An overactive thyroid may spell heart trouble
An overactive thyroid can cause serious problems in both men and women. In this video, Robin Miller, MD, talks about the possible side effects of hyperthyroidism and how it is diagnosed and treated.
Transcript
[MUSIC PLAYING] Hi. I'm Dr. Miller. Do you have an overactive thyroid?
That's a condition known as hypothyroidism, and its symptoms include weight loss, fatigue, and a rapid heart rate, but it also
may boost your risk of atrial fibrillation or irregular heartbeat. Hypothyroidism occurs when your thyroid,
a butterfly-shaped gland at the base of your throat, makes too much thyroid hormones.
It's most common in women, but men can have hypothyroidism, too. In a Danish study, researchers found that people with hypothyroidism had a 30% higher risk
of atrial fibrillation, and people with so-called high normal thyroid function had a 12% higher risk.
Your doctor can check your thyroid function with a simple blood test.
If it turns out your thyroid is working overtime, treatment ranges from anti-thyroid medication to surgically removing your thyroid gland.
Bringing your thyroid under control can help prevent or manage atrial fibrillation that accompanies hypothyroidism. I'm Dr. Miller.
For more ways to protect your heart, watch all our smart tips. [AUDIO LOGO]
endocrine system
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