| Research reports have linked low thyroid & | | | | increase the risk of developing hypothyroidism. |
| irregular heart beat, as well as more serious conditions | | | | The symptoms of hypothyroidism usually develop |
| arising from undiagnosed hypothyroidism. Briefly, here | | | | slowly over several months or years and are often |
| we look at the numerous symptoms of hypothyroidism | | | | confused with other illnesses or simply the aging |
| and the importance of regular physicals, which include | | | | process, itself. The symptoms include coarse and |
| simple tests for thyroid levels. | | | | thinning hair, fatigue, weakness, sluggishness, |
| Hypothyroidism is a condition that occurs when the | | | | depression, memory problems, trouble concentrating |
| thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid | | | | and constipation. The skin is cold, dry and has a |
| hormone. It can be mild or severe and is typically | | | | yellowish tint. The fingernails and toenails are brittle. |
| treated with a synthetic thyroid replacement hormone. | | | | Women suffering from the condition may have heavy |
| Some disagreement exists among health care | | | | menstrual periods lasting longer than normal. Less |
| professionals as to whether mild hypothyroidism should | | | | commonly, an enlarged thyroid gland develops, along |
| be treated, at all. However, it is recommended that the | | | | with swelling of the extremities and face. There may |
| condition should be monitored closely and that person's | | | | be hoarseness, muscle aches and cramps. It is easy to |
| suffering from mild hypothyroidism should see their | | | | see how these initial symptoms may be misdiagnosed |
| health care professionals regularly. | | | | and treated incorrectly or ignored. |
| In rare cases, hypothyroidism can occur in infants and | | | | Thyroid hormone is necessary for the proper function |
| children. Currently all newborns born in the United | | | | of all systems of the body. Research has linked low |
| States are screened for the condition. Though rare, it | | | | thyroid & irregular heart beat, as well as a slow |
| causes serious developmental and growth problems. | | | | heart rate, with weaker coronary contractions and |
| In teens, the condition slows down growth, both in | | | | reduced output. In other patients, an abnormally fast |
| weight and height. With proper treatment, teens | | | | heart rhythm (tachycardia) has been noted, which |
| typically "catch up" with their age group. | | | | improved with thyroid hormone replacement therapy. In |
| The risk of developing the problem increases with age, | | | | other words, if left untreated, hypothyroidism can |
| with the highest risk group being older women. The | | | | cause serious health problems. |
| American Thyroid Association recommends that all | | | | Check with your doctor, if you believe you are |
| adults should be tested every five years, beginning at | | | | experiencing symptoms of hypothyroidism. For more |
| the age of 35. Other conditions, such as Addison's | | | | information about the heart and normal heart rhythms, |
| disease, rheumatoid arthritis and type 1 diabetes | | | | please visit the Heart Health Guide. |