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Thyroid Hormone and Heart Disease - Hyperthyroidism

© Keri

Hyperthyroidism (too much thyroid hormone) was first identified as a problem with the heart and the vascular system. In 1786, the symptoms of thyrotoxicosis first described by Parry included palpitations, irregular pulse and dyspnea (difficulty breathing). Nearly fifty years later, Graves described diffuse toxic goiter including the same symptoms. Early observers wrongly concluded that the disease originated in the heart. Eventually, research identified an overactive thyroid gland as the cause. In fact, thyroid hormone is now being considered as treatment for some cardiac conditions.

Those with hyperthyroidism often have arrythmias (irregular heart rhythms). These can be of several varieties, but the most common is atrial fibrillation. The atria or top chambers of the heart beat out of sequence and faster than the ventricles or lower chambers. This causes the pulse rate to increase to 100-120 beats per minute. Side effects of atrial fibrillation can include blood clot formation in the blood vessels and congestive heart failure. Congestive heart failure means that the heart muscle doesn't pump as well allowing a build up of fluid in the heart, lungs and body tissue sometimes causing swelling and difficulty breathing.

In addition to arrythmias, many women with Graves disease also have mitral valve prolapse. The mitral valve is a valve in the heart that normally seals completely to separate the chambers of the heart during the heart beat sequence. When it doesn't, it allows blood to leak from one chamber of the heart to the other decreasing the effectiveness of the heart to move blood through the chambers and around the body. People with mitral valve prolapse often have palpitations (rapid, irregular or pounding heartbeats) and can have episodes of chest pain like angina.

Many people with an overactive thyroid have high blood pressure. Blood pressures are measured at the most pressure at the top of the heart stroke (systolic) and when the heart relaxes (diastolic). It is recorded as systolic over diastolic or the high number over the lower one as 120/80. With an overactive thyroid, the top number may be high especially in people over 65. The bottom number is usually in the normal range.

These potentially serious complications demonstrate one reason why doctors often treat hyperthyroidism with such urgency. Without treatment these complication will only worsen not improve. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please discuss them with your healthcare provider.

Sources:

Thyroid hormone and cardiovascular Disease, http://www.CBSHealthWatch.com , Gomberg-Maitland, et.al. Feb 1998

Menopausal Status, Dyslipidaemia and Thyroid Function, http://www.medscape.com ,Vigna, et.al Sept 1999

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