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What Causes Heart Palpitations When Diagnosed With Low Cortisol Plasma Level In Blood?

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Posted on Tue, 13 Jun 2017
Question: In the last 2 months, my BP has dropped to 100/60 and my pulse has dropped from around 69 to 43. Yet, to me, especially when I am lying down, it feels like my heart is racing. I feel like I am on fire on the time. I have Addison's disease and my cortisol level was taken a week ago before I had taken the medication. Usually it is too low for them to analyze, but for the first time, it was close to being too high. I have no idea as to what could be the cause.
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Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (26 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
I would recommend as follows:

Detailed Answer:
Hello!

Welcome and thank you for asking on HCM!

Your symptoms seem to be related to low cortisol plasma levels.

These fluctuations of cortisol plasma levels can be normal during the course of the disease. They can be caused by physical activity or a hormonal imbalance.

Anyway, I would recommend checking also thyroid hormone levels and aldosterone plasma levels.

Repeating the levels of cortisol is also necessary to adjust the doses of hormonal therapy.

As adrenal gland dysfunction is commonly associated to electrolyte imbalance, I would also recommend checking your blood electrolytes. An electrolyte imbalance could also cause these fluctuations in blood pressure and heart rate.

Hope you will find this answer helpful!

Wishing good health,

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

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Ilir Sharka

Cardiologist

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 9540 Questions

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What Causes Heart Palpitations When Diagnosed With Low Cortisol Plasma Level In Blood?

Brief Answer: I would recommend as follows: Detailed Answer: Hello! Welcome and thank you for asking on HCM! Your symptoms seem to be related to low cortisol plasma levels. These fluctuations of cortisol plasma levels can be normal during the course of the disease. They can be caused by physical activity or a hormonal imbalance. Anyway, I would recommend checking also thyroid hormone levels and aldosterone plasma levels. Repeating the levels of cortisol is also necessary to adjust the doses of hormonal therapy. As adrenal gland dysfunction is commonly associated to electrolyte imbalance, I would also recommend checking your blood electrolytes. An electrolyte imbalance could also cause these fluctuations in blood pressure and heart rate. Hope you will find this answer helpful! Wishing good health, Dr. Iliri