Letrozole and increased heart rate

Hi

Ive been on letrozole now for a year, and have noticed over the last couple of months at times, I get a feeling like palpitations, or that I can feel my heartbeat thumping, and in my head, so its abit weird, so I will mention at my next oncology apt which is due in January sometime. Im overweight now cos of the chemo and steroids last year, and I really need to lose it,  cheers Sal x

Hi Sal,

Yes, I sometimes get the palpitations too. I am much more aware of the beating of my heart than I used to be. I'm sure it's a side effect. You are right to discuss with the oncologist.

j x

Hello ladies 

chemotherapy can cause changes to the heart. After my first FEC I had immediate palpitations and they are still with me. I'm 13 months post chemo. I've had an ECG and heart tape monitor on for 24 hours and it was all 'normal' palpitations. Palpitations aren't always a danger. 

Strangely enough I never have problems when I'm exercising hard. My heart rate is what is was in that respect.

its worth a mention. They will follow up with a 24 hour tape if necessary. 

Thank you Crystal. I didn't have chemo, so it can't be that - not for me anyway.

Oh well, I'll just carry on and see what happens. It doesn't appear to be a problem at this stage.  

Hi Kismet,

Letrozole can cause a higher heart rate and / or palpitations in around 1 in a 100 patients - So it is a known side effect albeit not one of the more common ones.

Are you still also taking the med's for speeding up your heart rate, or have you now stopped taking those ?

Just wondering is there is some combined reaction going on between them. Otherwise you can probably put it down to the Letrozole.

As long as you aren't getting breathlessness with it as that could be a symptom of a blood clot and would definitely need checking out asap.

I assume you have a normally lowish heart rate from previously having an athletic lifestyle ? Nearest I get to that is eating 'runner' beans  :)

Take care, G n' J

Thank you George.

The anaesthetist gave me meds to speed up my heart rate during the operation back in mid-October, but that was it.

No - not an athlete, but I was very fit during my teens and then again during my 30s. I don't know if that was enough to affect my heart rate or whether I was just born this way. I'm certainly no athlete now - but am probably fitter than I look!   

Hi Kismet1, I realise your post is old, but wondered how things are going for you now. I too suffer from palpitations (mostly 'skipped' heartbeats) and have been on Letrozole (Femara) for about 5 years (need to be on it an extra 2 years as I had a third bc, opp side, 2 years after my second...first was 1999, DCIS, only radiotherapy, no meds for that one). For about 18 months I've been getting the skipped beats, and sometimes short runs of faster beats including the skipped ones, and am very aware of my heartbeat generally. Have had 2 ECGs (one showing skipped beat), and thorough stethoscoping and been told my heart is fine. When I'm busy I don't seem to have it as much...or don't notice it. I've been told it's linked to anxiety, which I've suffered on and off for years and it's definitely worse on these meds - I'm finding even the thought of going on holidays can fill me with anxiety! Have posted before and have been told these can be  s/e's, though not common, of Aromatase Inhibitors, though most aren't warned when they begin taking them. I can't wait to come off Letrozole in 2 years' time - I can't remember what it's like to be 'me'!

Just found this post about your heart rate. Sorry you have had problems. I have just been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation......irregular heart beat. At the moment I have a monitor attached tome for 48 hrs cos the 2 ecg’s ive had were normal. Anyway I got myself a wee device called a Kardia and managed to get recording of fast irregular heartbeat with some missed beats. The Kardia isn’t cheap but now I know I’ve got atrial Fib it can be treated which will hopefully prevent a stroke! I do not mean to alarm you but check your carotid pulse (in your neck) after exercise or if you feel your heart beating differently. Yes it could well be anxiety ......it doesn’t help with AFib and I have anxiety! Look up the a fib site......they have a similar and very helpful group like this one. I wish you well and hope it IS JUST anxiety. X

Hi NJ, thanks for your post. I'm doing well, getting the odd skipped beat but mostly after meals. I can walk our dog at a fairly brisk pace with no problem but anxiety definitely exacerbates it at times. My husband has had afib and I know exactly how his pulse felt then - totally out of sync (mine isn't like that). It's definitely a lot better than previously I'm pleased to say. Take care!

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