Heart Rate Variability and Hyperthyroidism: Evaluation of the Short-term Effects of Propanolol

Short Term Effects of Propanolol on Heart Rate Variability of Hyperthyroidism

Objective: The aim of our study was to evaluate the short term effects of Propanolol on heart rate variability in patients with hyperthyroidism.

Design: In ten patients newly diagnosed as having hyperthyroidism and naïve of all treatment specific for hyperthyroidism, we evaluated the short term effects of Propanolol on heart rate variability (HRV).

Methods: We measured heart rate variability by power spectral analysis during 2 hours of rest and during Ewing's tests before and after the administration of Propanolol 40mg/12 hours orally for 72 hours.

Objective: The aim of our study was to evaluate the short term effects of Propanolol on heart rate variability in patients with hyperthyroidism.

Design: In ten patients newly diagnosed as having hyperthyroidism and naïve of all treatment specific for hyperthyroidism, we evaluated the short term effects of Propanolol on heart rate variability (HRV).

Methods: We measured heart rate variability by power spectral analysis during 2 hours of rest and during Ewing's tests before and after the administration of Propanolol 40mg/12 hours orally for 72 hours. Other outcomes included mean heart rate, mean R-R interval during 2-hour rest.

The study questions the systematic adjunction of Propanolol early in the treatment of hyperthyroidism.

Inclusion Criteria:

• consenting patients referred to or diagnosed at the National Centre of Obesity of the Yaounde Central Hospital as having hyperthyroidism
• naïve of all treatment specific for hyperthyroidism.
• aged 18-70 years

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients already under a specific treatment for hyperthyroidism
• Patients taking beta blockers or any other cardiospecific treatment
• Patients presenting complications including acute thyrotoxic crisis, or symptomatic cardiac failure
• Contraindications to the prescription of beta blockers