Tachycardia, Mitro Valve Prolapse, Hypothyroidism

[Gail__0__0]

  I have had several episodes of tachycardia 240 bpm.  The last occurrence I was told I had an extra electrical connection in my heart along with Mitro Valve Prolapse (with back flow) (my M.D. said I should not have been told about the MVP because it would just worry me) and hypothyroidism (auto immune disorder).  Also the ER was unable to get a blood pressure on me.  My question is could the thyroid problem have caused the rapid heart beat?  I have heard of the thyroid gland releasing a large amount of hormone into the blood stream all at once.  I have not had the very rapid heart rate in three years but I do experience episodes of 100-150 bpm regularly (daily).  Test revealed that my heart muscle was healthy and could withstand the pounding as my doctor (cardiologist) put it.  He wanted to do an ablation procedure on me which I did not understand and refused.  I have stopped exercising due to fear of the rapid heart beat.  Would it be safe to resume working out particularly with weights?  Also is this condition dangerous? (my doctor did not indicate it was)  I am 48 years old, female and am not on any medication but synthyroid.  I also experience a great deal of fatigue and occasional chest pain.  I have cut down on caffiene and sugar.  I would greatly appreciate any advice you can give.  
  Gail

[CCF CARDIO MD APS]

Dear Gail,
As a matter of fact when patients come in with arrhythmias one of the lab values
checked is the thyroid hormone level because high thyroid hormome levels can cause
arrhythmias.  However I must tell you that a high thyroid hormone level does not
ever cause a bypass tract in the heart.  If you had only had rapid heart rates
some time ago when the levels of your thyroid hormone were high, then you might
say that was the cause of your problem, but to date you are having problems with
high heart rates and yet you are on a synthroid supplement because your thyroid
can no longer produce the appropriate amount of hormone.  Of course it goes without
saying that anyone receiving too much synthroid supplement could have as a side
effect, rapid heart rates (I presume your thyroid levels are followed regularly
since you have been on synthroid.)
Many persons have bypass tracts, however some are more dangerous than others in that
certain bypass tracts in the setting of a rapid heart rate will allow very threatening
arrythmias to occur and at an unpredicable rate.  Most patients have the electrophysiology
study just before the ablation (an electrophyaiologist as you may know is a cardiologist who
specializes in heart rhythms.)  The EP study as it is called is done prior to the ablation
in order to characterize the bypass tract and determine if it is ablatable.  It is conjecture
on my part, however, if simply by looking at ecg and holters your physician said
you would benefit from ablation, it is likely you have an accessory pathway for conduction in
your heart that can be ablated-almost for sure.  Of course it would greatly benefit you
to get a second opinion from an EP cardiologist, and have some answers to your questions so you at least
understand the condition you have and what treatments are recommended.
Certainly I can not diagnose nor give recommendation on this web site.  Daily exercise is a great way to
stay healthy, and so this is another reason to see a physician to sort out this rhythm problem that now seems
to be 'running your lifestyle' if not ruining it.  Good Luck. Write back with any further questions.
Information provided in the heart forum is intended for general medical informational purposes only,
actual diagnosis and treatment can only be made by your physician(s).