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Can MS cause a person to have a high heart rate and should I be concerned that lately it’s been regularly high every day

A MyMSTeam Member asked a question 💭
Smithfield, NC
April 17
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A MyMSTeam Member

Linda, there are multiple possibilities. A overactive thyroid can cause that too among the other things listed.

April 17
A MyMSTeam Member

( get it in the morning typically but I think it's due to my legs being tight and trying to move a lot. The neuro sent me to a cardiologist here-- I'm just getting the work ups but I"m pretty sure its from spasticity. Neurology can also check if a person has some other response from MS- I had forgotten what it's is called but they check you when table is tilted.

April 17
MyMSTeam

Can MS cause a high heart rate, and should you be concerned about daily elevated readings?

Yes, MS can affect your heart rate. MS impacts the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary functions including heart rhythm. Some people with MS experience arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats) or tachycardia (fast or Show Full Answer

Can MS cause a high heart rate, and should you be concerned about daily elevated readings?

Yes, MS can affect your heart rate. MS impacts the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary functions including heart rhythm. Some people with MS experience arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats) or tachycardia (fast or racing heartbeat).

Additionally, certain MS medications can contribute to heart rate changes:
* Glatiramer acetate (Copaxone) may increase risk of tachycardia
* Interferons have been linked to irregular heartbeats
* Fingolimod (Gilenya) can impact heart rhythm
* High-dose corticosteroids used for flare-ups can cause heart palpitations and affect heart rate

A MyMSTeam member shared: "I have issues still with my heart rate, ranging from very high to very low" after steroid treatment.

You should definitely discuss this with your doctor, especially since it's happening regularly. While heart rate changes can be MS-related, they warrant medical evaluation to rule out serious conditions. Your doctor may recommend an electrocardiogram (ECG), blood tests, or other monitoring.

Seek immediate medical attention if your high heart rate occurs with chest pain or pressure, dizziness, fainting, confusion, or trouble breathing.

April 17

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