If you have hypothyroidism, you may experience feeling cold and sluggish, gaining weight, being tired, and having dry hair and skin. But when your thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormone, there could be even more at stake, according to the Hormone Health Network or the HHN.
That is because the thyroid gland plays a massive part in keeping your body running normally. It also contributes to the functions in your muscles, heart, brain, and more. If the thyroid is not working as efficiently as it should, that could lead to heart problems, according to an endocrine surgeon and director of the Endocrine Tumor Program at Providence Saint John's Health Center and an assistant professor of surgery at the John Wayne Cancer Institute, Dr. Melanie Goldfarb.
A toll on health
Having hypothyroidism can lead to higher levels of LDL cholesterol, which is also known as bad cholesterol. It can increase your heart risk even further, according to the HHN.
Aside from having higher LDL cholesterol, you may also have an enlargement of the heart, a slower heartbeat, higher blood pressure, a strain on the heart, and stiffness of the blood vessel walls.
If hypothyroidism is not controlled, it may lead to a heart attack or a stroke, according to Dr. Goldfarb. There may even be a link between hypothyroidism and heart failure or metabolic syndrome, according to research published in the journal Endocrinology and Metabolism.
Staying heart-healthy with hypothyroidism
It may be alarming to consider the increased risk for heart problems, but there are things that you can do to lower the risk of a heart attack or stroke. Some of these steps may sound familiar because they are a part of a heart-healthy lifestyle.
According to Dr. Goldfarb, it is best to get your hypothyroidism under control. If your hypothyroidism is kept under control, you are not at as high of a risk for heart issues. That means that getting regular checks by your doctor to make sure your medications are helping to control your condition.
It is also important that you get your cholesterol and blood pressure checked regularly. If you know that your numbers are not optimal, then you can make other changes to help better control your cholesterol and blood pressure. That will help maintain a healthier heart.
People with hypothyroidism must never smoke. Smoking causes one of every three deaths from cardiovascular disease. If you are smoking, you are only raising your risk of heart illness.
It is also best to maintain a healthy weight. The more that you keep your weight in a healthy range, the more you can lower your bad cholesterol and other heart risks.
Eating healthy is also a must. The diet that you should have must be rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, and nuts as it is better for your body and your heart, lowering your risk for hypothyroidism-associated heart problems. The American Heart Association also advises limiting your intake of sweetened drinks, sweets, foods with trans fats, and red meat.
While there is not a hypothyroidism diet, you should focus on healthy foods and keep your energy levels as they need to be stable. You can also eat small meals throughout the day.
Weight gain is a common symptom of hypothyroidism, so eating well can help you maintain a healthy weight. Some foods and supplements can affect how you absorb levothyroxine, so talk to your doctor about these supplements and food.
Regular exercise for at least 300 minutes a week is also needed to keep your weight in check. If you drink alcohol, it should be no more than one to two drinks a day for men and one drink a day for women.
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