Hypothyroidism and your heart
A low thyroid hormone level (hypothyroidism) can harm the heart and requires treatment. Treating borderline cases of hypothyroidism (known as subclinical hypothyroidism) is common but controversial. Many other things, including insufficient sleep and lack of exercise, can cause the most common symptoms of low thyroid hormone: fatigue and weight gain. Levothyroxine, the treatment for hypothyroidism, must be taken an hour before eating or taking supplements. Failing to follow those rules or skipping doses can lead to dosage adjustments and possible overtreatment. Overtreatment can raise thyroid levels too high, increasing the risk of atrial fibrillation.
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