Abstract
IntroductionThyroid hormones plays key role in regulating cardiovascular system. Its imbalance leads to various electrophysiological changes in cardiovascular system. This study was done to determine the frequency of electrocardiographic (ECG) changes in patients with primary hyperthyroidism.MethodsIt was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted in the Department of Medicine, Medical Unit III, Ward-7, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi, from October 2013 to April 2014. A total of 103 patients newly diagnosed with primary hyperthyroidism were included in this study. Venous blood samples were collected for T3, T3, TSH analyzed by radioimmunoassay. ECG was performed. Outcome variables were the ECG changes i.e. sinus tachycardia and atrial fibrillation.ResultsThe average age of the patients was 30.09±5.57 years (95%CI: 29 to 31.18). Out of 103 cases, 19 (18.45%) were male and 84 (81.55%) were female. Sinus tachycardia was observed in 60.19% (62/103) patients whereas atrial fibrillation was found in 11.65 (12/103) of cases.ConclusionIn this study frequency of electrocardiographic changes in term of sinus tachycardia was high. This report has emphasized the importance of thyrotoxicosis as a cause of cardiac morbidity and mortality in patients with thyrotoxicosis. These cardiac complications are readily reversible if timely optimal treatment is offered.
Highlights
Thyroid hormones plays key role in regulating cardiovascular system
The purpose of this study is to identify electrocardiographic (ECG) changes in patients with primary hyperthyroidism in order to diagnose, treat and avoid morbidity and mortality related to cardiovascular system
Sinus tachycardia was observed in 60.19% (62/103) patients and atrial fibrillation was 11.65(12/103) cases
Summary
Thyroid hormones plays key role in regulating cardiovascular system. Its imbalance leads to various electrophysiological changes in cardiovascular system. This study was done to determine the frequency of electrocardiographic (ECG) changes in patients with primary hyperthyroidism. Outcome variables were the ECG changes i.e. sinus tachycardia and atrial fibrillation. Patients with hyperthyroidism can develop atrial arrhythmias such as sinus tachycardia, atrial flutter, atrial fibrillation, both prolonged and shortened QT interval [2]. It is linked with angina, rarely myocardial infarction and sudden death [3]. Hyperthyroidism results in systemic cardiovascular hemodynamic changes [1] which is associated with enhanced sympatho-adrenal activity due to increase adrenergic receptor number and sensitivity, leads to coronary artery spasm [1]. Heart is one of the main target organs of thyroid hormone and its morphology and function are investigated by means of standard 12-leads ECG [7]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
