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[Lilyloos]

 
Hi everybody - anybody!
I'm pretty new to this brilliant site, just wondered if anyone can offer any advice/explanation regarding sudden racing heart.  Started on new HRT Climagest 2mg 8 days ago, but not sure if this really has anything to do with a sudden racing heart for no reason.  This morning BP was 168/85, pulse was 124!!!  It came down steadily and within 15-20 minutes was back to 119/75, pulse 64.  This doesn't happen much but probably about once a day. 
Had ECG's and GP said everything ok - went to A & E a couple of times with this, and they said anxiety - but it happens when I'm not anxious - I was eating my breakfast this morning!  Is this possibly vasomotor symptoms due to menopause (am 2/3 years period free) possibly a hot flush but without the sweating!?  Any advice/reassurance greatly appreciated.
Thankyou LL x

[jillellie]

Hi LL.

Exactly the same thing is happening to me. I had a major panic/anxiety attack and was admitted to A&E with high blood pressure 210/176 - I thought I was having a heart attack I am not taking HRT as yet, I was going to see if I can cope without medication. How are you coping with the Climagest? 

[Lilyloos]

Hi Jill
Am ok on the Climagest - only 8 days in, but am managing to get a few nights of good sleep.  I know that HRT can cause BP spikes, but can't really decide if it's the new HRT or a bit of my anxiety mixed in with it all.  It is awful I know.  I'm seeing the GP again in a week and will mention this again, but because it always comes down steadily, I don't suppose she will see it as a problem or issue!  Not sure now whether I really want to continue with HRT as when I have to come off it, will I start at square one again with all these symptoms!  x

[Taz2]

Hi Lilyloos - I would explain this to your GP and ask if you can have your blood pressure monitored over three days. You are issued with a monitor with which you take your blood pressure so many times a day and it's recorded on a memory card so the doc can see if your blood pressure is stable. My GP tested me because it is now thought that spiking blood pressure is more dangerous than permanently high blood pressure as it can often be missed. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2266234/High-blood-pressure-New-research-suggests-sawing-readings-key-danger-sign-strokes-.html

Taz x

[Lilyloos]

Hi Taz, thanks for the reply.  I'll mention this to GP, I've been told today it's not dangerously high, and likely an adrenaline surge/flush/anxiety thing.  Not enjoying my 50s at all sadly    fingers crossed it will be ok.  BP has been fine throughout the day, but as you say needs checking out. X

[Hurdity]

Hi Lilyloos

Just to say don't worry about the "when I have to come off it" - it's the quality of life here and now that's important. Not all women go back to flushes when they come off it, and for some who do, the period of time the flushes last is much less than it would have been had they gone through the menopause naturally. Also some of us are in our 60's and we still haven't come off it and hopefully many of us will carry on with HRT until we stop working, so that we can then cope better with any flushes etc that arise!

Hope your BP stabilises.

Hurdity x

[Lilyloos]

Hi Hurdity
THANKYOU so much for your supportive reply.  I just need to know if it is normal for BP to spike when you have a flush.  I'm afraid my GP historically hasn't been very reassuring and am sure menopause is not one of his interests, so this has fed my anxiety unfortunately.  I am seeing a new GP next time so hopefully I'll have a different experience. 
My new HRT am sure is still kicking in, need to get a grip, feel I'm losing my mind sometimes!
LL x

[Taz2]

Hi again Lilyloos - I was told by my GP that it isn't usual for blood pressure to rise while having a hot flush but it is normal for the heart rate to increase.

This is from the American Heart Association which seems to explain it quite well http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/HighBloodPressure/AboutHighBloodPressure/Blood-Pressure-vs-Heart-Rate_UCM_301804_Article.jsp

I hope that when you see your GP this extra knowledge will mean you are taken seriously.

Taz x

[Lilyloos]

Thanks for the reply Taz
Just spoken to GP today to raise my concerns, but she said that adrenaline (in my case as there is anxiety in there also) will raise the blood pressure, and that these spikes whch I get occasionally are due to the adrenaline response.  It may be that my racing heart is not always menopause related, but of both.
Appreciate your feedback and link.  LL x