Too many patients, as documented in an on-line study of 12,000 individuals conducted by the American Thyroid Association published in June 2018, (https://doi.org/10.1089/thy.2017.0681) , complain of persistent symptoms of hypothyroidism despite what their doctors believe is successful treatment with levothyroxine (brands include Synthroid, Unithroid, Tirosent, Levoxl). We believe something needs to be done to resolve this conflict between patients and their doctors.
Theresa Points Out the Cardiac Dangers of Thyroid Hormone Deficiency
Theresa is concerned that failure to fully treat hypothyroidism can lead to complications including heart disease. Thank you Theresa for your informative post:
Theresa posts the following:
I find it odd that on all the thyroid forums I have seen, not one mentions the risk of cardiovascular fatality due to under medication of hypothyroidism.
In 1988 I had radioactive iodine ablation therapy and was euthroid for 8-years. Diagnosed in 1996 as hypothyroid. Prescribed Synthroid and have never felt well.
On Synthroid, my TSH, Free T3, and Free T4 are in the normal range, with a myriad of continued hypothyroid symptoms… My new doctor ordered a Reverse T3 test. All levels look ok except my Reverse T3 level is 399 pg/mL. The Reverse T3 reference range: 90 to 350 pg/mL.
Due to the prescribed non-treatment (Synthroid) of my hypothyroidism, I have become deficient in Vitamin B12, B6, Folate, and Vitamin D. All of which are required for cardiovascular health. The result is that my homocysteine levels are off the charts.
The high sensitivity C-reaction protein test (hs-CRP) test measures homocysteine (inflammation of arteries). The high-sensitivity CRP test (hs-CRP) is done to find out if you have an increased chance of having a sudden heart attack or stroke.
http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/c-reactive-protein-crp?page=2
Inflammation can damage the inner lining of the arteries and make having a heart attack more likely. Multiple studies now show that elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) levels are correlated with increased risk of cardiac events and mortality.
CRP Levels: Low Vitamin B and Elevated Homocysteine:
http://www.doctorsofusc.com/services/health-tips/heart-attack-risk
There is a correlation that the lower the vitamin B levels the higher the homocysteine levels. High homocysteine levels are linked to damage to the arteries, which can cause atherosclerosis and thrombosis.
http://www.doctorsofusc.com/services/health-tips/heart-attack-risk
There is also a link between low Vitamin D and cardiovascular disease.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080714162515.htm
