We’ve talked at length on this blog about the functions of your thyroid gland, but recent news suggests that there’s even more reason to ensure your thyroid is functioning properly. New findings suggest that elevated thyroid levels, even if they aren’t abnormally high, have been linked to an increased risk of cardiac arrest.
“Our study shows that the risk of sudden cardiac death increases with higher thyroid hormone levels, even in the normal range,” said Dr. Layal Chaker, lead researcher and a research fellow in endocrinology and epidemiology at Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam in the Netherlands.
Thyroid Hormone and Your Heart
To get a better grip on the correlation between thyroid gland production and sudden cardiac arrest, the team of medical researchers analyzed the health records of more than 10,000 middle-aged and elderly individuals. Researchers cross-examined thyroid levels obtained through blood samples and the number of cardiac events in the population. What they found was that individuals with thyroid levels at the high end of the spectrum, even in the “normal” range, were 2.5 times more likely to die from sudden cardiac arrest than people at the lower end. Additionally, the 10-year risk of sudden cardiac arrest was about four times higher (4% vs. 1%) than individuals at the lower end of the spectrum.
“We do know that thyroid hormone in excess sort of speed up the heart. Your metabolism is faster, higher. Your engine is running hot, so to speak,” said American Heart Association spokesman Dr. Vincent Bufalino, a cardiologist who was not involved in the study. “The heart is working too hard because there’s too much thyroid hormone around. Maybe it’s at risk to become a little unstable.
Hormone Levels
At the end of the day, the study speaks to the need to ensure your thyroid gland is working properly and producing the correct levels of hormones. Not only can an overactive thyroid be problematic if you suffer from hyperthyroidism, but if you have an underactive thyroid, you’ll want to make sure the medication you take is helping you reach the appropriate levels, because thyroid medication can also lead to overproduction. Keeping your thyroid gland under control is necessary for maintain a healthy weight and metabolism, but it’s also important for keeping your most vital organ – your heart – working as it should. If you’ve been experiencing any of the symptoms of hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, set up a consultation with Dr. Koeplin. He’ll be able to take a look and help get your thyroid levels to the appropriate place so you can live a long and healthy life. For more information or to set up a consultation, click here to contact us.
