Know The Effects Of Thyroid Hormone On Your Heart!

The thyroid gland is situated at the base of the throat. This butterfly-shaped gland secretes hormones which affect almost all parts of the body – particularly your heart. The thyroid hormone has an influence on how your heart beats, your blood pressure and the level of your cholesterol. This is why thyroid problems can lead to heart disease. Alternatively if you are already suffering from heart disease, then it can make things worse.

When there are thyroid problems, symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain and constipation are seen. When it comes to thyroid hormones there are two disorders – hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.

Hypothyroidism and the heart

Hypothyroidism occurs when the level of thyroid hormones in the body is less than normal. Low thyroid hormone levels can slow the heart rate. Also, the arteries in the heart can lose their elasticity; the body can then raise blood pressure as a means to ensure blood circulation isn’t affected. .

Hyperthyroidism and the heart

When there is excessive thyroid hormone in the body, it too can harm the heart. Hyperthyroidism is less common relatively, affecting less than 1% of the global population.

Symptoms of this problem are heat intolerance, inability to sleep, weight loss and excessive sweating. Hyperthyroidism can also result in quicker and more forceful heartbeats. It can also disturb the rhythm of the heart. Atrial fibrillation – a condition where the rhythm in the heart’s upper chambers is disturbed is often caused by too much thyroid hormone in the body.

Your blood pressure too can increase due to hyperthyroidism. If your arteries are stiff, then rise in blood pressure and forceful heartbeats can lead to pain in the chest.

Thus, you need to ensure that your thyroid glands are functioning normally to keep your heart healthy.