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Thyroid is a condition that occurs when the thyroid gland, responsible for producing hormones regulating metabolism, growth and development becomes imbalanced. Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) or hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) can significantly impact overall health, causing symptoms such as fatigue, weight changes and mood swings. Thyroid hormones play a vital role in maintaining energy levels, body temperature and organ function. An imbalance can disrupt these processes, affecting quality of life.

Separately, heart health is crucial for overall well-being. The heart plays a vital role in circulating blood throughout the body, delivering essential oxygen and nutrients to cells and tissues. However, thyroid and heart health are interconnected. An underactive or overactive thyroid can increase the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure and cardiac arrhythmias. In a conversation with Jagran English, Dr. Purneshwar Kumar Pandey, Consultant - Cardiology, Fortis Hospital Vasant Kunj explained the link between heart health and thyroid hormones.

Link Between Heart Health And Thyroid Hormones

Thyroid hormone receptors are also present in heart tissue and blood vessels and changes in thyroid hormone potentially affect cardiovascular health.

The mechanism of cardiac changes with thyroid dysfunction includes variation in heart rate including arrhythmia, changes in blood pressure, endothelial dysfunction, cardiac function and alteration in lipid profile.

An increase in thyroid hormone (hyperthyroidism) causes an increase in heart rate with the development of atrial fibrillation, an increase in blood pressure, risk of heart failure and risk of pericardial effusion.

A decrease in thyroid hormone (hypothyroidism) can cause a decrease in heart rate (bradycardia, decreased blood pressure, alteration in lipid profile, risk of pericardial effusion and increased incidence of coronary artery disease. Sometimes it can cause a rise in blood pressure (especially diastolic blood pressure).

There is an increased risk of sudden cardiac death and thyroid dysfunction. So routine evaluation of thyroid function is essential for cardiovascular health.

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