How does thyroid cancer cause a slower heartbeat?

Thyroid cancer is a malignant tumor originating from the thyroid follicular epithelium or parafollicular cells. It is the most common malignant tumor in the head and neck. If a thyroid cancer patient has a slow heartbeat, common causes include the effects of anesthetics, malnutrition, heart disease, and malignant tumor metastasis. Different treatments are needed depending on the cause.

1. Effects of anesthetic drugs: Patients with thyroid cancer usually need to undergo surgery under general anesthesia. Anesthetic drugs may affect myocardial contractility, leading to a slower heartbeat. At this time, under the guidance of a doctor, the heart rate can gradually return to normal after the anesthetic drugs are metabolized;

2. Malnutrition: Thyroid cancer patients need to supplement nutrition after surgery. If the patient does not supplement nutrition after surgery or the patient fasts or eats less, it may lead to hypoproteinemia. Severe malnutrition can lead to a low metabolic state, resulting in a slow heart rate. At this time, parenteral nutrition solutions can be used under the guidance of a doctor, including glucose, medium-chain and long-chain fat emulsions, etc., to supplement the nutrients needed by the body;

3. Heart disease: If thyroid cancer patients have heart diseases such as coronary heart disease, myocarditis, etc., it may lead to insufficient blood supply to the myocardium, resulting in a slower heartbeat. It is recommended to complete cardiac ultrasound and other examinations, and percutaneous coronary intervention can be performed if necessary to improve heart blood supply;

4. Metastasis of malignant tumors: If thyroid cancer patients have metastasis of tumors in other parts of the body, the tumor may compress the superior vena cava, resulting in obstruction of the superior vena cava return, which will cause a decrease in the amount of blood returning to the heart and a slower heart rate. It is recommended to check tumor markers to clarify the specific condition, and to use radiotherapy, chemotherapy and other means to prolong survival for the tumor.