Title: Navigating Hyperthyroidism and Heart Failure: Crucial Information
In infrequent instances, hyperthyroidism might culminate in congestive heart failure. This happens due to the thyroid gland's overproduction of thyroid hormones, which can impact how the heart functions. Located at the front of a person's neck, the tiny thyroid gland plays a crucial role in managing various body processes, including heart rate.
In people with hyperthyroidism, hormonal fluctuations can result in an increased or decreased heart rate. If you have hyperthyroidism, the excess hormones may signal the heart to beat excessively quickly, leading to an irregular heartbeat. This rapid and irregular heartbeat, also known as tachycardia, can result in symptoms like increased cardiac output, higher systolic blood pressure, rapid heart rate, and irregular heartbeat.
Researchers have linked these symptoms to heart failure, which can be life-threatening. A 2023 review identifies thyrotoxicosis as a cause of congestive heart failure, attributing this to fast and irregular heartbeats, as well as increased blood volume due to hormonal changes. Moreover, untreated hyperthyroidism can cause the heart's main pumping chamber, the left ventricle, to become enlarged and weaker over time, typically observed in individuals with heart failure.
Notably, heart failure has multiple causes beyond hyperthyroidism. Some potential triggers include past heart attacks, abnormal heart valves, cardiomyopathy, myocarditis, congenital heart disease, arrhythmia, severe anemia, and infections like HIV or SARS-CoV-2. As for risk factors, aging, smoking, unhealthy diets, heavy alcohol consumption, lack of exercise, certain medications, preexisting atrial fibrillation, and chronic conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnea increase the chances of developing heart failure.
To diagnose heart failure, your doctor might conduct physical exams, take blood samples, perform imaging tests such as echocardiography or CT scans, and even ask you to wear a heart monitor for a few days. They may also administer stress tests to gauge your heart's performance during physical activity.
Fortunately, heart failure treatments vary depending on the individual and the underlying causes. While there's no definite cure, medications like diuretics, ACE inhibitors, ARBs, beta-blockers, sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors, and digoxin can help reduce symptoms. Lifestyle changes, such as reducing salt intake, maintaining a moderate weight, exercising regularly, quitting smoking, and managing other underlying conditions, can also alleviate heart failure symptoms.
If you notice any unusual heart failure symptoms, such as a persistent dry, hacking cough, worsening shortness of breath during activities, increased swelling in ankles, feet, or legs, or sudden weight gain of more than 2 to 3 pounds in a day, seek medical attention promptly. In case of severe symptoms, like shortness of breath at rest, worsening swelling in the lower body, or new or worsening dizziness, confusion, or depression, seek immediate medical attention.
Patients with hyperthyroidism might experience an irregular heartbeat, leading to tachycardia and an increased risk of heart failure. The excess thyroid hormones in hyperthyroidism can contribute to the enlargement and weakening of the left ventricle, a common symptom of heart failure.