Thyroid Hormone's influence on the Heart
You might've heard about the thyroid gland in passing, mostly in relation to weight or energy, but few recognize its profound connection to the heart.
Thyroid Hormones: The Unsung Maestros of Cardio Health
Did you know that your heart, the organ that diligently pumps blood day in and day out, dances to the tune of thyroid hormones? These hormones have a multifaceted role: they drive the rhythmic contraction and relaxation of the heart, enable the formation of new blood vessels, and ensure that the framework supporting the heart remains intact.
Furthermore, these hormones play guardian angel to the heart's energy sources - the mitochondria. Protecting these powerhouses ensures the heart remains energetic and effective.
But Here's The Catch...
When the thyroid goes off-beat, the repercussions echo through the chambers of the heart. Imagine a renowned pianist missing a note; the ramifications could range from a momentarily jarring performance to a completely disjointed symphony. Similarly, a deranged thyroid can usher in an era of energy crisis in the heart.
Overt hypothyroidism (when thyroid hormones are too low) and even its subtler cousin, subclinical hypothyroidism, amplify the likelihood of heart attacks and fast-tracked heart failure.
Moreover, endothelium (the heart's lining) becomes less adept at relaxing blood vessels in hypothyroid states. This misstep is largely attributed to a drop in nitric oxide, the molecule responsible for relaxation.
An Eye on Ischemic Heart Disease (IHD)
Ischemic heart disease, where blood vessels supplying the heart are narrowed or blocked, frequently features thyroid hormone level anomalies. The striking part? These aberrant levels aren’t just bystanders but potent risk factors.
In the aftermath of a heart attack, thyroid hormones play a pivotal role. They reshape the heart's structure, recalibrate its function, and redefine its geometry. But there's a curveball: the very enzymes that help produce active thyroid hormones in the heart, especially type 3 deiodinase, go haywire. This disruption paints a picture of localized cardiac hypothyroidism, adding complexity to the already intricate scenario.
A Glimmer of Hope
Could correcting thyroid levels be the panacea for IHD? The data points to 'yes'.
Several studies are venturing into the realm of thyroid hormone supplementation, not just as a lifeline for the thyroid, but as a beacon of hope for hearts plagued by ischemia. The idea? Boost thyroid levels, better the heart.
In Closing
The heart and the thyroid, seemingly disparate, are more intertwined than one might think. As the heart beats to life's rhythm, the thyroid stands in the background, orchestrating the tempo. Ensuring the synchronicity of this delicate balance can be the difference between health and disease. Thus, recognizing and respecting the heart-thyroid connection can be a game-changer in cardiovascular care.
von Hafe, et. al. Endocr Connect. 2019 May; 8(5): R76–R90.
It's clear to us just how important thyroid hormone is for your health overall as it targets nearly every system in the body and clearly here in the heart as well. Interested in reviewing how we see hypothyroidism and why. NORMAL IS NOT OPTIMAL!! Jason and Rita...aka Dr. De Leon and Dr. Gillespie.
