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Heart Disease (Expert Forum)
Re: Atrial flutter, atrial fibrillation, and hormones
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Re: Atrial flutter, atrial fibrillation, and hormones
by CCF CARDIO MD APS, Jan 01, 1995 12:00AM
Posted By CCF CARDIO MD-APS on April 05, 1999 at 13:00:59:
In Reply to: Atrial flutter, atrial fibrillation, and hormones posted by James M. on April 02, 1999 at 18:32:32:
As a 56-year-old male in fine condition with the exception of my arrhythmias, I often wonder what causes the episodes of atrial flutter and fibrillation to become more frequent and longer across the 30 years or so I have been aware of them. It occurred to my menopausing wife that my increasing symptoms may be a reflection of hormonal changes over the years. She goes on to suggest that I might look for hormonal therapies. Is this worth pursuing?
Dear James,
Other than hyperthyroidism being a known cause of arrhythmias (that abate with the normalization of the thyroid hormone levels) you are pretty much on the wrong track ( I am sure your TSH has been checked?)
What we are now learning about atrial arrhythmias is that there is some type of memory that is set up with the first episode that makes future episodes more likely. This is all very recent research and as yet has not led to a particular treatment direction other than preventive therapy.
As long as you are receiving overall care from your general internist as well as regular follow up with your cardiologist for the a.fib and flutter, there really is not much more you can do. Getting a second opinion by an electrophysiologist at a major academic center that does EP research is something you might consider, however this would likely yield newer treatment options, not a cure.
In Reply to: Atrial flutter, atrial fibrillation, and hormones posted by James M. on April 02, 1999 at 18:32:32:
As a 56-year-old male in fine condition with the exception of my arrhythmias, I often wonder what causes the episodes of atrial flutter and fibrillation to become more frequent and longer across the 30 years or so I have been aware of them. It occurred to my menopausing wife that my increasing symptoms may be a reflection of hormonal changes over the years. She goes on to suggest that I might look for hormonal therapies. Is this worth pursuing?
Dear James,
Other than hyperthyroidism being a known cause of arrhythmias (that abate with the normalization of the thyroid hormone levels) you are pretty much on the wrong track ( I am sure your TSH has been checked?)
What we are now learning about atrial arrhythmias is that there is some type of memory that is set up with the first episode that makes future episodes more likely. This is all very recent research and as yet has not led to a particular treatment direction other than preventive therapy.
As long as you are receiving overall care from your general internist as well as regular follow up with your cardiologist for the a.fib and flutter, there really is not much more you can do. Getting a second opinion by an electrophysiologist at a major academic center that does EP research is something you might consider, however this would likely yield newer treatment options, not a cure.
