I was wondering if anyone can give me any insight on T3 causing a heart attack? I’m reading really conflicting information as to whether it’s even possible.
I had a heart attack at the end of January (I’m only 38) and was told it was a type 2 MI secondary to thyrotoxicosis. I wasn’t given the results but I was told that TSH was suppressed which I know is normal when on T3. I very much got the impression they were grasping at straws for a cause for the heart attack though. The first day or two they said they didn’t know what caused it until I mentioned the T3. I had blood taken the day of the heart attack to check the levels because I had a completely unrelated Endo appointment where I asked about taking the T3. My heart rate was raised at that appointment but I’ve been telling them that I’ve been having heart palpitations for years and they’ve done nothing.
They originally thought that the heart attack may have been caused by a blood clotting condition I have and the doctors were all shocked that I’m not being treated for it because it’s not nhs policy. I’ve read that T3 can cause palpitations or stroke but my palpitations have actually been better in that it took away dizziness and I could shower without wanting to vomit or faint. My ECGs showed no AF and my echo showed function to be fine. The doctor watched the echo said it was fine and then left. I had no further explanation, no follow up, just a piece of paper that the nurse printed out with the diagnosis on. Until I saw the paper I thought from what they’d said that it meant I hadn’t had a heart attack; that’s how clear they were. I asked PALS for information but they still haven’t gotten back to me and didn’t even reply to my last email.
Now that the T3 is out of my system my fatigue and dizziness etc is reverting to how bad it was. I was already suicidal from my lack of quality of life and it’s just getting worse.
Please help.
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DownAndDesperate
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T3 doesn't always suppress TSH, it depends on the dose. High thyroid hormone carries cardiac risk as does low levels. Your case doesn't sound like it's due to thyrotoxicosis but I have no knowledge of cardiology.What are you results? How much hormone aee you taking?
They should be treating your blood clotting problem.
Thanks for your reply. They didn’t give me the results unfortunately.
I was taking two tablets that I’d built up to over 18 months. I had no symptoms of being hyperthyroid/thyrotoxicosis unless you count the palpitations which were around years before I started T3.
The blood clotting disorder is APS (also known as Hughes Syndrome) and can cause what they call ‘sticky blood’. I was diagnosed with it years ago through haematology because my mum and two of my sisters have had blood clot/s and there’s a gene you can be tested for or something. The NHS doesn’t treat you for it until you have either a stroke, still birth or three miscarriages (though I did have the injections through pregnancy) The A&E doctor asked me what medication I was on for it and was shocked when I said I wasn’t on any. The cardiologist reacted similarly.
It increases your risk of heart attack, as does PCOS which I also have and is untreated.
Liothyronine use in a 17 year observational population-based study - the tears study
Conclusion: For patients taking long-term liothyronine we did not identify any additional risk of atrial fibrillation, cardiovascular disease or fractures. There was an increased incident use of antipsychotic medication during follow-up.
I have a form of thyroid hormone resistance and need high dose T3 to function....currently 125mcg T3 taken in a single dose at bedtime. A scan has shown my heart to be perfectly healthy and I have no symptoms of overmedication. My dose would be dangerous for some but it's what my body needs to function!
I'm not medically qualified but from what your symptoms suggest, in your shoes I'd be asking was this a heart attack or a symptom/s the consequence of very low T3.
You need to be properly tested and treated for APS and PCOS too
Have you had thyroid antibodies TPO and TG tested for Thyroid Autoimmune Disease/ Hashimoto's?
I have read of a possible conection between Hashi's and APS.
Conclusion:
Hypothyroidism is present among 22% of PAPS patients and thyroid autoantibodies in 18% of them. These findings suggest a common pathophysiologic mechanism between antiphospholipid syndrome and autoimmune thyroid diseases.
There are many similarities in the symptoms of PCOS and hypothyroidism. Whilst a direct connection has not been confirmed, the parallels in the symptoms can cause confusion when it comes to diagnosis. Ovaries that appear to be ‘polycystic’ can be symptomatic of hypothyroidism and therefore thyroid disorders should be ruled out before testing for PCOS.
*****
Finaly, my mantra...
For good health every cell/ T3 receptor in the body must be flooded with T3 by way of an adequate and constant supply.
I don’t think it’s just T3 related as high doses of T4 over years can also cause heart issues. I think it’s just over medication of thyroxine. My sister has had over 10 years of over medication of T4 only. She’s had thyroid cancer so her TSH has to be kept suppressed. Recently she’s had heart issues and a TIA.
T3 doesn’t always give you a suppressed TSH. I’m on T3 and my TSH is in range. It’s about managing the doses you take of both T4 or T3. It’s all about trying to mirror a healthy persons thyroid levels. Healthy equals in range but optimally TSH around 1.00.
In range levels normally equal symptom free life. As it would to for a healthy thyroid.
It does sound like they stuck a label on you as they did not know what else to say. Unfortunately they never remove the labels!
Get your hospital and GP records. For the hospital records, they may send you a form, to prove you are you you say you are, but for the GP records, you can just ask. You are legally entitled to them and they are free. This may give you a clearer picture of what went on, what tests were run etc. It will also give you "facts" that they wrote about you so you can challenge some of their assumptions.
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