Hypothyroid-heart and headaches

[JKristina]

I am new to this site; 26yr old healthy female, diagnosed Sept. 2007 with hypothyroidism my TSH was 10, no other health problems. No family hx of heart problems. I have been experiencing what feels like a skipped heart beat; this prompts me to take a quick deep breath immediately followed by a rush of panic that subsides within a few minutes, this usually happens in the late afternoon, some days it doesn’t happen at all. I experienced this on and off, along with many other stressful symptoms, for about 8 months before my diagnosis (noticeably more when I was cold). The “heart beat skip” seemed to almost disappear when I was on 50mcg of levothyroxine. However I was having strong palpations and trouble sleeping on 50mcg and my TSH became “too low”, the dose was then changed to 25mcg and I am now experiencing the “skipped heart beat” more frequently and now terrible lingering headaches. This is so frustrating the stress from it affects my life on a daily basis. From what I understand the thyroid gland, among many other things, regulates the heart beat; does hypothyroidism typically affect the heart in this way? Is this dangerous? Could this be a result of treating my hypothyroid too fast or with too much medication? In your professional opinion what do you think this is? And what should I do about it if anything? Would you recommend a name brand instead of a generic? Also what do you think the significance is of these sudden headaches?

Appreciatively,
Jkristina

(Also I had an EKG and a CXR before I was diagnosed and the Dr. said that the EKG was “borderline”. However I’ve read that hypothyroidism can throw off results of an EKG? Since being treated I’ve not had a second EKG as the first was considered normal, barley. I’m trying to keep my medical bills down as I’m still in college.)

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

At this age, the heart palpitations are not likely dangerous but with the borderline initial EKG a repeat may be reassuring.

Palpitations can occur with hypothyroidism - it seems ironic though - and giving thyroid hormone may help, as you discovered.  Perhaps an inbetween dose of 37.5mcg could be tried (half a 75).

The headaches may be related, but difficult to know.  If there are new headaches, evaluation by primary doctor would be recommended as this may have nothing to do with thyroid.

[kathyMMM]

Hi,  I was also experiencing heart palpitations and even ended up in the hospital with what they thought was a heart attack.  It turned out to be my hypothyroidism.  What happened for me is I started out on Synthroid but experience so many negative side effects that I had to switch.  (Google side effects of Synthroid -  headaches are included.)

Then I was changed to Armour - at first the Armour made my heart race as it speeded up my metabolism - but that subsided after my body adjusted to it.  Now I feel better than I have in YEARS!