Thyroid, the small butterfly-shaped gland in your neck, produces the hormones thyroxine and triiodothyronine, which help control many activities in your body, from how quickly you burn calories to how fast your heart beats. However, when the gland is underactive (a condition called hypothyroidism, associated with too little thyroxine) or overactive (a condition called hyperthyroidism, associated with too much thyroxine), it can wreak havoc on your body. Scientists have long known that thyroid problems that stem from an imbalance of its hormones may be associated with subsequent heart problems, from an irregular heartbeat to cardiovascular disease.
Studies have shown that higher levels of thyroxine were associated with an increased risk of sudden cardiac death, independent of other cardiovascular risk factors.
An advanced case of hypothyroidism is called myxedema – fortunately the condition is very rare because when it occurs it can lead to coma and death. Signs include drop in body temperature, decreased breathing, low blood pressure and unresponsiveness. Myxedema only usually occurs in people who have not been treated for hypothyroidism, or their condition is poorly controlled. It may also be sparked by a stroke, trauma or heart failure.
According to statistics, millions of people probably live and die every year with thyroid cancer, and never know it. It isn’t even listed among the top 75 causes of death in the US. Which means, of all cancers, it is probably the least deadly. The most common sign is a lump on the neck, other symptoms are quite rare. In 95 percent of cases the lump will turn out to be a benign nodule. If your doctor tells you that you have nodules, the following risk factors can make a cancer diagnosis more likely.
If thyroid problems left untreated, they can progress and cause a multitude of complications. Infertility, birth defects, goiter and mental issues are among these complications. Understanding the symptoms of thyroid problems and getting regular screenings to ensure an early diagnosis will prevent the onset of the complications.
References:
http://edition.cnn.com/2016/09/06/health/thyroid-sudden-cardiac-death/index.html
http://www.womens-health-advice.com/thyroid/symptoms.html
https://www.endocrineweb.com/conditions/hypothyroidism/complications-hypothyroidism
