Thyroid Dysfunction and Heart Disease DC

Coronary heart disease (CHD) also known as coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common form of cardiovascular disease in the United States and 451,000 Americans die from this disease every year. CHD is caused by atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and eventually, if not treated, could result in a heart attack and cardiac arrest. Symptoms of CHD are angina (a type of chest pain, pressure or discomfort), shortness of breath, dizziness, irregular heart beat and fatigue. These symptoms occur when the heart is not receiving enough oxygen.

Thyroid under-activity is known as "hypothyroidism." Without enough thyroid hormone to keep metabolism humming along as it should, we simply do not function very well, physically or mentally. When thyroid hormone output is low, people are usually tired, cold, and sluggish. They may also be overweight.

 "Hyperthyroidism" is just the opposite scenario. The thyroid gland is overactive instead of underactive. It secretes too much thyroid hormone. In this case, more of a good thing is definitely not better. Excess thyroid hormone can cause rapid heartbeat. Body temperature is elevated. The hyperthyroid individual may experience extreme weight loss, in spite of a huge appetite, because they burn up calories too fast. Hyperthyroidism can make a person nervous, emotionally unstable, and unable to sleep.

According to a review published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, subclinical hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are associated with a modestly increased risk of coronary heart disease and death. Researchers performed a meta-analysis of 12 studies that evaluated the link between subclinical thyroid dysfunction and coronary heart disease and mortality. Ten of the 12 studies were population-based and included 14,449 patients. Ten population-based cohort studies examined risks associated with subclinical hypothyroidism, whereas there were only 5 population-based studies which examined risks associated with subclinical hyperthyroidism. The results revealed that subclinical hypothyroidism was associated with a modestly increased risk of coronary heart disease (relative risk, 1.20), cardiovascular mortality (relative risk, 1.18) and total mortality (relative risk, 1.12). Subclinical hyperthyroidism was also linked to a higher chance of coronary heart disease (relative risk, 1.21), cardiovascular mortality (relative risk, 1.19) and total mortality (relative risk, 1.12). Risk estimates were slightly lower when higher quality studies were evaluated, but were slightly higher among participants under 65 years old. Based on this information it appears that subclinical hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism may be associated with a modest increased risk of coronary heart disease and mortality.¹

¹ Ochs N, Auer R, Bauer DC, et al. Meta-analysis: Subclinical Thyroid Dysfunction and the Risk for Coronary Heart Disease and Mortality. Ann Intern Med. Jun2008;148(11):832-845.