FREQUENCY OF HYPERTHYROIDISM IN PATIENTS PRESENTING WITH ATRIAL FIBRILLATION TO CARDIOLOGY UNIT KHYBER TEACHING HOSPITAL PESHAWAR

Abstract

Objectives: Hyperthyroidism can occur in 9–15% of patients having atrial fibrillation (AF, a-fib). Decreased level of serum thyrotropin in blood is a distinct threat for a-fib. Two-third of patients can convert into sinus rhythm with proper treatment of hyperthyroidism. Beta-blockers can be helpful in reducing left ventricular hypertrophy and atrio-ventricular arrhythmia in individuals having hyperthyroidism. Treating hyperthyroidism is a bit controversial. Thyroxine dose needs adjustment in those patients on replacement therapy and beta-blocker is also valuable in extrinsic hyperthyroidism. To determine frequency of hyperthyroidism in patients with Atrial fibrillation. Methodology: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at Cardiology unit (OPD and In-patients), Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar From Nov 17, 2019 to May 16, 2020. A sample size of 179 patients, having presentation of atrial fibrillation were enrolled in the study. All individuals having AF, confirmed by ECG, were advised to do thyroid function test and those with hyperthyroidism were enrolled. Results: In our sample size 108 (60.34%) were males and 71(39.66%) were females. Male vs. female ratio was 1.6:1. Subjects in this study were having an average age of 46.16years + 9.51 SD with range of 25-60 years. Subjects ages were classified into three groups, among which most common age group for atrial fibrillation was more than 50 years. The hyperthyroidism was found in 14(7.82%) patients while 165(92.18%) patients were found free of hyperthyroidism. Conclusion: We Hyperthyroidism is a recognized cause of atrial fibrillation. Every new onset atrial fibrillation should be investigated with serum TSH levels.