Levothyroxine linked with raised AF risk: study

Researchers find a dose-response relationship and suggest a conservative approach is needed for elderly patients
Clare Pain
ECG showing AF

Older people taking levothyroxine at a dose of more than 0.075mg daily might be at increased risk of developing atrial fibrillation (AF), a Canadian study shows.

Researchers drew on healthcare data for nearly 392,000 people in Ontario aged 66 or older (mean age 82, 77% female), without an AF history who were prescribed levothyroxine at least once between 2007 and 2016.