Irregular Heartbeat Can Be Caused Due To This

Having a stable heartbeat is very important for the normal body functioning. Any irregularity in the heartbeat can cause serious heart problem, and in addition, it can also lead to other major health issues.

According to a new research, higher levels of thyroid hormone in the blood has been found to increase the risk of having an irregular heartbeat.

So what exactly leads to irregular heartbeat? It is mainly caused when the two upper chambers of the heart, called the atria, beat irregularly and faster than normal.

For the study researchers had taken into consideration and analysed data from 11 studies from Europe, Australia, and the US, and had included 30,085 individuals whose thyroid function was measured and the occurrence of irregular heartbeat were taken into account.

Following the study it was concluded that the individuals with higher blood levels of thyroid hormone free thyroxine or FT4 had 45 per cent increased risk of suffering from irregular heartbeat, compared to people with the lowest levels.

The study further noted that even the slightest increases in thyroid hormone were associated with an increased risk of irregular heartbeat. The research was recently noted in the journal Circulation.

"Our findings suggest that levels of the thyroid hormone, free thyroxine, circulating in the blood might be an additional risk factor for atrial fibrillation," said lead author Christine Baumgartner, a postdoctoral scholar at the University of California - San Francisco.

"Free thyroxine hormone levels might help to identify individuals at higher risk," Baumgartner further added. Elevated FT4 levels may also indicate hyperthyroidism, and other thyroid problems, such as thyroiditis or toxic multinodular goiter.

Meanwhile also learn about the major symptoms of irregular heartbeat here. Take a look.

1. Heart Palpitations:

On a normal condition our heart pumps on an average of 100,000 times per day for a total of roughly 2,000 gallons of blood. But, when the heart beat goes beyond this or much slower than this can affect other organs like the brain, kidney and the lungs.

2. Fluttering Sensation:

When the heart beat is abnormal then it can cause a kind of fluttering sensation in the chest and the neck. This can significantly affect the pumping of blood and lead to serious health complications.

3. Dizziness:

Dizziness is one of the most common symptoms of irregular heartbeat. When the heartbeat is irregular then it can lead to lack of oxygen in the brain which is why one tends to feel dizzy.

4. Fainting:

When the heart is not able to pump the blood to the body on a regular basis, it affects the normal functioning of the body. This can cause weakness in the body and lead to fainting. In worst case, it can cause collapse and sudden cardiac arrest as well.

5. Shortness Of Breath:

When the blood flow and the heartbeat is abnormal, it can cause extreme shortness of breath and wheezing. This kind of rapid heartbeat can cause severe chest pain as well. If not taken care of on time, then it might cause lifelong disability and turn fatal as well.

(With Agency Inputs)