get on with it, now i want to run and hide, how silly. How many Epirubicin have you had?? Do you have many to go?? Are they due to change it to another one??
Hi lookinglovely
As the others have said, if you are concerned, you should definitely get this checked out with your medical team.
You may also find that a chat with one of our helpline staff may be helpful.
Give them a call if you feel able, they’re on 0808 800 6000 and are open until 5pm today and 9am until 2pm tomorrow.
Kind regards
Louise
Facilitator
Anna, I;m waiting to hear what they’re going to do as only had 2 of 4 epi and was supposed to have 8 CMF after but onc doesn’t seem to think that will work aswell without the E. I think I’m going to try the hypno therapy to help with the anxiety aswell, let me know if it helps you…
Looking lovely forgot to say let us know what you decide and how you get on.
thanks Anna,Katie ,alice in wonderland and louise,I will get it checked out together with my once a year blood test and exam by GP
I sometimes forget because I look back to normal that actually there have been a lot of changes in my body due to the chemo etc
when I recovered after treatment I thought I would be the same as before (only slimmer!)thanks again for all your help
Hi everyone,
looking lovely let us know how you get on, and fingers are crossed everything is ok.
Katie, i have had 4 hypotherapy sessions and they certainly seem to help, I wont know till wednesday when i have my first docetaxel how much they are helping but they are certainly helping me focus on something else and relax a little more. It would be nice if on wednesday i can go in and feel as relaxed as everyone else seems to look, we will see.
good luck with your hypnotherapy, its certainly worth trying.
anna