Old-age thyroid dis­ease and cardiovascular disorders

Overview

Thyreopathies are disorders of the thyroid gland that constitute an essential part of endocrinopathies which are often encountered by both endocrinologists and practitioners and internists. The incidence of these illnesses increases with age. The term thyreopathy includes both functional and morphological thyroid gland disorders. Most of these illnesses are asymptomatic at the beginning and the patients are not limited in their life. But unrecognized and untreated thyreopathies can lead to serious complications, such as heart failure, arrhythmia and others. Ageing itself is connected with an increase of cardiovascular illnesses. Untreated thyreopathies further increase this risk. Well-timed diagnostics and therapy can prevent complications which can be life threatening, especially in older age or which can otherwise influence the quality of the senior person’s life.

Key words:
thyroid gland –  hypothyroidism –  hyperthyroidism –  cardiovascular illnesses