Hashimoto and heart problems
December 6, 2019 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Dr. med. Frauke Gehring
Hello,
I am 38 years old, have Hashimoto's, and weigh 75 kg at a height of 1.66m. I often have attacks where my pulse goes up to 140 to 160 at rest. My blood pressure also rises during these times. My normal resting heart rate is 60 to 70. I have had an EKG and stress echocardiogram done, and everything was normal. I was hospitalized during one of these attacks, but my pulse was very fast but regular.
Should I still be concerned? I am already taking magnesium. I don't want to keep going to the hospital or doctor because I am afraid of what might be wrong. Could all of this be related to my thyroid? I am also very tired, lacking in energy, and exhausted. I am not taking any medication because my primary care physician says everything is fine.
My thyroid levels are as follows:
Ft 3 3.2 (2.1-4.3)
Ft4 1.13 (0.93-1.70)
Tsh 2.13 (0.27-4.20)
Hello,
Fortunately, the thyroid is well adjusted, so these attacks cannot be blamed on the thyroid. It seems to be a paroxysmal tachycardia, a harmless rapid heartbeat. Since a dangerous heart condition has been ruled out, you don't need to go to the hospital for such an attack! You can stop them by, for example, drinking ice-cold water, or (if it's okay) gently massaging the carotid artery on ONE side.
If the attacks come too often or last for several hours, if they become bothersome, you can consider an ablation. This is a procedure that destroys the point that triggers these tachycardias. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supraventricular_tachycardia). However, this is not done because it must be done (your type of tachycardia is benign), but if you find these rapid heartbeats too bothersome.
I wish you all the best!
Sincerely, Dr. Gehring
... Are you also interested in this question? 
