Diseases and Conditions Feature

The Most Common Causes of Atrial Fibrillation

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Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism, also known as over active thyroid, is a medical condition in which the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone. The thyroid is a small butterfly shape gland that can be found at the front of the neck. It is responsible for a variety of metabolic functions. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include weight loss, anxiety, rapid heartbeat, fatigue, increased appetite, heat intolerance and an enlarged thyroid gland.

When someone suffers from hyperthyroidism the body is under metabolic stress, increasing the heart rate and contributing to the development of atrial fibrillation. Atrial fibrillation is the most common heart complication experienced by individuals with hyperthyroidism, and studies have shown a direct correlation between the two conditions.