M J Siebers1, P J Drinka, C Vergauwen. 1. University of Wisconsin Medical School, Section of Geriatrics and Gerontology, Madison 53706.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: We measured sensitive thyrotropin-stimulating hormone (sTSH) in 50 consecutive nursing home patients (39 men) with atrial fibrillation to determine the frequency of hyperthyroidism. METHODS: Patients were identified in a long-term care facility by an electrocardiogram demonstrating atrial fibrillation. The sensitive thyrotropin-stimulating hormone assay had a detection limit of less than or equal to 0.02 mU/L (normal range, 0.46 to 3.60 mU/L). RESULTS: No subject had a suppressed sensitive thyrotropin-stimulating hormone. CONCLUSIONS: Hyperthyroidism is not a common cause of atrial fibrillation in male nursing home residents.
BACKGROUND: We measured sensitive thyrotropin-stimulating hormone (sTSH) in 50 consecutive nursing home patients (39 men) with atrial fibrillation to determine the frequency of hyperthyroidism. METHODS:Patients were identified in a long-term care facility by an electrocardiogram demonstrating atrial fibrillation. The sensitive thyrotropin-stimulating hormone assay had a detection limit of less than or equal to 0.02 mU/L (normal range, 0.46 to 3.60 mU/L). RESULTS: No subject had a suppressed sensitive thyrotropin-stimulating hormone. CONCLUSIONS:Hyperthyroidism is not a common cause of atrial fibrillation in male nursing home residents.