Heart Myxedematous

Heart Myxedematous: Understanding and Relationship to Hypothyroidism

Myxedema heart, also known as hypothyroid heart, is a condition associated with chronic hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism is a dysfunction of the thyroid gland in which it does not produce enough thyroid hormones. This condition can have a negative impact on the heart and its function.

The heart plays an important role in the body, pumping blood and delivering oxygen and nutrients to all organs and tissues. Thyroid hormones, such as thyroxine and triiodothyronine, play a key role in regulating metabolic processes in the body, including metabolism in the heart. With hypothyroidism, the level of these hormones decreases, which can lead to various changes in cardiac activity.

In patients with myxedema heart, the following changes are observed:

1. Decreased contractility of the heart muscle: Hypothyroidism can cause decreased contractility of the heart muscle, making it difficult to pump blood effectively. This can lead to decreased cardiac output and the development of heart failure.

2. Slow heart rate: Hypothyroidism can cause a slow heart rate known as bradycardia. This occurs due to decreased activity of the heart's automatic cells, which regulate its rhythm.

3. Increased heart size: With long-term hypothyroidism, the heart may increase in size. This phenomenon is called cardiomegaly. An increase in heart size may result from thickening of the heart walls and disruption of its structural integrity.

4. Increased cholesterol levels: Hypothyroidism is associated with increased cholesterol levels in the blood. This can lead to the formation of atherosclerotic plaques in the arteries of the heart, which increases the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

Diagnosis of cardiac myxedema involves a clinical examination, blood tests to assess thyroid hormone levels, and imaging studies such as electrocardiography (ECG), echocardiography, and chest x-ray.

Treatment of myxedematous heart is aimed at normalizing the level of thyroid hormones in the body. Patients are usually prescribed thyroid hormone replacement therapy, such as levothyroxine, to compensate for the lack of hormones. When patients take the medications regularly, they usually see improvements in their heart condition and function.

In addition, it is important to manage other risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease, such as controlling cholesterol levels, maintaining a healthy lifestyle including regular exercise and a healthy diet, and managing other comorbidities such as hypertension and diabetes.

In conclusion, myxedematous heart, or hypothyroid heart, is a condition associated with hypothyroidism. This can lead to various changes in cardiac function, such as decreased contractility of the heart muscle, slow heart rate, increased heart size, and increased cholesterol levels. Diagnosis includes a clinical examination and instrumental studies, and treatment is aimed at normalizing the level of thyroid hormones. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and managing other risk factors is also important to maintain heart health in patients with heart myxedema.