Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid)

Overview

A provider will press gently around your thyroid during a physical examination to see if your gland feels swollen. They’ll also ask about your symptoms and review your medical history in detail.

Healthcare providers usually run thyroid tests to get an accurate hypothyroidism diagnosis. This is because an underactive thyroid can cause symptoms that mimic other, unrelated health conditions. Thyroid blood tests measure the level of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) in your blood as well as the levels for each thyroid hormone (T3 and T4).

You might also need imaging tests of your thyroid, which could include:

Ultrasound.
CT (computed tomography) scan.
Thyroid uptake scan (a type of nuclear medicine imaging).

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Symptoms

When to see a doctor

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Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.

The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:

High blood pressure.
Diabetes.
Heart failure.
Some types of heart valve disease.

Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:

Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Don't smoke or use tobacco.
Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Reduce and manage stress.

By Freedmans Health Clinic Staff

Living with atrial fibrillation?

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