Hypothyroidism linked to heart disease

A common condition like an under-functioning thyroid called subclinical hypothyroidism may raise the risk of heart disease in people.Hypothyroidism is marked by elevated levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), necessary for the under-functioning gland to maintain normal output of thyroid hormones. However, the thyroid may not be the only organ affected by the thyroid stimulating hormone.Researchers from the Radiation Effects Research Foundation in Nagasaki, Japan, conducted a study to analyse the possible relationship between subclinical hypothyroidism and artery disease in 2550 subjects who participated in thyroid disease screening between 1984 and 1987.

Heart disease developed 2.6 times more frequently among participants with subclinical hypothyroidism than those with normal thyroid function. Men were more likely to be affected than women. The prevalence of heart disease was increased to a greater extent in men (3.7 fold) than in women (1.6 fold) with subclinical hypothyroidism. During the 10 years following thyroid testing, survival was lower in men (but not women) with subclinical hypothyroidism. Receptors for thyroid stimulating hormone have been recently reported to express on coronary arteries as well as on fat cells that secrete various factors that affect the development of atherosclerosis.

In this way, elevated thyroid stimulating hormone levels may induce heart disease in subclinical hypothyroidism, therefore people suffering with it should be watched for signs of heart trouble.

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