Even Mild Thyroid Problems Double Risk Of Heart Conditions

Individuals with subclinical hypothyroidism a mildly underactive thyroid only detectable by a blood test are twice as likely to develop heart failure, compared to those with normal thyroid levels, according to a new study being presented on Thursday, Oct. 4, at the 78th Annual Meeting of the American Thyroid Association (ATA) in New York.

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Thyroid gland diseases directly alter the normal functioning of the heart causing significant complications. Muscular chambers which are present in heart contract and cause circulation of blood around the body.

Blood circulates normally in one direction because of valves with in your heart. Through veins, blood returns to the heart. Right ventricle and right atrium of the heart pump the blood into the lungs. Blood returns from the lungs to left ventricle and left atrium from which it is ejected into the arteries. Arteries distribute blood to various parts of the body.

Thyroxine, which is released from thyroid gland, in increased levels stimulates the heart to beat more strongly and quickly. If the fast heart rate becomes severe, then palpitations can be observed. It is sometimes noticed by normal people and can be caused by too much exercise or drinking to much caffeine.

But, if the fast heart rate is observed for prolonged period, it may be abnormal. Continuous heart stimulation with thyroxine can cause an incoordination of the electrical impulses conduction within the heart and may result in atrial fibrillation. Atrail fibrillation is closely associated with thyroid disease.

Various thyroid diseases are linked to high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, heart attack, and stroke.

Common heart symptoms of hypothyroidism:

Your heart rate is regulated by thyroid hormone. When there is no enough production of hormone as with hypothyroidism, your heart beats ten to twenty seconds slower than normal. When a person is having heart problem, hypothyroidism can increase the premature beats risk.

Hypothyroidism can cause heart failure if the person is having mild heart disease for first time. Heart failure worsening can cause edema. Hypothyroidism in angina patients causes an increase in levels of LDL cholesterol and C-reactive protein.

Treatment for thyroid problems:

If the person is having thyroid problems and heart disease, first the thyroid problem is to be corrected. If thyroid cancer is present, surgery is required. Surgery removes the entire thyroid leaving small rims of tissue.

After the surgery, thyroid hormone medications are to be taken. Thyroid hormone medications should be continued for life long to supply the missing thyroid. Blood tests are necessary for every few months to check your thyroid hormone levels.