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Updated: May 1, 2026

Author Spotlight: Integrating Ultrasound Imaging with Biochemical Markers for Thyroid Disease Diagnosis
Published on: February 9, 2024
Thyroid and the heart
Ira Martin Grais1, James R Sowers2
1Department of Medicine/Cardiology Division, Northwestern Feinberg School Medicine, Chicago, Ill.
Insights
Thyroid hormones are crucial for cardiovascular health. This review explores how thyroid dysfunction impacts cardiovascular disease, emphasizing monitoring thyroid-stimulating hormone in aging populations.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Thyroid hormones regulate cardiovascular development and function.
- Thyroid function tests are essential in patients with cardiovascular disease.
- Hypothyroidism, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease prevalence increase with age.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the effects of thyroid hormones on normal cardiovascular function.
- To assess the role of overt and subclinical thyroid dysfunction in cardiovascular diseases.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of contemporary understanding.
- Analysis of the impact of thyroid hormonal status on cardiovascular physiology.
Main Results:
- Thyroid hormones influence all cardiovascular system components.
- Subclinical and overt thyroid dysfunction can contribute to cardiovascular disease.
- Monitoring thyroid-stimulating hormone is vital for aging populations.
Conclusions:
- Understanding thyroid hormone's cardiovascular impact aids clinical decision-making.
- Integrated management of thyroid status and cardiovascular disease is recommended.
- Further research into thyroid dysfunction and cardiovascular disease is warranted.
Abstract:
Thyroid hormones modulate every component of the cardiovascular system necessary for normal cardiovascular development and function. When cardiovascular disease is present, thyroid function tests are characteristically indicated to determine if overt thyroid disorders or even subclinical dysfunction exists. As hypothyroidism, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease all increase with advancing age, monitoring of thyroid-stimulating hormone, the most sensitive test for hypothyroidism, is important in this expanding segment of our population. A better understanding of the impact of thyroid hormonal status on cardiovascular physiology will enable health care providers to make decisions about thyroid hormone evaluation and therapy in concert with evaluating and treating hypertension and cardiovascular disease. The goal of this review is to access contemporary understanding of the effects of thyroid hormones on normal cardiovascular function and the potential role of overt and subclinical hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism in a variety of cardiovascular diseases.
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