Changes in Heart-Rate Variability (HRV)
While users on Reddit do not specifically discuss changes in Heart-Rate Variability (HRV) in the provided data, they do report various experiences related to heart rate and rhythm changes while on GLP-1 medications. These include increased resting heart rate, palpitations, and Premature Ventricular Contractions (PVCs).
Experiences with Heart Rate Changes:
Palpitations and PVCs, Especially with Fibromyalgia: Users with fibromyalgia have reported significant heart-related side effects. One user described their experience: "Heart palpitations are insane. Chest pain... The heart issues legit #1 issue that’s gunna make me quit. Just crazy PVCs that I can’t even function. "[2] Another user with fibromyalgia noted, "My resting HR probably went up by 10-15 BPM on them but that’s all I experienced. "[3]
Dysautonomia and Heart Rate: A user with dysautonomia mentioned, "I think losing weight lowers my BP, causing my heart rate to go up when I stand," suggesting an indirect effect of GLP-1 induced weight loss on heart rate. [4] Another user pointed out that "One of the possible side effects is a fast heart rate as well" for Ozempic. [5]
Panic Attacks: One user reported an experience where they "thought I was having a stroke and called an ambulance. Panic attack. All obs. Perfect! " suggesting that while observations like heart rate might have been elevated during the panic attack, they normalized. [6]
Feeling "Revved Up": A psychologist taking tirzepatide described physical symptoms of anxiety post-injection: "I feel ‘revved up’, a little shaky, but no cognitive/emotional anxiety symptoms," which could be associated with heart rate changes. [7]
Remedies and Preventions Recommended:
Users have recommended several strategies for managing heart-related side effects:
For Palpitations (especially with POTS/Fibromyalgia):
A user suggested to "check if you have a MTHFR mutation (you can cheat by checking for high homocysteine levels), for which you should then add folinic acid (leucovorin) and liposomal glutathione" as these helped their palpitations. [8]
Another user with fibromyalgia stated, "I take a beta blocker to help with the palpitations. "[9]
Managing Orthostatic Issues (which can impact heart rate):
To combat orthostatic hypotension, one user advised, "You do have to be very intentional about eating and drinking enough... I lived off of protein shakes. "[10]
Another user who struggled with low blood pressure issues found improvement by "trying very hard to stay hydrated and eat lots of protein. "[11]
A user experiencing severe side effects including heart issues and PVCs mentioned the importance to "Keep up on electrolytes.
Experiences with Heart Rate Changes:
- General Increase in Resting Heart Rate: Some users acknowledge that GLP-1 medications can increase heart rate.
Remedies and Preventions Recommended:
Users have recommended several strategies for managing heart-related side effects:
- Dosage Adjustment: One user with fibromyalgia and POTS recommended "to go down on the GLP-1.