Case sharing and treatment experience of hyperthyroidism combined with tachycardia

Hyperthyroidism (Hyperthyroidism) is an endocrine disorder caused by excessive hormone secretion by the thyroid gland, resulting in a variety of symptoms. These symptoms can have a profound impact on patients' lives, particularly tachycardia, weight loss, and anxiety. This article will share a specific case and discuss effective treatment experiences.

Basic Concepts of Hyperthyroidism

The thyroid is a small gland located in the neck that secretes hormones that regulate metabolism. When this gland becomes overactive, it leads to excessive secretion of thyroid hormone. Statistics show that approximately 1% to 2% of adults are affected by this condition. Common symptoms include a rapid heart rate (over 100 beats per minute), sweating, anxiety, and insomnia, which can affect patients' daily lives and mental well-being.

Effects of tachycardia

Tachycardia is an abnormally rapid heartbeat, typically exceeding 90 beats per minute. It is a common complication in patients with hyperthyroidism, placing additional strain on the heart and increasing the risk of heart disease. Studies have shown that over 50% of patients with tachycardia experience palpitations or chest tightness, and some may even experience fainting, causing significant disruption to their daily lives.

Sharing and treatment experience

---------Case study and treatment experience sharing of hyperthyroidism combined with tachycardia

We will present the case of a 27-year-old male patient with hyperthyroidism and tachycardia.

First visit on January 11, 2025

27-year-old male patient

Hyperthyroidism first occurred in 2015, with subsequent recurrences in 2019, 2021, 2023, and 2024. Radioactive iodine was started in November 2024. I now experience frequent palpitations, nervousness, fatigue, a short sleep duration of only six hours, and diaphoresis. My blood pressure is 130/80. My resting heart rate averages over 90, and around 70 while sleeping. I experience low energy when running, with my heart rate reaching 200 beats per minute. I must pass a 3-kilometer running test to continue working, and I have failed the test twice in the past six months. I hope to receive treatment with traditional Chinese medicine. The prescription is for six days. It focuses on tonifying heart qi and yin, promoting circulation, and eliminating dampness, and is combined with traditional Chinese medicines for treating hyperthyroidism, such as Scrophularia, Ostrea gigas Thunb. (Oyster shell), and Fritillaria thunbergii.

First follow-up visit: BP:142/64. P:89. Prescription for 7 days.

Second follow-up visi: January 25

Resting heart rate averages 50-60. Sweating stops. Blood pressure: 110/69. P: 70. Palpitations, anxiety, and sweating stop. The prescription lasts 14 days. The prescription primarily tonifies heart qi and yin, promotes circulation, and eliminates dampness, and is supplemented with traditional Chinese medicine for treating hyperthyroidism, such as Scrophularia, Ostrea gigas Thunb. (Oyster shell), and Fritillaria thunbergii.

A call came on February 12th saying the test was successful.

Analyze:

The patient had long-term hyperthyroidism, which affected the cardiac system, including the heart, blood vessels, and nervous system. This caused abnormal heart rates both at rest and during exercise, a symptom of dysrhythmia. This case demonstrates that Chinese medicine can quickly regulate heart rate and increase the patient's exercise capacity.

Challenges in treatment

The patient experienced several challenges during treatment. With only one month until her next (and final) physical fitness test, every second counted, ensuring there was enough time to improve her heart rate. She was also concerned that the effects of her Chinese medicine might be perceived as slow.

Significant improvement in follow-up visits

At the first follow-up visit, the patient's resting heart rate gradually decreased and began to stabilize. At the second follow-up visit, the symptoms of tachycardia were significantly alleviated, and his mood also improved.

The importance of psychological support

During treatment, psychological support is crucial to the patient's recovery. The doctor not only focused on physical well-being but also provided psychological counseling to help him cope with anxiety and stress. This holistic approach made the patient feel more secure during treatment and improved his quality of life.

Summary and Revelation

The patient had long-term hyperthyroidism, which affected the cardiac system, including the heart, blood vessels, and nervous system. This caused abnormal heart rates both at rest and during exercise, a symptom of dysrhythmia. This case demonstrates that Chinese medicine can quickly regulate heart rate and increase the patient's exercise capacity.