What Causes Rapid Heart Beats After Taking Cortisol Injection?

Posted on Wed, 18 May 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 18 May 2016 Answered on

Sat, 25 Jun 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I had a cortisone injection yesterday (knee) and have today racing heart 100 to110b/min. My blood presure is normal 127/75 and I have neither pain in chest nor short breath. Just auwful hot fleshes and slightly elevated body temperature (37.5C). I am healthy 70-year old male. I call to the orthopedic unit where I got the shot and they say they have never heard about racing heart after cortisone injection. But I saw many patients' complain on that on the web. Should I go to an ER or should I wait?
Thank you,

XXXX

Answered by Dr. Baranidharan Kuselan (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Answer given below

Detailed Answer:
Hi there,
Thanks for posting in HCM.
I am Dr.Barani and I am pleased to assist you.

Rapid heart beats are not commonly seen with cortisol injection.
Moreover the injection was given yesterday and you got the rapid heart beats only today.

Good that your other vital parameters are within normal limits.

I would like you to get an EKG done.
So I would advise you to go to ER.

Regards,
Dr.Barani

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee