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.
Hi, I'm Doctor Miller. Do you have an overactive thyroid? That's a condition known as Hyperthyroidism and it's symptoms include weight loss, fatigue and a rapid heart rate, but it also may boost the risk of atrial fibrillation or irregular heartbeats. Hyperthyroidism occurs when your thyroid, a butterfly-shaped gland at the base of you throat, makes too much thyroid hormone.
It's most common in women, but men can have hyperthyroidism too. In a Danish study, researchers found that people with hyperthyroidism 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's working overtime, treatment ranges from anti-thyroid medication, surgically removing your thyroid gland. Bringing your thyroid under control can help prevent or manage a prepoplasion[sp?] that accompany hyperthyroidism. I'm Dr. Miller for more ways to protect your heart, watch all our smart tips.
Thyroid disorders are especially common among women. Learn how to recognize the symptoms of an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) or underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), and find out about the different treatment options.
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