Fact Sheet

Hypothyroidism
and Heart Disease
What is the thyroid gland How is hypothyroidism diagnosed?
and what does it do? Your doctor diagnoses hypothyroidism by doing a physical exam
and asking you about your symptoms. The doctor will look at
The thyroid gland, located in your neck, makes two kinds of results of blood tests of your hormone levels before making
thyroid hormones: T4 (thyroxine) and T3 (triiodothyronine). decisions about treatment.
Thyroid hormones regulate how your body uses and stores
energy. These hormones also help your brain, heart, muscles,
and other organs work properly. They affect your breathing,
What is the treatment for
nervous system, body temperature, and weight.
hypothyroidism?
The goal of treatment is to make sure you have normal levels of
thyroid hormone all of the time. People who have hypothyroidism
What is hypothyroidism and
must take a pill containing thyroid hormone every day to replace
what are its symptoms?
Hypothyroidism, also called an underactive thyroid, occurs when
your thyroid gland makes too little thyroid hormone. When you
dont have enough thyroid hormone, you wont feel well and can
have health problems.

Symptoms include
Being tired
Feeling sluggish
Feeling cold
Gaining weight
Having dry skin and hair
Being constipated
Having irregular menstrual periods

These symptoms can occur with other health problems as well. Thyroid
Gland

D i d y o u kn o w?
Hypothyroidism is more common in women
and in people older than age 50.
the hormone they lack. The most common thyroid hormone
treatment is levothyroxine, a synthetic (manufactured) form of T4.
Levothyroxine is exactly the same as the T4 made by the body
and it works the same way as your own thyroid hormone.
Why does hypothyroidism increase
your risk for heart disease?
Both thyroid hormones (T4 and T3) are related to heart disease
because they affect your heart rate and the amount of blood
pumped by your heart. Thyroid hormones help your blood flow
smoothly by relaxing the muscles of your blood vessels and
keeping your blood vessels open.
Hypothyroidism also can lead to increased levels of LDL (bad)
cholesterol, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and other fats related
to heart disease.
What can I do to take care of
heart-related problems?
Make sure you see your doctor regularly for checkups and checks
of your blood pressure. Get medical tests as recommended, such
as a blood test to check cholesterol levels. Ask your doctor if you
need medicines for heart problems. See a registered dietitian for
diet advice if needed.
What are my long-term prospects
with hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism is a lifelong condition, but taking thyroid hormone
pills every day can prevent related health problems, such as heart
problems. You should get a checkup at least once a year to make
sure your dose of thyroid hormone is still right for you.

What serious problems can happen Questions to ask your doctor

if I have heart disease?
Do I have hypothyroidism?
Rare but serious problems can include
Heart failure (called congestive heart failure): when the heart
What tests do I need? When?
cant pump enough blood for your body to work properly What are my options for treatment?
Heart attack: when a blood clot blocks the flow of blood in
How long will I need treatment?
your heart
Stroke: when the blood vessels to the brain are blocked and How often will I need checkups?
your brain doesnt get enough blood Should I see an endocrinologist?
Peripheral artery disease: when your legs dont get enough
blood Should I see a registered dietitian?
Sudden cardiac arrest: when your heart suddenly stops
working, you stop breathing, you pass out, and could die
unless resuscitated
Resources
You can also have a very slow heart rate and irregular heartbeats. Find-an-Endocrinologist: www.hormone.org or
call 1-800-HORMONE (1-800-467-6663)
What kinds of heart-related Find a registered dietitian (Academy of Nutrition and
problems can happen with Dietetics): http://eatright.org/programs/rdfinder/
hypothyroidism? Hormone Health Network information about thyroid conditions:
www.hormone.org/diseases-and-conditions/thyroid
You can have Hormone Health Network information about medicines for
Higher blood pressure hypothyroidism: www.hormone.org/questions-and-answers/
Low heart rate (less than 60 beats a minute) 2012/medicines-for-hypothyroidism
Increased stiffness of walls of the blood vessels American Thyroid Association information about
Increased strain on the heart hypothyroidism: www.thyroid.org/what-is-hypothyroidism
Enlargement of the heart MedlinePlus (National Institutes of Health) information about
hypothyroidism: www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/
Heart problems can even occur with mild hypothyroidism
000353.htm
(called subclinical hypothyroidism).
Mayo Clinic information about hypothyroidism:
www.mayoclinic.com/health/hypothyroidism/DS00353/
METHOD=print

Editors The Hormone Health Network offers free, online resources based
on the most advanced clinical and scientific knowledge from
Alan Farwell, MD The Endocrine Society (www.endocrine.org). The Networks goal
James V. Hennessey, MD is to move patients from educated to engaged, from informed to
Leonard Wartofsky, MD active partners in their health care. This fact sheet is also available
in Spanish at www.hormone.org/audiences/pacientes-y-cuidadores.
December 2013 Hypothyroidism and Heart Disease Fact Sheet www.hormone.org