HYPERTHYROIDISM
Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid gland) affects many parts of the body, especially the heart. If you already suffer from a heart condition, the increased hormone level, which causes the heart to speed up, can aggravate heart failure and cause irregular heart rhythms.
Mood changes, such as agitation, mental confusion, apathy, and depression, can occur, as well as weight loss (despite a good appetite) and a change in bowel habits, with a tendency toward diarrhea. You may begin to feel too hot and find that you are constantly opening windows when the rest of your family is closing them. There may be a shaking of your hands, which may make you think that you are excessively “nervous.” Indeed, you may become more nervous and irritable for no reason. Because many of these symptoms are vague, the condition may not be immediately suspected. The diagnosis is confirmed by blood tests that measure the excess amount of thyroid hormone in the blood.
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