Shortened life due to hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism leads to a shortening of the lifetime

06/06/2012

Even a slight hyperthyroidism has serious consequences for the health. It shortens life and increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. This resulted in a meta-analysis of the Thyroid Studies Collaboration.

Hyperthyroidism can increase risk of cardiovascular disease
The thyroid gland is an important organ. It controls key tasks in metabolism and influences growth, performance and psyche. Around one percent of the population is affected by overfunction. Often an autoimmune disease in younger people is the cause. „In Basedow's disease, certain antibodies drive the production of thyroid hormones and the patient develops symptoms such as tremors, inner restlessness, sweating and weight loss, "explains DGE media spokesman Professor Helmut Schatz from Bochum „hot knots“ in the thyroid the hyperfunction. „In both cases, the thyroid gland evades control of the pituitary gland. "The pituitary gland normally controls the formation of thyroid hormone through the release of the hormone thyrotropin (TSH), which in the case of hyperfunction reduces the TSH level in the blood. In the further course of the disease, the increased formation of thyroid hormones leads to complete suppression.

People who suffer from hyperthyroidism, therefore, have too many thyroid hormones in the blood and an accelerated metabolism. As a result, sufferers lose weight, sweat fast and have to fight muscle loss. In addition, sleep disorders, tachycardia, hair loss and concentration disorders can occur. As a result, cardiac arrhythmias may occur. An untreated hyperthyroidism can even be life threatening.

According to a new study takes the heart of those affected already in a slight hyperfunction. The Thyroid Studies Collaboration evaluated medical data of 50,000 participants for its meta-analysis. They included 2,200 people who suffered from mild hyperthyroidism, a so-called subclinical hyperthyroidism, but had no symptoms. The analysis showed that this group has a 68% increased risk of atrial fibrillation. The death rate was increased by 24 percent compared to the normal population.

Hyperthyroidism should be treated by the endocrinologist
Due to the alarming results of the study, the German Society of Endocrinology (DGE), recommends that thyroid overfunction be early „latent“ To have stage treated. A Belgian study from 2009 has also scientifically proven the dramatic consequences of hyperfunction. Thus, even a slight hyperthyroidism shortens the lives of older people. The risk of a fatal stroke is increased. Affected women also suffer more often from bone loss, the so-called osteoporosis. So far, it has been common practice not to treat latent thyroid over-functions, provided that no complaints occurred.

In a blood test, the doctor can quickly determine if a patient is suffering from an overactive thyroid. While the hormone TSH is present in a reduced concentration, the actual thyroid hormones T3 and T4 are still within the normal range, as far as it is a slight hyperfunction. If complaints occur, sufferers should consult a doctor in any case. This will determine the further treatment. „Malfunction of the thyroid gland - whether strong or weak - belongs best in the hands of an endocrinologist, "explains Schatz.

Image: Dieter Schütz