Taking Prednisone For Neurosarcoidosis, Increased Heartbeat After Exercise, Drank Coffee. Worried About Damage To Heart,

Posted on Mon, 10 Sep 2012

Question: Hello, I am a currently taking 2.5 mg of prednisone every other day diagnosed with Neuro Sarcoidosis in XXXXXXX of 2011. I am now trying to et rid of the weight gained while on this horrible steroid. In my haste of trying to accomplish my weight loss goals, I have been taking a caffine "fat burner" first thing each morning. I drank a cup of coffee yesterday, (forgetting that the main ingredient in the fat burner is caffine) in the evening, and took the two fat burners in the morning as I've done for the past two weeks, I then proceeded to get in a 30 min cardio workout. About 28 min into the workout my heart began to race so bad that i decided to lay down and cancel the last few min. of my workout. It continued to race for about 3 min (felt like a lifetime, so scared!!!) the day after (today) I am experiencing some soreness right around the area where my heart is on the left side. Not to the touch but it feels XXXXXXX only feeling it if I move a certain way. On a scale from 1-10, the soreness is a 3-4. I have no history of heart disease in my family, I am a 32 year old female, 238lbs. thanks to prednisone. My normal weight rage is between 200-213lbs. I know I made an idiot move by drinking the coffee, but I honestly didint expect that kind of response, was hoping for a little burst of energy. Just a little worried that I damaged something now, and scared to workout tonight.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rakhi Tayal (2 hours later)

Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
The pain in the precordium is definitely suggestive of a cardiac problem which can only be confirmed after proper investigations. At this time, i would advise you to stop taking the caffeine based fat burner for now, and get an ECG done at your physician's office to find out any abnormality.
Caffeine based fat burners are not advisable for use in patients with psychiatric or cardiac problems. Such products are not thoroughly studied for their safety and efficacy and thus may be XXXXXXX It would be better to avoid taking any such product and consult a dietitian/nutritionist for a proper evaluation of your nutritional needs and appropriate management.
Hope this answers your query. I will be glad to answer the follow up queries that you have.
Please accept my answer in case you do not have further queries.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Rakhi Tayal.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rakhi Tayal (1 hour later)

Thank you for your response, One more question; is it safe to continue my workout regime but at a lower intensity, until I can see my doctor. And is it normal for these types of cardic problems to arise out of the "clear blue"?
I also looked at a picture of the chest/heart anatomy. The area in which I am experiencing the pain is higher than the precordium. Its more so about 3 inches from my collarbone on the left side, directly on top of the cleavage of my left breast.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rakhi Tayal (7 hours later)

Hello,

Thanks for writing again.

Pain below your collar bone on left side may be related to a heart problem or a muscular pain. Without proper examination and investigations, it is difficult to ascertain the cause.

In both the cases, it is better to avoid the workout till you see your physician as exercise is likely to aggravate your pain. Cardiac problems can arise suddenly and it is best to rule them out in case of doubt instead of facing complications later.

Hope my answer is helpful.

Please accept my answer in case you do not have further queries.

Regards.

Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E