Prevalence of thyroid disorders increasing in India

Prevalence of thyroid disorders increasing in India Women more likely to get affected, with increased risk of various side effects in pregnant women New Delhi, 07 July 2017: According to a recent report, about 32% of Indians suffer from various kinds of thyroid disorders including thyroid nodules, hyperthyroidism, goiter, thyroiditis, and thyroid cancer. The most prevalent form of thyroid disorders across the country is sub-clinical hypothyroidism, which is a milder form of hypothyroidism and what is more alarming is that it is a silent disease. It is often diagnosed by chance. Subclinical hypothyroidism is defined as serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) above the upper reference limit in combination with a normal free thyroxine (fT4). Thyroid diseases are more prevalent in women and can cause many problems including weight gain and hormonal imbalance. The chances of men suffering from thyroid disease are comparatively lesser. In the developed countries, the prevalence of thyroid disorders is about 4% to 5%. Speaking about this, Padma Shri Awardee Dr K K Aggarwal, National President Indian Medical Association (IMA) and President Heart Care Foundation of India (HCFI) and Dr RN Tandon – Honorary Secretary General IMA in a joint statement, said, "Hypothyroidism can affect all organ systems. Genetics has a major role in determining thyroid hormones and TSH concentrations as well as susceptibility to autoimmune thyroid disease. Those with a family history are likely to be predisposed to thyroid abnormalities. Therefore, it is imperative for a person to be aware of their family’s medical history. If left untreated, hypothyroidism can cause elevated cholesterol levels, an increase in blood pressure, cardiovascular complications, decreased fertility, and depression. In pregnant women, this condition can increase the risk of premature birth, low birth weight, and miscarriage." Adding further, Dr Aggarwal, said, "The need of the hour is to reach out and create awareness among people about the causes, symptoms, treatment, and importance of testing for thyroid problems. This is particularly significant for women as the incidence of acquiring this disease is more in them. Pregnant women or those planning to conceive should get themselves checked to ensure that their thyroid functions are normal." Here are some tips for those living with thyroid disorders. • Eat healthy Hypothyroidism is linked to weight gain. Thus, a person with this condition can find it difficult to lose weight. Consume a diet rich in fibre and low in fat to maintain a healthy weight. • Exercise Although it may be difficult to get moving in those with a sluggish thyroid, it is a good idea to push yourself to do some physical activity. • De-¬stress Stress is known to exacerbate thyroid disorders. Do something to reduce those stress levels. It could be yoga, meditation, dance, or anything.

Underactive thyroid: a marker of heart disease

Underactive thyroid: a marker of heart disease New Delhi, August 05, 2016: Men and women with underactive or overactive thyroid without any symptoms are at an increased risk of heart disease. Silent or "subclinical" thyroid dysfunction" represents a potentially modifiable –– risk factor for coronary heart disease. Quoting a study from the University of Lausanne in Switzerland, by Dr. Nicholas Rodondi and published in Annals of Internal Medicine, Padma Shri Awardee Dr KK Aggarwal – President Heart Care Foundation of India (HCFI) and Honorary Secretary General IMA said that the likelihood of coronary heart disease, heart–related death and death from any cause is higher by 20 percent, 18 percent, and 12 percent, respectively, in subjects with an underactive thyroid without symptoms –– also referred to as subclinical hypothyroidism. Their findings are based on pooled data from 12 studies identified through a search of MEDLINE (1950 to 2008). Ten of the studies involved population-based groups that included 14,449 subjects. People with an overactive thyroid but without symptoms (silent hyperthyroidism) also had 21 percent, 19 percent and 12 percent greater odds, respectively, of heart disease, heart–related death, and death from any cause. The screening test for thyroid is TSH blood test. The normal values are 0.3 to 3 mIU/L. A value between 3 and 10 is considered subclinical hypoactive thyroid and a value of less than 0.3 without symptoms is considered subclinical overactive thyroid