Thyroid - heart rate

[AJWS6]

Hi,
Although I have normal thyroid function, since my thyroid gland enlarged, my heart rate has been really low.  Dropping as low as 45 bpm at rest, never raises above 65 bpm, at rest.  It rarely goes over 70 bpm, after slight exertion, and I am always exhausted.

Around April this year, it was completely the opposite, my heart rate would never decrease at rest always 90-100 bpm.  

I am a 45 year old male, always healthy till thyroid enlarging.    

I see a cardiologist today, but he always tells me, he's a heart doctor and doesn't know anything about thyroid, etc....  

Can a thyroid effect heart function, heart rate etc....

Any feedback would be appreciated.  

[mickeyrn]

It definately sounds like theres something going on in the thyroid. Theres different thyroid diagnosis. all of which can affect your cardiac function. Make sure you get thyroid labs,even a TSH (Thyroid stimulating hormone) level of 2.0 which is within normal limits most docs. would check it at least yearly. Good Luck

[AlonaJ]

Yes, your thyroid can effect your heart rate.  Are you sure you have normal thyroid function?  Your thyroid shouldn't be enlarging if everything is working right.  It sounds like you might have hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid like me).  The chances of getting it become greater with age.  You should see an Endocrinologist or even your GP could help you.  You need a thyroid pannel lab run :)

[skymax2000]

Being hyperthyroid can increase your heart rate. What does your endocrinologist say?