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Thyroid Disorders & Heart Risk

The thyroid is an endocrine gland located in your neck above the collarbone. The thyroid disperses the hormones that regulate your metabolism, which controls every organ in your body including your heart.

  1. Rapid Heartbeat

    • Hyperthyroidism is a disorder in which the thyroid gland produces too much hormone and speeds up your metabolism. One of the main symptoms of hyperthyroidism is a rapid heartbeat and heart palpitations.

    Atrial Fibrillation

    • A common form of hyperthyroidism is called Graves disease, and it is often associated with atrial fibrillation or irregular heartbeat.

      According to ABC News Health, "The classic arrhythmia with hyperthyroidism is atrial fibrillation."

    Slows Down Heart Function

    • Hypothyroidism, an underactive thyroid, is the most common of the two disorders of the thyroid. In this case the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormone, and your body functions, including your heart, slow down.

    Increase In Blood Cholesterol

    • Hypothyroidism causes an increase of bad cholesterol in your blood. This can cause plaque to build up in your arteries, narrowing them. The blood returning to your heart slows down, leading to heart disease and sometimes heart failure.

    Enlarged Heart

    • Hypothyroidism can lead to an enlarged heart, which is detected by a chest X-ray.

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