Thyroid Tests for Atrial Fibrillation

Since thyroid disorders can be causes of atrial fibrillation, your doctor may want to do blood tests to be sure your thyroid is functioning properly. These thyroid tests for atrial fibrillation check the levels of two specific hormones in the blood -- TSH and T4. If these levels are too high, this may be an indication that you have atrial fibrillation.

 

Thyroid Tests for Atrial Fibrillation: A Summary

Thyroid disorders can cause atrial fibrillation, so your doctor may recommend that you have blood tests to see if your thyroid gland is working properly.
 
Your thyroid gland is partly controlled by a hormone that is released from a gland in your brain called the pituitary gland. This hormone is called thyroid-stimulating hormone, or TSH. It causes your thyroid to release a thyroid hormone called T4. Thyroid hormones control how almost all of the cells in your body use their energy supply. If your thyroid gland is releasing too much thyroid hormone, it can cause atrial fibrillation.
 
A blood test can show whether the levels of TSH and/or T4 in your blood are too high. If they are, they may be causing your atrial fibrillation.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD