Re: ATRIAL BIGEMINY

Posted By CCF CARDIO MD - DLB on June 14, 1998 at 14:52:52:

In Reply to: ATRIAL BIGEMINY posted by Dallas on June 13, 1998 at 23:30:59:








In addition to the questions I asked about atrial bigeminy, etc., I am also
wondering if my earlier, 25+ years dose of synthroid (.15mg) for hypothyroidism
could adversely affect my weakened heart and caused this sudden pattern of
atrial bigeminy? This unusual pattern seems to have passed for the time being
but my cardiologist has decided to lower my daily dose to .125mg anyways even
though testing showed that .175mg WAS the correct dose (this had been my regular
dose for the past couple of years)!
I appreciate all the help you've given in the past and for this posting as well!
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Dear Dallas:
If you have been on approximately the correct dose of Synthroid for the past several years, your thyroid condition should not be affecting your heart.  Hypothyroidism that is untreated can cause congestive heart failure.  Hyperthyroidism (either from an overactive thyroid or being on too much Synthroid) can cause atrial arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation.  Perhaps your doctor felt that the dose of Synthroid you were taking was a little on the high side for you and was contributing to your predisposition to have atrial arrhythmias.
Information provided here is of a general nature.  Specific diagnoses and treatments can only be made by your doctor.  If you would like to be seen at the Cleveland Clinic, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE for an appointment with a cardiologist at Desk F15.