Can Iodine Deficiency Cause High Heartbeat?

Iodine is an essential mineral your body must obtain from the foods you eat. Not getting enough iodine can lead to low levels of thyroid hormone, or hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism can affect the heart, often leading to a slower heartbeat, not a faster one. You can correct low iodine by using iodized table salt or adding a multivitamin containing iodine to your diet, but check with your doctor first.

Iodine and Thyroid Function

Iodine is a mineral required by the body for normal metabolism. The thyroid gland uses iodine to produce thyroid hormone, which controls many metabolic processes throughout the body. Low thyroid hormone caused by iodine deficiency can lead to fatigue, depression, weight gain, dry skin and hair, constipation and poor concentration. Pregnant women are most at risk from having low iodine levels, and the resultant decrease in thyroid hormone can lead to severe consequences for the baby, including stillbirth and brain damage.

Iodine Deficiency

Iodine deficiency is uncommon in the United States and other developed countries, but is prevalent in certain parts of Africa and Asia. Once found throughout the world, iodine deficiency has been minimized by introducing supplemental iodine into common dietary items like table salt. Typically, low thyroid levels appear first, with low iodine levels considered as a possible source. A dietary history may be the most successful way to assess your iodine intake and blood levels.

Iodine and the Heart

Because iodine deficiency leads to hypothyroidism, and low thyroid hormone causes the heart to beat more slowly, iodine deficiency does not lead to a fast heartbeat. Instead, it leads to a slower heartbeat. If you have a fast heartbeat, low iodine levels are probably not to blame. Discuss other causes of high heartbeat with your doctor.

Sources of Iodine

Table salt is fortified with iodine in the United States, and is therefore labeled as iodized salt. Fish and other seafood and dairy products are also good sources of iodine. For those with low iodine, a daily iodine-containing multivitamin is usually enough to correct the deficiency. Pregnant women should check to make sure their prenatal vitamin contains iodine.