Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 3, 2026

Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation
28:13

Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation

Published on: February 26, 2013

34.6K

Effect of hyperthyroidism on the hypercoagulable state and thromboembolic events in patients with atrial fibrillation

Qingxing Chen1, Yan Yan, Lei Zhang

  • 1Department of Cardiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Shanghai, China.

Cardiology
|January 18, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Hyperthyroidism (HT) in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients increases blood clot risk and stroke. This study found HT significantly elevates D-dimer levels, indicating a hypercoagulable state and higher ischemic stroke incidence in AF patients.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Endocrinology
  • Neurology

Background:

  • Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a known risk factor for ischemic stroke.
  • Hyperthyroidism (HT) can affect cardiovascular function and coagulation.
  • The combined effect of HT and AF on hypercoagulability and stroke risk requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine if hyperthyroidism (HT) exacerbates the hypercoagulable state and increases ischemic stroke risk in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF).

Main Methods:

  • Prospective evaluation of plasma D-dimer levels and thromboembolic events in three patient groups: hyperthyroid AF (n=62), nonthyroid AF (n=107), and HT without AF (n=100).
  • Plasma D-dimer levels were used as a marker for the hypercoagulable state.
  • A 3-year follow-up period was employed to assess thromboembolic events.

Main Results:

  • Patients with hyperthyroid AF exhibited significantly higher D-dimer levels compared to both nonthyroid AF and HT without AF groups (p < 0.001).
  • The incidence of ischemic stroke was significantly higher in the hyperthyroid AF group over 3 years (HR: 3.2, p = 0.04).
  • Independent predictors for ischemic stroke included age, CHADS2-VAS score, and anticoagulation status.

Conclusions:

  • Hyperthyroidism (HT) appears to potentiate the hypercoagulable state in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF).
  • HT may contribute to an increased risk of ischemic stroke in patients with AF.
  • Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms and clinical implications.
Abstract

More Related Videos

The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation23:33

The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation

Published on: February 28, 2012

84.2K
Sterile Pericarditis in Aachener Minipigs As a Model for Atrial Myopathy and Atrial Fibrillation08:56

Sterile Pericarditis in Aachener Minipigs As a Model for Atrial Myopathy and Atrial Fibrillation

Published on: September 24, 2021

2.5K

Related Concept Videos

Hyperthyroidism II: Pathophysiology01:27

Hyperthyroidism II: Pathophysiology

Hyperthyroidism is a hypermetabolic state caused by elevated levels of thyroid hormones, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). It results from dysregulation at the thyroid, pituitary, or immune system level and affects multiple organ systems.PathophysiologyThe most common cause of hyperthyroidism is Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disorder in which antibodies, specifically thyroid-stimulating antibodies (TSAb), a subtype of TSH receptor antibodies (TRAb), bind to and activate TSH...
28
Hyperthyroidism I: Introduction01:25

Hyperthyroidism I: Introduction

Hyperthyroidism is a type of thyrotoxicosis characterized by the thyroid gland's overproduction of the thyroid hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). This hormone excess increases the basal metabolic rate and enhances sensitivity to catecholamines.DiagnosisDiagnosis is based on clinical features and biochemical testing. It typically shows suppressed thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels below 0.4 mIU/L, with elevated free T3 and/or T4. Additional tests, including thyroid...
30
Graves Disease II: Pathophysiology01:24

Graves Disease II: Pathophysiology

Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder characterized by the production of thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins (TSI) that activate TSH receptors, leading to excessive synthesis and release of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) and resulting in hyperthyroidism.Among all causes of hyperthyroidism, Graves’ disease is the most common and can happen at any age, though it is more frequent in women. It produces a hypermetabolic state with features such as weight loss, tachycardia, tremor,...
26
Graves' Disease I: Introduction01:28

Graves' Disease I: Introduction

Graves' disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes hyperthyroidism, or overactivity of the thyroid gland. It results from autoantibodies called thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins (TSIs), which bind to thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) receptors, leading to overstimulation of hormone production and a hypermetabolic state.EtiologyAlthough considered idiopathic, Graves’ disease has well-established contributing factors. There is a strong genetic component, with increased prevalence...
23
Hypothyroidism II: Pathophysiology01:23

Hypothyroidism II: Pathophysiology

Hypothyroidism is a disorder characterized by insufficient production of thyroid hormones, which regulate metabolism, energy balance, and multiple organ systems.TypesHypothyroidism is classified based on the level of dysfunction. Primary hypothyroidism results from intrinsic thyroid gland dysfunction, causing reduced hormone production despite normal or increased stimulation. Secondary hypothyroidism arises from inadequate thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) secretion by the pituitary. Tertiary...
26
Anticoagulant Drugs: Low-Molecular-Weight Heparins01:30

Anticoagulant Drugs: Low-Molecular-Weight Heparins

Hemostasis is a crucial process that prevents excessive blood loss from damaged blood vessels. It involves various mechanisms such as vasoconstriction, platelet adhesion and activation, and fibrin formation. The importance of each mechanism depends on the type of vessel injury. In contrast, thrombosis is the abnormal formation of a blood clot within the blood vessels, leading to potential complications if the clot obstructs blood flow. Thrombosis can be caused by increased coagulability of the...
2.6K