Yes, thyroid problems can cause heart problems, although it is often not the only factor that contributes to an increased risk of heart issues. The thyroid is a gland in the neck responsible for producing hormones which influence the body’s metabolism.
When it functions abnormally, the amount of hormones released can be too high (hyperthyroidism) or too low (hypothyroidism). Hyperthyroidism can lead to an accelerated heart rate, high blood pressure, and even chest pain in some cases.
Hypothyroidism can cause low blood pressure, slowed heart rate, and in some cases, heart failure. People with thyroid conditions can also be more likely to develop high cholesterol or other cardiovascular diseases, which can further increase their risk of developing heart problems.
Fortunately, thyroid problems are often treatable with medications and lifestyle modifications, so it’s important to seek medical attention to ensure the issue is properly managed.
What heart problems can thyroid cause?
Thyroid disease can cause various heart-related problems, including an enlarged heart, heart palpitations, an irregular heartbeat, and a slowed heartbeat (bradycardia). Thyroid malfunction also can cause high blood pressure and increase the thickness of blood vessels, leading to a greater risk of heart attack, stroke, and other coronary artery diseases.
Thyroid hormones help regulate the electrical system of the heart, so when the thyroid malfunctions, the heart can have trouble pumping blood throughout the body. When someone has an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) the heart can beat very fast (tachycardia).
An underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) can cause a slowed heartbeat.
When the thyroid does not produce adequate amounts of hormones, the body is unable to create enough energy for the body’s processes. This can cause fatigue and low energy, which can lead to other cardiac problems.
As well, an underactive thyroid can cause high cholesterol levels which increases the risk of heart disease.
In addition to the heart problems noted above, thyroid disease can also affect the arteries to the heart and cause congestive heart failure. When the thyroid malfunctions, it also may reduce the amount of hormones that regulate metabolism, leading to an increased risk of congestive heart failure.
Therefore, thyroid disease can contribute to many heart-related problems.
What are early warning signs of thyroid problems?
Early warning signs of thyroid problems can vary depending on the type of thyroid condition, but some of the most common signs include fatigue, depression, irritability, difficulty concentrating, weight gain, dry skin, brittle hair, difficulty tolerating cold, an irregular menstrual cycle, and joint and muscle aches.
Other warning signs include constipation, changes in appetite, hoarseness, slower heart rate, inflammation in the neck, goiter, and rapid or irregular heartbeat. If a person experiences any of these symptoms or any other unusual or persistent changes in their health, it is important to speak with a healthcare provider.
Thyroid conditions can be diagnosed through a combination of physical exam, lab tests, and medical imaging. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical for managing most thyroid conditions.
Can hypothyroidism cause clogged arteries?
No. Hypothyroidism is a condition caused by an underactive thyroid gland, which affects the body’s metabolic rate, energy levels, and other bodily processes. Clogged arteries, however, are the result of a buildup of fat, cholesterol, and other substances in the arteries.
Although poorly managed hypothyroidism can increase cholesterol levels, this is not typically enough to directly cause clogged arteries. In rare cases, if the thyroid hormone is abnormally low, levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol in the blood can rise significantly.
When very high, these levels may result in the buildup of cholesterol in the arteries and trigger clogged arteries. However, this is quite rare and can often be managed with adequate treatment and lifestyle modifications.
Generally, clogged arteries are the result of unhealthy lifestyle choices, such as eating a diet high in saturated fat and cholesterol, smoking, being inactive, and being overweight. Therefore, it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle in order to reduce your risk of developing clogged arteries.
How do you stop heart palpitations from thyroid?
The most important step in stopping heart palpitations from thyroid is to properly manage your thyroid disorder. If your thyroid disorder is hypothyroidism, your doctor may prescribe a daily thyroid hormone replacement pill like levothyroxine.
For hyperthyroidism, an anti-thyroid medication or radioactive iodine therapy may be used to reduce your thyroid hormone levels. In some cases, surgery can help control thyroid hormone levels.
Besides properly managing your thyroid disorder, it’s important to get plenty of rest, exercise regularly, and reduce stress. Eating a balanced diet and avoiding or reducing caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine can help reduce the risk of developing heart palpitations from thyroid.
If your palpitations are severe and you experience them frequently, your doctor may suggest medications or medical devices that can help control your symptoms.
Can your thyroid mess with your heart?
Yes, your thyroid can mess with your heart. An imbalance in the hormones produced by the thyroid gland can cause irregular heart rhythms and even heart failure. When the thyroid is overactive, it produces too much of the hormone thyroxine which can cause the heart rate to speed up dramatically, leading to a potentially dangerous condition called thyrotoxicosis or hyperthyroidism.
On the other hand, when the thyroid is underactive and doesn’t produce enough thyroxine, the heart rate can slow down, leading to a condition called hypothyroidism. Both these conditions can have serious effects on your heart and blood vessels, which can cause symptoms like palpitations, shortness of breath, fatigue and even chest pain.
Therefore, it is important to get your thyroid checked regularly if you are experiencing any of these symptoms.
What happens if you ignore thyroid problems?
If you ignore thyroid problems, it can lead to a number of serious health problems. The thyroid is a gland located in the neck that produces hormones vital to regulating metabolism, energy levels, and other essential body processes.
Overtime, when thyroid hormones become too high or too low, the body cannot function properly. Low levels of thyroid hormones, known as hypothyroidism, can cause: fatigue, constipation, weight gain, infertility, thinning hair, cold intolerance, dry skin, and depression.
High levels of thyroid hormones, known as hyperthyroidism, can cause: palpitations, diarrhea, weight loss, nervousness, heat intolerance, and goiter.
If left untreated, thyroid disorders can lead to serious medical problems such as heart failure, impaired mental functioning, and coma. Thyroid disorders can also exacerbate other pre-existing health issues and potentially put an individual at an increased risk for developing certain cancers.
It’s important to talk to your doctor if you have any concerns or symptoms related to a thyroid issue, so that they can diagnose the issue and provide appropriate treatment.
What happens if underactive thyroid is left untreated?
If an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) is left untreated, it can lead to a number of health problems, including fatigue, weight gain, depression, constipation, hair loss, dry skin, and more. Over time, untreated hypothyroidism can cause an increase in cholesterol levels which can lead to a higher risk of heart disease, including heart attack and stroke.
An untreated thyroid can also lead to infertility, joint pain and an imbalance in hormones, which can cause further health issues. Untreated hypothyroidism can also cause the person’s body to become less responsive to other medications and can make it difficult to treat hormonal problems.
In addition, untreated hypothyroidism can lead to an enlarged thyroid, known as a goiter, which can cause problems with the person’s neck, swallowing, and breathing. Hypothyroidism can also lead to low blood pressure and an abnormal heart rhythm.
Needless to say, it is important to treat an underactive thyroid as soon as possible in order to avoid further health complications.
What are the cardiac symptoms of hypothyroidism?
Cardiac symptoms of hypothyroidism can include an enlargement of the heart (cardiomegaly), reduced exercise tolerance, arrhythmia and tachycardia, as well as an increased susceptibility to heart disease.
The enlargement of the heart can lead to decreased efficiency of the heart in pumping blood, which can cause symptoms of chest pain, palpitations and shortness of breath. Arrhythmias and tachycardia can result from a decrease in both the rate and force of heart contractions.
Cardiomegaly can also lead to the accumulation of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema), which can significantly reduce exercise capacity by reducing both oxygenation of the blood and the ability to take in oxygen in the form of deep breaths.
Hypothyroidism can also lead to an increased risk of coronary artery disease due to an increase in cholesterol (with low levels of LDL “good” cholesterol) and triglycerides. Myxedema, a term that usually refers to the accumulation of fluid or tissue in the skin under the influence of low thyroid levels, can also occur on the outside of the heart, resulting in thickening and slowing of the heart muscle.
These abnormalities can lead to higher risk of fluid buildup in the lungs. Additionally, it is important to note that certain medications used to treat hypothyroidism, such as Levothyroxine, can lead to increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias.
These cardiac symptoms of hypothyroidism are serious, and therefore consultation with a medical professional is recommended for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Can thyroid issues feel like a heart attack?
No, thyroid issues typically do not have the same symptoms as a heart attack. While thyroid issues can cause chest pain, heart palpitations, difficulty breathing, and a feeling of being out of breath, these all can be very mild and often confused with anxiety.
However, a heart attack feels very different and can include severe chest pain, sweating, nausea, fatigue, and lightheadedness. In addition, if you are having a heart attack, pain may spread to the arms, jaw, and back, and can be accompanied by fatigue, lightheadedness, and heart palpitations.
As always, if you think you may be having a heart attack, seek medical attention immediately.
Can hypothyroidism make your chest hurt?
Yes, chest pain is a potential symptom of hypothyroidism. In some cases, this chest pain may be caused by a hormone imbalance caused by hypothyroidism. Hormones released by the thyroid regulate heart rate, blood pressure, and other bodily functions, and an imbalance or inadequacy of these hormones can affect the chest and cause pain.
The most common cause of chest pain caused by hypothyroidism is angina, or chest pain due to lack of oxygen supply in the heart. Other causes may include chest tightness or a feeling of pressure in the chest, usually described as a squeezing sensation.
If a person is experiencing chest pain due to hypothyroidism, they should consult with a doctor to determine the cause and receive treatment.