30-Something Women

[Lisa Bowman]

I have noticed in reading through this forum that there are a lot of 30-somehting women with arrhythmias and hopothyroidism.  All of the literature I have read says only that HYPERthyroidism can cause arrhythmias, but hypothyroidism now looks awfully suspicious to me.  What's up with this??
By the way, I too am 30-something (33) and hypothyroid with mitral valve prolapse, PVCs, and periodic SVT.  The cariologist I spoke with yesterday says that it appears that I have an inefficient autonomic system (I've heard it called disautonomia), so this is something you all might want to look into.  I am now taking large doses of B-complex to see if it helps.

[CCF CARDIO MD JMF]

Thank you for your comments.

[kerry]

Lisa,
I too am 30-something and have had pvc's for the last five years.    I have not been diagnosed with MVP though sometimes wonder.  I just noticed your message here on the forum and am curious what you know about the B-complex vitamins and their effect on arrythmias/pvc's. My email address is ***@****, would you relay any information to me you could?  Thanks.  Kerry

[CCF CARDIO MD JMF]

Thank you for a very complete response.   Thyroid function is assessed with a series of tests that an internist can easily order for you.  the first test is generally called a TSH ( Thyroid stimulating hormone ) and this level will reflect whether you have high (hyper) or low (hypo)levels of circulating thyroid hormone.

[Christine]

Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are both malfunctions of the thyroid gland.  If you are hyperthyroid, then your body is producting too much thyroid hormone, which will cause you to lose weight, have a rapid heartrate, possible diarrhea, and a multitude of other symptoms.  Hypothyroidism is the opposite of this and can cause weight gain, slow heart rate, feeling cold all the time, dry skin, constipation, etc.  Generally, if you are experiencing heart irregularies, a general practitioner will run a thyroid test right off.  It is a very easy, inexpensive blood test.
Christine

[CCF CARDIO MD JMF]

Dear Lisa,

Hypothyroidism may also cause changes to the heart and effect the conduction system.

[marie]

What exacly is hyperthyroidism and how do you determine if you have this?  I have pvc's and would love to know what might be causing them.  I don't think I've ever been tested for hypothyroidism.  Thanks for your help.

Marie