TY - GEN ID - cogprints4597 UR - http://cogprints.org/4597/ A1 - Jayaprasad, N A1 - Francis, Johnson Y1 - 2005/10// N2 - Atrial fibrillation occurs in 10 ? 15% of patients with hyperthyroidism. Low serum thyrotropin concentration is an independent risk factor for atrial fibrillation. Thyroid hormone contributes to arrythmogenic activity by altering the electrophysiological characteristics of atrial myocytes by shortening the action potential duration, enhancing automaticity and triggered activity in the pulmonary vein cardio myocytes. Hyperthyroidism results in excess mortality from increased incidence of circulatory diseases and dysrhythmias. Incidence of cerebral embolism is more in hyperthyroid patients with atrial fibrillation, especially in the elderly and anti-coagulation is indicated in them. Treatment of hyperthyroidism results in conversion to sinus rhythm in up to two-third of patients. Beta-blockers reduce left ventricular hypertrophy and atrial and ventricular arrhythmias in patients with hyperthyroidism. Treatment of sub clinical hyperthyroidism is controversial. Optimizing dose of thyroxine treatment in those with replacement therapy and beta-blockers is useful in exogenous subclinical hyperthyroidism. PB - Indian Pacing and Electrophysiology Group KW - Atrial fibrillation; hyperthyroidism; embolism TI - Atrial Fibrillation and Hyperthyroidism SP - 305 AV - public EP - 311 ER -