[lisaktp]

#1059137

I have been in remission for about 6 months now and doing fine…no symptoms. I recently had a bad cold and was taking some OTC meds. Now I am feeling that familiar heart pounding sensation that makes me wonder if I am coming out of remission, or if the meds have somehow had this affect. In addition, I have often wondered about the effects of diet, particularly caffeine on Graves’ patients. Any thoughts?

[gatorgirly]

#1172457

Did your cold medicine include decongestants? Those can cause the palpitations and “racing heart” feeling you described. That’s why people with high blood pressure have to be careful to take only decongestant-free cold medicine like Coricidin. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/hpl/causes.html

When I was diagnosed and for the next 6 months or so, I was instructed not to do anything that would raise my heart rate – exercising (other than leisurely walks or gentle yoga), drinking coffee, taking decongestants or steroids, drinking alcohol, other grown-up things, etc. I was like, “Wait, what? Why can’t I take decongestants.” And then it was explained to me.

I would ask your endocrinologist which “triggers” you should avoid, if any.

[snelsen]

#1172458

and, another possibility. if you took pseudophedrine, it is a decongestant, but also a stimulant. It is a vasoconstrictor, and can make your heart rate increase, sometimes race, increase your blood pressure. That is why they have it behind the counter now. You can buy it without an RX, but it has been misused, so now they have some restrictions on it.
Good reliable reference if you would like to know more.
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a682619.html
Shirley

[Author]

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