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Is Your Thyroid Affecting Your Heart Health?
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The Thyroid and the Heart
A new study conducted in the Netherlands suggests that middle-aged adults with high, as well as high-normal levels of free thyroxine 4, may have a much higher risk of serious heart disease than adults with lower levels.
Specifically, it appears that higher than average levels of free thyroxine 4 can increase the risk of hardening of the arteries, a serious cardiovascular condition known as atherosclerosis. When this happens, fat accumulates in certain places inside arties and begins to harden. This hardened fat (also called plaque) can begin to obstruct blood flow, and eventually cause a heart attack or stroke.
Its purpose is to release important hormones which regulate essential bodily functions. It would appear that high levels are free thyroxine 4 (in other words, an over active thyroid) are a direct indicator that someone is at risk of developing one of these cardiovascular diseases, but it’s not quite that simple.
READ ALSO: Can Brain Activity Really Predict Blood Pressure And Future Cardiovascular Health?
While the study does demonstrate an association between an overactive thyroid and heart disease, it does not prove a direct cause-effect relationship. More research needs to be done, but since it is already well established the elevated levels of T4 can cause hyperthyroidism, it is a good idea for those with the condition to do whatever they can to mitigate the negative effects of an overactive thyroid. This new research could, in time, prove to be a breakthrough in preventing heart disease and giving people living with thyroid problems the chance for healthier lives.
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