Treatment of Hyperthyroidism Combined with Atrial Fibrillation：from the Liver
10.13288/j.11-2166/r.2026.11.015
- VernacularTitle:从肝论治甲状腺功能亢进症合并心房颤动
- Author:
Yao XU
1
;
Yan ZHOU
2
;
Hui LI
1
;
Yifang HAO
2
;
Jintao ZHANG
1
;
Longmei YAN
1
;
Yaxuan XING
2
;
Jingchun ZHANG
2
Author Information
1. Graduate School，Beijing University of Chinese Medicine，Beijing，100029
2. Xiyuan Hospital，China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
hyperthyroidism;
atrial fibrillation;
treatment from liver;
the liver failing to govern the free flow of qi
- From:
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine
2026;67(11):1225-1230
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Hyperthyroidism （HT） is frequently complicated by atrial fibrillation （AF） in clinical practice. Based on traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） zang-xiang （藏象） theory and clinical experience， both HT and AF are closely associated with dysfunction of the liver. The pathogenesis is initiated by the liver failing to govern the free flow of qi， and liver constraint and qi stagnation， with the key turning points being liver constraint transforming into fire and the internal stirring of liver wind， ultimately leading to liver blood depletion and insufficient nourishment of the heart spirit. Thus， it is proposed to treat the disease from the liver， with stage-specific therapeutic approaches according to the evolution of the disease. In the early stage， the treatment should focus on soothing the liver and relieving constraint to reduce goiter and calm the heart， while in the progressive stage， the method of clearing liver and draining fire is suggested to subdue yang and stabilize palpitations. In the acute stage， the strategy is calming the liver and nourishing yin to subdue yang and extinguish wind. In the later stage， it is suggested to soften the liver and benefit qi， so as to nourish yin and restore pulse. These methods are sequentially applied to synergistically reduce goiter and stabilize palpitations， providing a therapeutic approach for HT complicated by AF.
