An Overactive Thyroid May Spell Heart Trouble

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.