HomeAnswersCardiologypremature ventricular contractionsAre hypothyroidism and PVCs related?

Could hypothyroid cause PVC?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

Dr. K. Shobana

Published At January 22, 2017
Reviewed AtJune 5, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am a 39 year old male. My height is about 6 feet, and weight is 170 lbs. I do not drink, but do smoke a pack of cigarette a day. My problem is PVCs. About eight years ago, I went to the ER because it felt like my heart was skipping every other beat. All test came back fine. I followed up with a cardiologist, and he found out that I was hypothyroid. Anyway, I have been mostly symptom-free since then. I will feel the occasional PVC, but nothing like that day I went to the ER where they were non-stop. That was until today. Today, they have been on and off all day. I am anxious, and I am about to have a heart attack or something. I went for my regular 2 miles evening walk, and they did not get any worse while walking. Should I go back to the ER?

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I guess all your heart tests including echo was normal last time and you do not have any chest pain. First, we need to look at the reason. Most of the time they are benign and not a matter of worry. Smoking, stimulant drugs including caffeine if any, hyperthyroidism and structural heart disease are common causes. At this point of time, I would advise that you should stop smoking and other drugs like alcohol if any. Get a thyroid test for TSH. If that is normal, then fine. If it is low, then you need to decrease thyroid dose. Also, I suggest you Metoprolol XR 25 once a day. If you does not respond and the pulse rate is above 70, then the dose can be increased to 50 mg. Consult your specialist doctor, discuss with him or her and take medicine with consent. You should get one ECG done and upload it so that we will just rule out other possibilities. So overall, most PVC (premature ventricular contractions), especially in your age are not worrisome provided we get you thoroughly investigated. So you do things and get back if you have any doubts.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Do you think this is an emergency that requires me to go to the emergency room now? All my heart test came out normal last time (8 years ago). I just recently had my TSH tested, and I was very hypo again. So, the doctor increased my Levothyroxine dose from 100 to 125 mcg. I do not drink any caffeine or alcohol. I know I need to stop smoking. Other than that, I stick to a very strict diet due to IBS. Mostly, I eat white rice, baked chicken breast, drink only water and lots of 100% grape juice. Could hypothyroid cause this?

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

No, there is no need to run to the emergency room since you are evaluated eight years back, but get yourself started on Metoprolol at least. Try to cut the smoking and see the response. If you do not respond after hiking the dose as well, then visit ER. Hypothyroidism usually does not cause this, but it commonly leads to slow heart rate, which is not a case in yours. Your heart rate is 80. I guess your sleeping pattern is normal without any insomnia or excessive stress. If having, then please deal with it also. Try some relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation and deep breathing.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Sagar Ramesh Makode
Dr. Sagar Ramesh Makode

Cardiology

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