I have read that hypothyroidism can (or might?) cause af. If so, might getting rid of the hypothyroidism also get rid of the af?

[swatson]

[Patricia1]

I know that hyperthyroidism can cause AF because it did in my case but I've never heard of hypothyroidism being a cause

[swatson]

OK, I can't spell. Did getting rid of the hyperthyroidism get rid of your AF?

[BobD Volunteer]

I think the problem is that once you have AF removing the trigger may not stop it. As we know, AF begets AF so the more you have it the more you will. I guess it depends on how long you had it before the thyroid problem was treated.

Bob

[plm1 in reply to BobD]

'AF begets AF'

[plm1 in reply to BobD]

'AF begets AF'

Is this a fact? If so it underlines the importance of prompt action. Very interesting point.

[BobD Volunteer in reply to plm1]

Sorry plm , been up country for a big dinner. Yes it is a fact. Reasons? well AF causes the atria to dilate over time which stretches the pathways and makes them more likely to breakdown and scatter. More AF, stretch, more AF etc etc ad nauseum.. Many EPs feel that early intervention by ablation stands the best chance of long term success in removal of AF symptoms.

Bob

[plm1 in reply to BobD]

Thank you so much for fact and reason. The one useful piece of information.

And what is a 'Volunteer'?

[Hidden]

ps you can spell hyper in front of something means high and hypo means low hence the first reply

[swatson in reply to Hidden]

Thanks, frills. I'm learning a whole new vocabulary.

[Patricia1]

Treating the hyperthyroidism successfully got rid of the AF for about 5 years but it came back again and I have now had AF for about 10 tears

[plm1]

But can you 'get rid of hypothyroidism'. I thought that treatment could at best, and hopefully for some, manage the symptoms.

[DrWarfarin]

Swatson

It is important to know if you are hyper or hypo. Hypothyroidism requires lifelong treatment with thyroxine (usually prescribed as Levothyroxine) where as Hyperthyroidism may settle after treatment to calm the thyroid down over 12-24 months.

The role of thyroid disease in AF is that it probably (no one knows for sure) exploits the hearts underlying desire to go in to AF. This may be due to our genes, other medical issues or the life we have led that have made the heart want to behave like this.

Once the thyroid problem has been treated to return you to a euthyroid (normal) state then most doctors would want to see if the heart can be returned to normal 'sinus' rhythm as this may minimise any symptoms the rhythm is causing

I would suggest that most of us with an interest in the stroke side of AF would suggest that if the stroke risk score (CHADSVASc) suggest there is a significant stroke risk (greater than a score of 1, and occasionally at a score of 1) then we would suggest that someone would consider anticoagulation long term.

The reason for this? The changes that occur in the heart to make it able to go in to AF are what causes the risk of stroke not the rhythm itself. This is why those with Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation (PAF) should be treated with anticoagulants, the same as people with Persistent or Permanent AF if their stroke risk is elevated.

I hope this assist in understanding what your doctors may be up to

As regards 'AF begets AF' which annoying statement you here some of us clinicians go on about is more to do with the rhythm itself. The longer someone is in AF the harder it is to return them to sinus rhythm. This is why people who have been in AF for a long time are harder to cardiovert or ablate back to sinus rhythm, than those who have only been in the rhythm for a short time. Hence AF begets AF. This is why many EP consultant feel that ablation should be offered earlier on in the AF pathway. However we have no proof this will make any difference and studies are currently underway

Matt

[rosyG in reply to DrWarfarin]

Matt I thought the irregular rhythm meant clots had time to form as the blood is not pumped through swiftly and I thought that AF begets AF because there are changes in the heart muscle structure and electrical pathways ( substrate) - does this differ from your answer above or is it a different way of saying the same thing?

[swatson in reply to DrWarfarin]

Thank you for your explanation.

I have hyperthyroidism and had no idea when I asked my question that there even was a word, "hypothyroidism" nor that "hypo" was the opposite of "hyper".It's also good to know what "AF begets AF" means. In fact, I understand the AF situation much better now.

I've got used to the thought of taking warfarin forever, whether or not I have an ablation. But what I would like to know is what the stroke risk is for someone with AF, taking medication to control the heart rate.and also warfarin. Is the risk greater than that involved in the ablation procedure? Or is it not possible to answer this question yet?

[DrWarfarin]

Your comments about the irregular rhythm are a widely held belief about the clot formation however this is slightly simplistic but works in a simple discussion. However this does not explain the people with PAF, where is anything the stroke risk is actually higher

The your comments about the AF begets AF is exactly correct

Matt

[keeponticking]

Hi Swatson. I have HYPOthyroidism and take thyroxine. Have been told that HYPER is worse to have if you have cardiac problems. Doc told me I was lucky that I had the Hypo. Obviously it depends on what dosage you take. Speak to your Cardiologist!