AFIB masking hyperthyroidism?

[beach_bum]

The symptoms are very similar. Has anyone heard of cases where one may be misdiagnosed as the other?

Irregular and high HR are symptoms of both, and beta blockers are used to treat both.

Thoughts? Experience?

[BobD Volunteer]

You can't mistake the ECG trace for AF as there is no p wave. AF may be caused by thyroid problems of course.

[beach_bum in reply to BobD]

Thanks Bob, good to know. I only ask, because recently I’ve had an odd “sensation”..not pain, not a lump, only occasionally, on the left side of my windpipe. It kind of a feint blip that goes from just under my left nipple area of the chest up to that spot in my neck.

Was in the ER last Friday for an electrocardioversion, but it resolved before then, but they still did a full ECG and it came back normal. Lucky for me, my GP was the duty Dr that saw me, and knows my history, and said my recent bloodwork after the last episode past November was fine, so I’ll mention this to him during my appointment on Friday.

[JOY2THEWORLD49]

Hi

In Sept 2019 I was diagnosed with Stroke, Rapid and Persistent AF, 4th day having a Carotid arteries test a shadow on thyroid diagnosed me with papillary Thyroid cancer.

So the thyroid cancer - TSH 1.9 in 2013 and wasn't tested for thyroid tests. But I had symptoms of uncontrolled sweating and resting with exertion.

Not on any meds.

B12 deficient so took SOLGAR 1000ug sublingual nuggets 4 days out of 7 weekly.

So thyroid cancer undiagnosed, I developed AF rapid and persistent. Not sure whether I was hypo or hyper. I researched that it could be either. know that awoke with a severe headache, went to lood and fell back into bed until 5.30am. I didn;t make loo, looked in mirror and had a shower. Packed my bag and took my dog into the sc Unit. My cell did not pick up my correct address so I went back into the main house and the homephone picked up correct address.

After 2 years 3 months struggling on BBs. My Locum Dr sent me to a private Heart Specialist as H/R still uncontrolled.

Introduction to CCB Diltiazem 180mg 1/2 dose brought my Day H/Rate from 156 avg Day to 51. This dosage was reduced to 120 cdmg early mormig. My normally low H.Beat at Night has stayed at 47avge over 3 heart monitors during 2021.

And I remained on Bisoprolol 2.5 for NP cotrol. But since December I have stopped it altogether because BP went low.

Research from 2017 say that hospitals should trial a CCB Calcium Channel Blocker as wel separately a BB.

Beta Blockers did NOT contrl my heart rate. I had 2 opperations ahead and no way would an anaesthetist allow the surgeon to operate if my Heart rate was over 100.

I had had a Stroke diagnosed as an Enbolic type a stray clot made through AF.

Research questioned whether BBs should be used at Stroke especially if the patient has AF.

Cheri JOY. 76. (NZ)

[Singwell]

To add to the confusion. Heart arrhythmia is also associated with hypothyroidism. In fact it's almost certainly 10.years of being untreated subclinical hypothyroid that led to my developing AF.

[beach_bum]

The things we find out after the fact. I’ll be off for bloodwork so we shall see the result.

[Autumn_Leaves]

Thyroid problems can be identified by having a blood test. AF can be seen on an ECG. Thyroid problems can be contributing factor in AF which is why getting a thyroid test is typically one of the routine tests when someone presents with an arrhythmia. Or at least it should be.

[beach_bum in reply to Autumn_Leaves]

Thanks, the “contributing” part I will be bringing up with the doc tomorrow.

Had recent BW but can’t confirm if thyroid box was ticked.

Update when available.

[healingharpist in reply to Autumn_Leaves]

However, it is believed that a significant number of people, women especially, have subclinical hypothyroidism, ie., the tests always look "normal" but you are suffering from every low thyroid symptom imaginable, incl. weight gain, hair loss, digestive issues, arrhythmias, etc. That's my case. It seems to take a creative or very smart GP to realize this. More drs who deal a lot with women's hormonal issues seem to be alert to it, though.

[Jokokokl]

In my case thyroid issues caused episodes of atrial flutter, atrial ectopics and atrial tachycardia. Afib is suspected but hasn't been found as on all tests so far p waves have been seen. I do suspect that I may have it as in the early hours I often awake with a fluttery feeling that lasts a few minutes. I have been hypo since 1996. When the above heart issues started March 2023 TSH was over 10 instead of the normal range (0.4 to 4). However, free T4 (thyroxine was also over the range). I was both over and underactive at the same time! Problem appears to be not converting the levo thyroxine I take to a useable form in my body.

If you get a test for the thyroid, ensure that they do a full panel, as in the UK they tend only to test for TSH. When I had the first blood test they only tested that and put the levothyroxine dose up. This was awful, as the heart problems increased and I ended up in hospital.

But yes to your question, the thyroid can cause Afib and other arrhythmias.