Is it my heart or my thyroid glands? Plz help.?
Answer:
Hyperthyroidism is the overproduction of thyroid hormones. The pituitary gland controls the thyroid by secreting Thyroid Stimulating Hormone, or TSH. The basic test for thyroid problems is a blood test that checks TSH levels. If the TSH level is too high, the pituitary gland is trying to get the thyroid to make more hormones, so that would indicate an underactive thyroid. If the TSH levels are too low, it indicates high thyroid hormone levels, and the pituitary gland is trying to get the thyroid to slow down hormone production. Therefore, a simple blood test can determine if you have either of these problems.
Now some symptoms of hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid):
intolerance to heat
rapid heartbeat
high blood pressure
heart palpitations (feeling of pounding in the chest)
excessive sweating
tremors
increased appetite
weight loss
anxiety and depression,irritability
enlargement of the gland in the neck (known as goiter)
hoarsness in severe cases
fatigue
bulging eyes in severe cases.
There are more symptoms, and it is important to get treated as soon as possible because excessive levels of thyroid hormones are dangerous. This can cause cardiovascular (heart) complications if levels are high enough and are left untreated.
Some types of hyperthyroidism: thyrotoxicosis, Grave's Disease, thyroid storm (an emergency). Do any of these terms sound familiar?
If you do indeed have thyroid problems, this is very treatable. There are anti-thyroid hormone drugs on the market, and these reduce the amount of hormones that the thyroid produces. Other treatments are radioactive iodine, which destroys thyroid cells so they cannot overproduce hormones. The patient is placed on artificial thyroid hormones after this procedure is completed. Many people with thyroid problems live a normal life. I am one of them, and used to have Grave's disease, and now I have an underactive thyroid. I have been taking artifical hormones for years.
Symptoms of a heart attack: pain in chest radiating into the left arm. Heart attack victims feel disoriented, often dizzy with trouble breathing, and feel pressure and pain in the chest, often on the left side. If you experience any of these symptoms, then you need to seek emergency care.
It is terrible that you have to deal with this at only 16 years old. Don't go through all of this alone. Talk to your parents and family, and that will help you ease your fears and anxiety. It is ok to feel nervous about doctors visits, and to discuss these fears.
Good luck at the doctor's appointment, and I wish you the best.
First where are your parents? If you are only 16 and trying to work all this out alone it must be terrible. Hyperactive thyroid is treatable but yes it can be dangerous. Think of your thyroid gland as your bodies thermometer. It regulates all your other systems, heart beats, lungs, kidneys. I know someone who was overdosed on thyroid medication for low thyroid who spent a month in the hospital flopping all over uncontrolibly... it is serious. If you are having chest pains always assume it is heart, and have it checked out. Remember it is good news to go to the ER and find out that it is anxiety attack rather than your heart. Waiting is the worst thing you can do.
hyperthyroidism means you have an overactive thyroid.It means that your revved up.The most common type of hyperthyroidism is graves disease,but only your doctor can diagnose this.Since I have transient bradycardia,and a mitral valve that occassionally starts going crazy.I was told that if I had chest pains that caused sweating,a sick stomach and lasted for a half an hour or longer,then go to an emergency room.In spite of what I just typed,please try to stay calm.I'm sure you'll make your appointment.
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