newlifeoutlook
Awareness

AFib and Thyroid Function

Mar 11, 2015
  • Medical Information
  • Research
Female doctor doing throat examination on older man

The Research

The researchers discovered that people who had low levels of TSH were the most likely to develop AFib. The lower the levels of TSH, the more the risk of AFib increased. This means that people who have hyperthyroidism, or sub clinical hyperthyroidism have an increased risk of AFib occurring.

Hypothyroidism is much more common than hyperthyroidism. What this means is that if you are one of the many millions of people who have hypothyroidism, you are not at an increased risk of developing AFib. However if you have an overactive thyroid, you are at an increased risk of AFib occurring.

The researchers found that the risk of developing AFib due to thyroid problems was greater in younger adults than in elderly individuals. They state that when people at high risk are treated with antithyroid drugs for hyperthyroidism, the increased risk of developing AFib goes away.

The researchers stress that it is important for people to be screened for thyroid disease as part of routine physical examinations. One of the problems that they addressed is that many healthcare practitioners fail to treat subclinical thyroid problems. In the researchers' opinions, treatment of subclinical hyperthyroidism is important.

They discovered that among people diagnosed with subclinical hyperthyroidism, the risk of developing AFib increased after one year. According to the researchers, even people who are in the high normal range of thyroid function are at an increased risk of developing AFib. They state that people who have high normal thyroid function, subclinical hyperthyroidism, and hyperthyroidism should be regularly screened to see if atrial fibrillation is present.

I agree with their recommendations and believe that educating at risk people of the signs and symptoms of AFib should be a routine part of patient education.

You May Also Like:The Steps and Procedures for an Accurate AFib Diagnosis
Related Search Topics (Ads):
  • AFib Anticoagulation
  • AFib Shock Treatment
  • Afib Medication Treatments
  • Afib Stroke Treatment

Your Thyroid Gland and Heart

If you suffer from hypothyroidism you may develop changes in the structure of your heart, known as cardiomyopathy. You are at risk for developing hardening of the arteries, and accumulating excess fluid in the tissues of your heart.

In addition to being at risk for developing AFib, you are more likely to develop other cardiovascular problems if you suffer from hyperthyroidism. These include abnormal heart beats and tachycardia, which means an increased pulse rate. Your heart may beat in an erratic pattern. It may enlarge. Some people who have hyperthyroidism suffer from chest pain, also known as angina, due to not enough oxygen being available for the heart muscle.

What Does This Mean for Me?

If you have any diagnosis of thyroid illness, check with your health care provider to see what your current hormone levels are. Ask for a cardiac evaluation. Discuss the findings of this research with your healthcare provider if you have reduced levels of TSH, signs of hyperthyroidism, or symptoms of hypothyroidism that are not being treated.

If you have been diagnosed with AFib and do not know what caused it; ask your health care provider to check your thyroid function.

Complications of thyroid disease, including AFib, are preventable. The first step is to learn about the current status of your heart and thyroid.

Previous
  • 1
  • 2
Patricia Bratianu
Patricia is a registered nurse with 40 years of experience. She has a PhD in natural health and is a registered herbalist with the American Herbalists Guild. See all of Patricia's articles
More Articles by Patricia
Resources
  • PubMed.gov (The spectrum of thyroid disease and risk of new onset atrial fibrillation: a large population cohort study.)
Print This

We all have a voice,what's your story?

We learn from each other. Share your story to let others with know they’re not alone.

Share Your Story

AFibNewsletter Sign-up

Stay up-to-date with all the latest news, articles, and updates from your community!

Subscribe Now

Join our private Facebook Group

to ask questions, get answers, and find support from fellow Warriors!

Join the Discussion
Print This
ConnectWithUs
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Disclaimer
© 2023 NewLifeOutlook™ All rights reserved.
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
© 2023 NewLifeOutlook | AFIB