In the Forum
Mild Thyroid Problems Can Double Heart Risk
Volume: 34 (12/10/2007)
According to the findings of a new study, heart troubles can be double for individuals who have even mild thyroid problems. Researchers from the University of California have found that subclinical hypothyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid is only mildly underactive, can double a person’s risk of developing heart failure as compared to normal thyroid levels.Heart failure or congestive heart failure is a condition in which the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body’s demands. This can lead to fatigue, swelling of the ankles, and shortness of breath. Earlier studies have already found hyperthyroidism – an overactive thyroid – and hypothyroidism to cause heart trouble. However, none of these
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studies have shown that even a mildly underactive thyroid can have such a strongly negative effect on heart function.
In this latest study christened ‘The Cardiovascular Health Study’, more than 3,000 adults over the age of 65 were evaluated to check for a link between subclinical hypothyroidism and an increased risk of developing heart failure. The study was conducted over an extended period of 12 years.
Subclinical thyroid disorders are extremely hard to detect and require a blood test that evaluates the levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). When TSH levels exceed 4.5mU/L with normal free thyroxine levels, a person is said to be having subclinical hypothyroidism. People with subclinical hypothyroidism are at risk of developing overt hypothyroidism, where levels of free thyroxine can fall below normal. The only treatment for this condition is thyroid hormone therapy.
Analysis of TSH by the researchers showed that people who had a TSH level equal to or greater than 10mU/L had double the risk of developing heart failure compared to those subjects whose thyroid levels were normal.
“If other studies confirm these findings, then physicians might want to consider treating mild thyroid problems to prevent potential cardiac problems or to avoid increasing the severity of an existing heart condition,” said Dr. Doug Bauer, an author of the study and a Professor of Medicine, Epidemiology and Biostatistics at the University of California at San Francisco School of Medicine in San Francisco.
Findings of the study were presented at the 78th Annual Meeting of the American Thyroid Association (ATA) held in New York at the beginning of the month.
In this latest study christened ‘The Cardiovascular Health Study’, more than 3,000 adults over the age of 65 were evaluated to check for a link between subclinical hypothyroidism and an increased risk of developing heart failure. The study was conducted over an extended period of 12 years.
Subclinical thyroid disorders are extremely hard to detect and require a blood test that evaluates the levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). When TSH levels exceed 4.5mU/L with normal free thyroxine levels, a person is said to be having subclinical hypothyroidism. People with subclinical hypothyroidism are at risk of developing overt hypothyroidism, where levels of free thyroxine can fall below normal. The only treatment for this condition is thyroid hormone therapy.
Analysis of TSH by the researchers showed that people who had a TSH level equal to or greater than 10mU/L had double the risk of developing heart failure compared to those subjects whose thyroid levels were normal.
“If other studies confirm these findings, then physicians might want to consider treating mild thyroid problems to prevent potential cardiac problems or to avoid increasing the severity of an existing heart condition,” said Dr. Doug Bauer, an author of the study and a Professor of Medicine, Epidemiology and Biostatistics at the University of California at San Francisco School of Medicine in San Francisco.
Findings of the study were presented at the 78th Annual Meeting of the American Thyroid Association (ATA) held in New York at the beginning of the month.
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