Thyrotoxicosis

[NB66]

Hello - I’m 52 and fit/healthy. I have been diagnosed with Afib since Sep 2017 and have had 4 episodes requiring hospitalization and amiodarone conversion. The last 2 were in June and July. Since then my thyroid levels (on blood tests) have gone crazy. I’ve lost 6 kgs (from 95 to 89) without trying. Am on 10mg Bisoprolol, 10mg Apixaban, and 200mg Flecainide daily. This concoction does seem to keep my heart under control - but it seems a lot of medication.

The problem is that the thyrotoxicosis can itself cause palpitations. I was hoping for an ablation but now have to investigate the thyroid first. Has anyone else had this side effect of amiodarone (I’m sure that’s what caused it)? Or a thyroid issue?

Thanks - Nick

[etheral]

Thyrotoxicosis is a common side effect of amioderone. Tickosyn is much safer and available in the U.S. Ask your doctor.

[NB66 in reply to etheral]

Thanks - unfortunately in A&E they just go ahead and put the IV in - no discussion of what it is! I’ve only ever take. The drug while in hospital (IV and tablet form).

[baba in reply to NB66]

You have the right to be told what drugs you are given in A&E, or elsewhere, and can refuse any you are not happy with. I understand that it is easy to forget that at the time when feeling unwell.

[BobD Volunteer]

Amiodarone is known to cause thyroid problems in some people which is why it should be a drug of last resort.

Bisoprolol is a rate control drug .flecainide is a rhythm control drug and apixaban is an anticoagulant for stroke prevention as AF makes that a problem. Flecainide is normally given alongside a beta blocker such as bisoprolol to help control the AF so your drug party bag is quite normal and correct although the daily dose of bisoprolol is at the top end of normal.

[NB66 in reply to BobD]

Thanks - reassuring to know!

[10gingercats]

I was almost given Amioderone for AF some years ago but stopped the consultant in his tracks as I knew,only just, that I had a thyroid problem....that turned out to be a bit tricky. Local hospital,and GP at the time, had no idea what to do and quite frankly probably thought I was nuts......go away and no treatment. So I went private .This might not be the answer for you but I saw a long unresolved journey on the horizon and it worried me no end .

[NB66]

Thanks - unfortunately I only discovered the problem after having the meds!

[Hidden]

Hi,

Yes, Amiodorone played havoc with my Thyroid, causing it to be over active.

It took about a year before my thyroid function went back to normal.

I will NEVER take this drug again, the effects (as BobD says Amiodorone has effects, not side effect) are not worth it for AF

[pip_pip in reply to Hidden]

Having been on Amioderone for 3 x 2 year (6years) periods, with no side effects, I can only sing lyrical about the drug. I had serious side effects with that appalling drug Fecainide and its sister drug Propofenone was just as bad. I wont even begin to tell you about Digoxin. Amioderone helped me no end when I needed it.

Horses for courses I suppose.

Be well

Pip

[NB66 in reply to Hidden]

Hi Mike - did you need to take meds for the thyroid?

[Hidden in reply to NB66]

No, I was never offered anything.

I think I was quite fortunate (haha) in that amiodorone was making me so ill with other side effects the damage was reversible over time

[bennie06 in reply to Hidden]

Personal opinion of course.

[Leeson]

Took Ameoderone for twelve years, great drug for stopping af, but completely destroyed my thyroid, now have to take thyroxine to replace thyroid hormone in body. Shame really as the drug worked great...

[ruskin10]

I as given intravenous amio in A & E at my first onset of AF. After being scare stiff for 36 hours at home with rapid pounding irregular hearbeat I didn't much care what they did as long as it stopped. It did after 12 hours. I was sent home with appt for cardio then Lpool Heart Hospital. The EP there put me on flecainide and been ok, some wobbles of course, since then. Of course I've learnt a lot since then, 3 years ago, but if I'm at all concerned about anything I ring the Arrhythmia Nurse at Liverpool,. They're so helpful. Speak your mind & persist. Best wishes

[Doddsey-UK]

Hi

I have Hashimoto Thyroiditis. In the past 18 months I have developed intestinal problems, recurrent palpitations, low heart rate (30pbm whilst sleeping) followed rapidly by a high heart rate (195bpm still whilst asleep). I was investigated for IBS and all was clear however, my thyroid function came back as too high. The level of Levothyroxin was reduced accordingly but I continued to have problems with my stomach, I continued to lose weight. I then had a holter monitor because having purchased the Apple Watch which then gave visual evidence of irregular heart rate they agreed there has been an issue with my the PAF. At the same time my Levothyroxine medication was reduced again and also Bisoprolok which now means I am taking a minimal amount 1.25 mg. still no improvement. My daughter then said do you think it maybe anything to do with a Vitamin B12 deficiency. I asked what the symptoms were which I then recognised. I rang the doctor and as I was due for yet another Thryoid blood test I requested a B12 at the same time.

The results were Vitamin B12 deficient. I have now had a course of B12 injections and almost three weeks now my heart rate feels like it has settled down thankfully.

Now although this has proved to be part of a solution for me I am curious how many more AFib sufferers are experiencing exactly the same rapid, irregular heart rates which may have a connection such as mine. It’s worth exploring I think. As regards weight loss I’m afraid that problem has not disappeared but looking forward, I hope further investigations will get to the bottom of that (pun not intended) and I look forward to being followed up by the EP to see what he has to say/recommend. I had a Cryo ablation by the way April 1017.

I hope all is well with you

Beat wishes