Millions of people suffer from thyroid disease, and millions also suffer from atrial fibrillation or AFib, a common type of heart rhythm disorder that can have deadly consequences. What many people don’t know is that these two conditions are linked — and that means if you have a thyroid disorder, you’re also at an increased risk of developing AFib.
Anthony B. Lewis, MD, FACC, and the team at TLC Medical Group, Inc. utilize the most advanced techniques to diagnose and monitor atrial fibrillation, enabling patients to improve their health and reduce their risk of complications. Here, Dr. Lewis and his team explain the unique connection between thyroid disease and AFib, so you can better understand your risk.
Unraveling the link between thyroid problems and your heart’s rhythm begins by understanding each of these conditions separately.
Located at the base of your throat, your thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped organ that produces hormones called T3 (thyroxine) and T4 (triiodothyronine). These hormones play key roles in maintaining your metabolism, body temperature, energy levels, and mood.
Thyroid disease happens when the thyroid gland produces too much of one of these hormones (hyperthyroidism) or too little (hypothyroidism). In general, hyperthyroidism speeds up metabolism and other bodily functions, while hypothyroidism slows them down.
Your heart comprises four chambers: two upper chambers (atria) and two lower chambers (ventricles). When your heart beats, these chambers contract and relax according to a specific pattern that in turn establishes a normal heart rhythm.
Atrial fibrillation happens when your heart’s upper chambers beat irregularly, typically out of sync with the lower chambers. This difference in rhythm disrupts blood flow inside your heart, allowing blood to back up inside the atria and increasing your risk of dangerous blood clots.
While both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can affect your heart health, hyperthyroidism plays an especially significant role. In hyperthyroidism, high levels of T3 and T4 hormones interfere with the heart’s electrical impulses, activating chemicals that make the heart beat faster.
This overstimulation also makes heartbeat irregularities far more common, especially in the chambers where AFib originates. In this way, hyperthyroidism (also called overactive thyroid) can lead to AFib even in the absence of heart-related problems.
Without proper management, elevated thyroid hormone levels eventually lead to structural changes in your heart, including enlargement of the upper chambers. When these chambers are enlarged or stretched, it’s harder for them to beat regularly.
At the same time, scarring can occur, weakening and stiffening the heart’s muscular wall and making AFib symptoms more prevalent and more severe. Over time, AFib can weaken the entire heart, leading to heart failure.
Even mild hyperthyroidism can cause AFib, especially in older people or other people with risk factors for AFib or other heart problems. If you have a thyroid disorder, it’s very important to have your heart health evaluated and monitored.
Our team utilizes a range of on-site testing to diagnose and manage AFib in patients with thyroid conditions and other underlying health issues. After a physical exam and a review of your medical history, we may recommend additional tests, like:
These tests are used both to diagnose AFib and to evaluate its effect on your heart.
If a thyroid disorder causes your AFib, thyroid medications are often the most effective way to manage and alleviate your symptoms, in conjunction with regular heart evaluations to ensure your heart remains healthy. In some instances, you may need heart-specific interventions in addition to thyroid treatment. Our team customizes every treatment plan for optimal results.
If you have a thyroid disorder, scheduling a heart exam is essential for reducing your risk of AFib and other heart issues. To schedule your evaluation, request an appointment online or over the phone with Dr. Lewis and the team at TLC Medical Group in Port St. Lucie, Florida, today.
