Pain in the heart thyroid gland. How does thyrotoxicosis affect the heart?

Cardiologist

Higher education:

Cardiologist

Saratov State Medical University named after. IN AND. Razumovsky (SSMU, media)

Level of education - Specialist

Additional education:

"Emergency Cardiology"

1990 - Ryazan Medical Institute named after Academician I.P. Pavlova

Most diseases that occur in the human body are interrelated: in the presence of any organic disorders, other, more serious ones inevitably arise, therefore timely diagnosis and adequate treatment of lesions is required to prevent further aggravation of the negative condition and prevent the emergence of new diseases. For example, arrhythmia and the thyroid gland are interconnected through the heart - with diseases of the thyroid gland, the development of the so-called hypothyroid heart is observed, in which there is a tendency to such lesions as bradycardia, atrial fibrillation and tachycardia.

Cardiac arrhythmia, manifested in the form of the listed myocardial pathologies, has its own characteristic manifestations and can be detected in a timely manner. However, diagnosing the initial stages of these diseases requires careful attention to your health and regular medical monitoring, which is also important if you have heart weakness, bad habits and a hereditary factor that plays a key role in the occurrence of cardiac pathologies.

Features of manifestation of arrhythmia in diseases of the thyroid gland

Diseases of the thyroid gland are a consequence of changes in the hormonal background of the body, because this organ is the “producer” of hormones and is responsible for most of the current processes with their participation. Modern medicine makes it possible to gain an understanding of the connection between thyroid lesions and types of arrhythmia, because many practical experiments and laboratory studies of this dependence make it possible to prevent the development of pathologies in the body.

If we consider each lesion separately, we can understand how the manifestations of all types of arrhythmia are related to changes in the condition of the thyroid gland. However, any manifestations of heart disease have a greater negative impact on health precisely in the presence of deviations in the hormonal state of the body, since the level of hormone levels can significantly reduce both the indicators of positive dynamics during the treatment and the general health of the patient.

Bradycardia: main manifestations and connection with thyroid function

When bradycardia is detected, the first thing that attracts attention is a change in the indicators and quality of the pulse: it becomes rarer and weaker. The softness of the pulse entails a change in the quality of blood pumping through the heart; attacks of the disease are relatively rare and may be associated with insufficient treatment, which is usually expressed in the form of active thyroid therapy.

Bradycardia with any abnormalities in the functioning of the thyroid gland also has the following characteristic manifestations:

• low metabolic oxygen balance;
• blood pressure readings may not differ significantly from normal, but there may be signs of an increase or decrease;
• the difference in the arteriovenous indicator is not significant against the background of low oxygen metabolic balance.

A low pulse is typical for 35-65% of patients with detected bradycardia. Many people experience constant lethargy and weakness, a decrease in the degree of performance; the picture in laboratory examination of blood and urine samples does not reveal any significant organic pathology. The choice of treatment regimen is determined after a complete examination of the body, determination of the level of hormones and the quality of the hormonal system as a whole, as well as the susceptibility of a particular organism to the chosen treatment. Monitoring of treatment by a doctor in this case is mandatory.

This type of arrhythmia, such as bradycardia, which is detected in diseases of the thyroid gland, attracts attention even in the initial stages of development; however, in some cases, early manifestations of the disease may be minor. Therefore, undergoing preventive examinations makes it possible to have a clearer picture of your own health.

Atrial fibrillation: main symptoms

This type of arrhythmia with lesions of the thyroid gland, atrial fibrillation, is considered one of the most dangerous. Indeed, if this disease is detected, there is a high probability of significant damage to myocardial tissue, and the risk of developing a heart attack and embolism increases, with the result in the absence of timely treatment being death.

Atrial fibrillation is characterized by irregular heartbeats without an identifiable cause, which can reach 180-230 beats per minute. This entails a significant deterioration in the patient’s general condition and rapid wear and tear of the heart muscle. Therapeutic effects can be prescribed only after a complete examination of the cardiac system, carried out using ultrasound and an electrocardiogram of the heart, studying the results of laboratory blood tests, and its biochemical analysis.

Atrial fibrillation is considered a dangerous consequence of the development of arrhythmia, and against the background of damage to the thyroid gland, this pathology is aggravated by the body’s excessive sensitivity to thyroid hormones. medicines. This complicates the treatment process (choosing its option) and obtaining positive dynamics during its implementation.

Tachycardia

The danger of such a manifestation as tachycardia in the presence of identified pathology in the thyroid gland is a significant aggravation of the manifestations of the characteristic signs of this disease. These include:

• increased pulse, which during emotional or physical activity can reach 95-150 beats per minute;
• the appearance of a feeling of heartbeat throughout the body - in the neck, in the limbs, in the head;
• trembling heart;
• increased heart contractions.

During attacks of tachycardia, in some cases, excessively high contraction of the heart muscle is diagnosed, which can reach 450 beats per minute. Tachycardia, aggravated by the presence of disturbances in the functioning of the thyroid gland, may have a number of negative consequences for the body. Most often this manifests itself in the form of weakening of the heart muscle, the emergence of a tendency to the occurrence of a pre-infarction state.

Since timely passage medical examination accompanied by the identification of even minor deviations both in the functioning of the cardiac system and in the state of hormonal levels, timely diagnosis makes it possible to always begin the necessary treatment on time and maintain heart health.

Interdependence of heart condition on thyroid function

Analyzing the above manifestations of the types of arrhythmia, you can see the relationship between the presence of pathology in the thyroid gland and the condition of the heart. The aggravation of the manifestations of any disease of the cardiac system becomes especially noticeable with pronounced disturbances in the hormonal background of the body.

The method of treatment for arrhythmia of any kind, aggravated by changes in hormonal levels, is selected on the basis of an examination of the body, taking into account its individual characteristics. Monitoring should also be carried out by the attending cardiologist throughout the entire treatment period, since there is a real danger of developing a pre-infarction state, a significant deterioration in the condition of the heart muscle, which can lead to the death of the patient.

The thyroid gland is an essential supplier of hormones to the body. If the organ stops working normally, a hormonal imbalance occurs, which primarily affects the heart. Excess or lack of biologically active substances leads to arrhythmia. To normalize the heart rate, it is necessary to restore the functioning of the thyroid gland.

How are they connected?

With normal functioning of the thyroid gland and the absence of pathologies of the cardiovascular system, a person has a normal heart rhythm. If any of the organ functions fails, an imbalance of biologically active substances occurs and oxygen in the blood decreases, which leads to increased work of the heart muscle. As a result of such pathological processes, arrhythmia occurs. With an increased release of thyroid hormones into the blood due to dysfunction of the thyroid gland, tachycardia occurs with a heart rate of 140 beats per minute.

Basically, with hyperthyroidism, atrial fibrillation develops.

Symptoms of an overactive thyroid include:

• drowsiness;
• fast fatiguability;
• weakness;
• memory impairment;
• depression;
• excess weight;
• disruption of the heart;
• increased cholesterol levels.

Signs of a malfunctioning thyroid gland include:

Against the background of problems with this organ, a person may experience increased hair loss.

• increased sweating;
• hair loss;
• thinning of the skin;
• irritability;
• irregular heart rhythm;
• poor heat tolerance;
• stressful condition.

Types of arrhythmia

Changes in heart rate due to pathologies of the thyroid gland are of the following types:

• Atrial fibrillation. It occurs against the background of an increase in thyroxine levels, as a result of which the heart rate reaches 120 beats per minute. In this case, the heart rhythm does not depend on physical activity or the patient’s posture. The disease leads to heart failure and over time develops into a chronic form. When thyroid diseases and arrhythmia are combined, it becomes difficult to select appropriate treatment.
• Tachycardia. Develops under the influence of increased production of catecholamines. The influence of such a hormone leads to an increase in heart impulses. The organ's beat frequency reaches 100 beats per minute. In addition, there is a feeling of heartbeat in the limbs.
• Bradycardia. It occurs under the influence of a decrease in the production of the hormones triiodothyronine and thyroxine. The development of hypothyroidism is also promoted by a lack of iodine in the body. Like atrial fibrillation, the disease becomes chronic over time. Bradycardia is characterized by:
  • low level of oxygen balance in metabolic processes;
  • blood pressure may be in the normal range without signaling illness;
  • insignificant difference in arteriovenous indicator against the background of low oxygen balance.

Diagnosis and treatment of arrhythmia in thyroid dysfunction

A stress test will help identify pathologies in the heart.

In order to identify heart diseases, it is necessary to undergo the following studies:

• General blood and urine analysis.
• Hormonal profile. To determine the level of hormones secreted by the thyroid gland.
• Electrocardiography. Detects problems with heartbeat rhythm.
• Medical examination. It is carried out to analyze the skin, general condition, check breathing and heart function.
• Blood chemistry. Helps determine cholesterol levels in the body.
• X-ray of the chest organs. Necessary to detect an increase in heart size and changes in the lungs.
• Load test. It is a training session on a special exercise bike using electrocardiogram readings.
• Analysis of family and life history. Is to identify chronic diseases, previous operations, hereditary predisposition to heart disease.

In case of arrhythmia caused by diseases of the endocrine system, beta-blockers are effective. Atenolol, Betaxolol, Anaprilin, Concor, Corvitol, Nadolol are prescribed. Calcium channel blockers - Finoptin, Verapamil, antithyroid drugs, iodides - have an effective effect. Before taking medications, you should consult with a specialist who will recommend comprehensive treatment. In addition, physiotherapy, mud and oxygen baths are often used to normalize the functioning of the thyroid gland and eliminate arrhythmia.

The endocrine system has a direct impact on all human organs, the heart is no exception. When the thyroid gland is unstable, the production of hormones is disrupted. This negatively affects the activity of the heart muscle.

The two organs are connected to each other.

Let's take a closer look at how the thyroid gland affects the heart.

Effect of the thyroid gland on the heart

Disturbances occurring in the endocrine system provoke the occurrence of serious complications and pathologies. The thyroid gland is responsible for the normal functioning of organs and tissue connections. It also has a direct effect on the activity of the central circulatory system.

Effect of the thyroid gland on the heart:

1. With low hormone production, bradycardia develops. There is a slow heart rate, pulse 60 beats in 60 seconds. The presented symptoms contribute to the development of acute heart failure and oxygen starvation.
2. With hormonal imbalances, hypertension or hypotension (blood pressure instability) develops. During a malfunction, the heart does not receive the necessary substances. There is a lack of iron and folic acid. As a result of the shortage vitamin complex heart attack, stroke, prolapse develops.
3. With reduced hormone levels, the pumping activity of the central muscle worsens. Normally, the organ (through itself) can pass up to two liters of blood; with thyroid pathology, the volumes decrease several times. During physical activity, stress, and viral diseases, muscle wasting occurs.
4. With high hormone production, the functioning of the immune system decreases. As a result, the body is weakened. The immune system does not fight infections and viral pathologies. Complications put a strain on the organ, cardiac arrhythmia develops, tachycardia (rapid heartbeat), wears out muscle and vessels.

The thyroid gland and the heart, their joint functioning contributes to the passage of metabolic processes without failures and the uniform transportation of nutrients.

Thyroid diseases that provoke cardiac pathologies

In medical practice, two pathologies have been recorded that negatively affect the cardiac system and the body as a whole:

The described pathologies can interfere with stable cardiac activity. The organ functions under stress. There is a possibility of a heart attack.

Effect of hormones

Triiodothyronine is produced by the thyroid gland. A decrease in the hormone negatively affects the activity of the cardiovascular system, provoking the development of hypothyroidism. Two myocardial functions are weakened: inotropic and chronotropic. The rate of metabolic processes in the body decreases, protein deficiency is noted, and fibrosis of tissue structures develops.

As a result of violations, the following is diagnosed:

• bradycardia;
• deafness of heart rate;
• systematic pain threshold in the area of ​​the central authority;
• expansion of the heart chambers;
• anemia.

There is a violation of autonomic function and a deterioration in the metabolic lipid process. There is a lack of iron, oxygen and B vitamins. With hypothyroidism, patients are often diagnosed with ischemia or myocardial infarction.

An increased level of triiodothyronine leads to intoxication of the body and the development of thyrotoxicosis. When hormones enter the circulatory system, cardiac activity is disrupted. The frequency of muscle contraction of the organ increases, blood flow accelerates, and a decrease in peripheral vascular resistance is noted.

How does systematic stress affect the heart - pathologies develop. Diagnosed:

• ischemia;
• atrial fibrillation;
• heart disease;
• valve prolapse;
• tachycardia (sinus);
• heart failure.

Without treatment, there is a risk of developing a heart attack.

Preventive measures for heart disease

Disruption of the thyroid gland provokes the occurrence of heart disease. To avoid complications it is necessary:

• carry out treatment in the initial stages;
• undergo regular examinations;
• eliminate emotional and physical stress;
• take medications prescribed by an endocrinologist;
• do not self-medicate.

For the body to function properly, careful care of the main endocrine organ is necessary. By following your doctor's recommendations, your heart will work like a clock.

Let's sum it up

The thyroid gland and its direct effect on the heart are quite obvious. General state endocrine system affects the entire body.

The heart is the most enduring organ. It can withstand high loads for a long time without consequences. However, some thyroid diseases pass without obvious symptoms. Treatment may not last long enough. Meanwhile, the central organ suffers, which leads to the development of various pathologies.

Diseases of the endocrine system are easy to diagnose. Using a laboratory examination, the state of hormonal levels is checked. Systematic examinations will prevent heart diseases. The endocrinologist will advise the patient what medications to take so that the heart does not hurt and functions stably.

With euthyroidism, hormones that affect the condition of the heart are produced normally by the thyroid gland. Therefore, pathology does not have any effect on the myocardium.

Doctors refer patients with euthyroidism to a cardiologist because the condition is temporary. As thyroid disease progresses, hormone levels will increase or decrease, which will affect the condition of the heart and blood vessels.

How to prevent heart disease if you have thyroid problems

The connection between thyroid function and heart health is taken into account. When treating a deficiency or excess of thyroid hormones, the doctor will definitely ask the patient about problems with the cardiac system - chest pain, rhythm disturbances, increased or decreased blood pressure, pulse.

If such symptoms exist, it is necessary to answer questions honestly and not neglect a referral to a cardiologist. Cardiac pathologies in the early stages are more treatable than chronic heart failure caused by defects in the structure of the organ.

Some thyroid diseases are accompanied by the development of cardiac pathologies. One of them is tachycardia. The thyroid gland is one of the most important regulators of all processes occurring in the body, and malfunctions in its functioning negatively affect all organs and systems, but the heart muscle suffers the most.

Thyroid diseases are very common ailments in people of any gender and any age, and in order to prevent the development of severe pathologies, it is necessary to undergo a timely examination by a qualified specialist.

The connection between the work of the thyroid gland and heart contractions is obvious - the speed of the heartbeat depends on its work. The thyroid gland produces hormones that are very important for the balanced functioning of the body. With the help of thyroid hormones, not only all vital systems of the body are regulated, but also the organs are provided with oxygen. In this regard, if there are disorders in the thyroid gland and it works at a reduced rhythm, thyroid hormones are synthesized in insufficient quantities, which provokes weakness and decreased heart rate. Conversely, when a goiter develops and the gland works at an accelerated pace, the pulse quickens, that is, tachycardia occurs.

Increased synthesis of hormones occurs during inflammation in the gland, as well as in the presence various entities, which are hormone-dependent and produce hormones. In a person with problems in the functioning of this endocrine organ with a rapid heartbeat, the body is constantly in a stressful state, which increases the risk of developing dangerous cardiac pathologies that can lead to death.

Increased heart rate and thyroid function are related in this way. The heart muscle contracts under the influence of impulses, but with thyroid diseases (in particular hyperthyroidism), the hormones that are produced in large quantities, these impulses are generated in a random order, which naturally affects the heart. So it starts beating faster. With hypothyroidism, bradycardia develops, that is, the heart rate decreases.

It must be said that the treatment of both tachycardia and bradycardia developing against the background of thyroid diseases is not complicated, but it is important that it is prescribed by an experienced doctor.

General symptoms of thyroid dysfunction

Symptoms that may indicate a malfunction of an important endocrine organ are the following:

• increase or decrease in body weight with a normal diet and constant physical activity;
• elevated cholesterol level;
• chilliness or excessive sweating;
• intolerance to high or low temperatures;
• rapid or decreased heartbeat;
• muscle pain;
• diarrhea or constipation;
• insomnia;
• irregularities in the menstrual cycle;
• nervousness;
• depressed and lethargic state;
• swelling;
• dry skin and hair loss.

All these symptoms are common, and it is impossible to make a correct diagnosis based on their presence alone.

There are many thyroid diseases, and each of them has its own individual symptoms. For example, with oncological processes in the gland, a person develops hoarseness in his voice, The lymph nodes increase, patients complain of difficulty swallowing and pain in the throat area.

With hypothyroidism, symptoms depend on the patient’s age, the degree of hormonal deficiency and the duration of the disease. In newborns, symptoms of hypothyroidism may be completely absent, and in children under 2 years of age, a clear symptom of thyroid hormone deficiency is short stature, mental retardation and learning difficulties.

Adults with hypothyroidism complain of excess weight, constipation, hair loss, a constant feeling of cold and dry skin. Women may experience reproductive dysfunction and disruptions in the menstrual cycle.

If a woman with hypothyroidism becomes pregnant, she has an increased risk of miscarriage, anemia, increased blood pressure, and possible premature birth. A child born to a woman with hypothyroidism may be delayed in mental and physical development and be underweight at birth.

As for older people, hypothyroidism is accompanied by deterioration of hearing and memory, and depression is possible. Many people mistake these symptoms for age-related changes.

The symptoms of hyperthyroidism also largely depend on the age and duration of the disease. In this case, patients develop tachycardia, nervousness, sharp weight loss, shortness of breath and sweating. In older people, hyperthyroidism is accompanied by arrhythmia and heart failure, and frequent attacks of angina are possible.

With inflammatory processes in the gland, patients experience weight gain, drowsiness, deepening of the voice and a sensation of the presence of a foreign body in the throat. As the disease progresses, hair loss, chilliness, constipation and dry skin may appear.

A goiter or an increase in the size of the gland is accompanied by difficulty breathing or problems with swallowing; patients can visually see an increase in the volume of the neck.

Diagnosis of diseases

It is imperative to understand that tachycardia can be not only a concomitant symptom of functional thyroid disorders, but also an independent and very dangerous disease. For a correct diagnosis, the following methods are necessary:

• Oral inquiry. The doctor asks questions about the symptoms and determines the presence of disturbances not only in the functioning of the heart, but also nervousness, weakness and psychological disorders.
• ECG. If tachycardia is caused by disturbances in the functioning of the thyroid gland, then in most cases this analysis does not reveal pathologies in the heart (in early stages diseases of course).
• EchoCG. If a patient is suspected of having hyperthyroidism, this test shows the presence of left ventricular hypertrophy.
• Ultrasound of the endocrine organ can visualize the presence of formations in the gland, inflammation or other pathological changes.
• Laboratory blood tests for thyroid hormones indicate malfunctions of the organ and explain the reasons for the development of tachycardia. In this case, it is advisable to donate blood after 10 pm, since it is at this time that the gland is most active.

Treatment of pathology

In order for the treatment of tachycardia for thyroid diseases to be effective, it is necessary to identify the cause of the disease and begin to eliminate it. As mentioned above, treatment of cardiac arrhythmia caused by pathological processes in the thyroid gland is not difficult, the main thing is to donate blood for hormones and, depending on the results, select therapy.

Naturally, all medications must be prescribed by a doctor, taking into account the patient’s age, duration of the disease, test results, the presence of other ailments and other factors.

For any dysfunction of the thyroid gland, hormonal drugs are prescribed, but to improve the functioning of the heart muscle, patients are prescribed sedatives - motherwort tincture, Corvalol, Valerian, Valocordin, Novo-passit and others. The doctor may also recommend taking antiarrhythmic drugs - Adenosine, Verapamin, and so on.

In addition, therapy with physiotherapy or methods is recommended traditional therapy, but they must be discussed with your doctor. In especially severe cases, if the disease cannot be treated conservative treatment, surgery may be prescribed. Tachycardia and the thyroid gland have a direct connection, but we must not forget that the cause of rapid heartbeat may not lie in diseases of the endocrine organ, so consultation with a doctor is mandatory.

Traditional therapy

First of all, in case of tachycardia caused by disorders in the thyroid gland, you should give up coffee, strong tea, smoking, fatty foods, salty and spicy foods. Meals should be regular, balanced and healthy. Overeating must be avoided, as this phenomenon can provoke unwanted attacks. It is useful to include natural honey, bran, fruits and vegetables in your diet. It is very important to stop being nervous and experiencing emotional overload.

To lower your heart rate, you can use unconventional treatment methods. Very effective means is oat juice. You need to squeeze the juice from the above-ground part of the plant and drink half a glass of it 2-3 times a day. This remedy is especially indicated for those whose tachycardia is regularly accompanied by high blood pressure.

Hawthorn is a well-known remedy for treating heart ailments. For tachycardia caused by a malfunction of the thyroid gland, it is very useful to drink tea with these fruits. In addition, it is useful to add motherwort herb to tea.

Blue cornflower also copes well with tachycardia. For a glass of boiling water, you need to take a teaspoon of flowers, leave for an hour, then filter and drink half a glass several times a day.

If tests show too thick blood, then sweet clover can help. It has a blood thinning effect. Sweet clover can be combined with other herbs and drunk as tea. If you drink this remedy for six months, your blood pressure will stabilize and the attacks of tachycardia will disappear.

Instead of tea, you can brew lemon balm; it also perfectly relieves attacks of tachycardia. If you have kombucha, you can infuse it not only with regular tea, but also with medicinal herbs. Use heather, foxglove, motherwort, black cohosh. Take all ingredients in equal proportions, pour boiling water and leave to steep overnight. Then add honey and pour over the mushroom. A week later healthy drink ready to eat. Drink 100 grams of it before meals.

Honey and lemon are often used in the treatment of tachycardia, so it is recommended to prepare a tasty treat from a mixture of honey, almonds and lemon. Half a kilo of lemon and 30 peeled almonds will require half a kilo of honey. Finely chop the lemon and crush the nuts. Mix everything with honey and consume 1 tbsp. l. 2 times a day.

Prevention of heart pathology

To prevent complications in the form of heart pathologies from occurring in the event of problems with the thyroid gland, it is important to begin treatment of ailments at the very beginning of their development. Patients should undergo regular examinations, avoid emotional and physical overload, and take all medications recommended by the attending physician.

Diseases of the thyroid gland can be successfully treated with medications; they are easy to identify, so you should not put off treatment for a long time. In order for the heart and the entire body to work correctly and not give any failures, you need to carefully monitor the condition of the main endocrine organ, and promptly consult a doctor to eliminate pathological manifestations.