Subclinical hyperthyroidism may be linked to higher risks of dying, says a latest research. Subclinical hyperthyroidism-a mild variety of overactive thyroid-is one of the most common hormone abnormalities found in elderly people. The condition often appears without dropping any symptoms, thereby making it virtually impossible for the affected person to understand or realize the abnormalities taking place inside his body until severe complications occur. The study, conducted by researchers at the University of Parma, shows how sub clinical hyperthyroidism can cause a plethora of medical problems like cardiac arrhythmias, cognitive abnormalities or altered bone structure. With the new findings coming to the fore, it is being seen that subclinical hyperthyroidism may also have a lot to do with increased mortality in older people. The research was conducted using data from the Chianti Area Study. The team then evaluated the relationship between death and thyroid function from a myriad of causes in elderly people. For about 950 subjects aged sixty-five years or older, there were thyroid function tests available. 819 of those studied had thyroid functions running normally. However, 83 people out of the total 950 showed signs of subclinical hyperthyroidism.

Via: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110606092515.htm

Young adults suffering from overactive thyroid or hyperthyroidism face a forty-four percent higher stroke risk compared to those with normal thyroid function, says a latest research. Strokes of undetected causes account for about one fourth and one third of all ischemic strokes taking place in young people every year, the study further added. Overactive thyroid, also known as hyperthyroidism, is an endocrine disorder that affects about 0.5 percent to 2 percent of the world’s population. The list also includes a significant number of young adults. The condition triggers over production of the thyroid hormone, which apart from speeding up metabolism also causes symptoms like weight loss, diarrhea, sweating and nervousness. In conducting the study, the team from the Taipei Medical University used data on around 3,100 young adults diagnosed with overactive thyroid. The average age of patients was thirty-two. The team then tracked every patient’s data for a period of five years to identify and detect those who suffered ischemic stroke, the most common stroke type, caused primarily by arterial blockage. During the five year period, 198 people developed ischemic stroke.

Via: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/04/100402182844.htm

Women with hyperthyroidism who had increased TSH during the first and second trimesters of pregnancy had children with reduced capacity to see the visual contrasts as compared to women with hyperthyroidism where TSH levels were normal during the initial trimesters, says a new research. Contrast sensitivity plays a vital role in helping the child read or see information with lower levels of contrast like maps. The research shows that visual sensitivity issues among children of women suffering from hyperthyroidism were correlated directly with the increased levels of TSH in the mother. The findings claim that thyroid hormone is vital in early pregnancy for visual processing capacities to develop normally. The research, conducted by a senior scholar at the University of Chicago, thereby casts the possible effects of hyperthyroidism during pregnancy in new light.

Via: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/10/071005143122.htm

Being exposed to iodinated contrast media, especially during imaging procedures, may trigger certain changes in the functioning of thyroid and double your risks of developing hyperthyroidism, says a latest research. ICM or iodinated contrast media are one of the most commonly applied pharmaceutical agents. ICM is often used during imaging procedures like computed tomography and cardiac catheterization. While the ICM has previously been studied or scanned for certain complications, its effect on thyroid function is something which the medical community has barely touched upon. The research, conduced by doctors at the Massachusetts General Hospital, studied data from people treated between 1990 and 2010, who hadn’t shown any symptoms of preexisting hyperthyroidism. The team matched patients with normal thyroid function controls apart from assessing their exposure to ICM using the claims data. A sum total of around 170 patients having incident hyperthyroidism and something around 213 patients affected by incident hyperthyroidism were matched to 779 and 655 euthyroid patients. Results showed that ICM exposure accounted for incident hyperthyroidism.

Via: http://www.news-medical.net/news/20120124/Exposure-to-iodinated-contrast-media-may-increase-risk-of-hyperthyroidism.aspx

Researchers, in a break through study, have detected the compound which prevents thyroid over production or hyperthyroidism. With the new findings, the medical community is expected to get a step closer to improving treatment procedures for Graves’ disease. Grave disease refers to the condition where thyroid glands function continuously without fail. Attacking the issue at its very root cause, the study, conducted by researchers at the National Institutes of Health, have identified the chemical compound which binds dutifully to the receptors, while acting as an antagonist. However, the antagonist, which is yet to be tested by the research team on animals and human beings, has multiple toxicology and safety tests to clear before being declared fit for human trials.

Via: http://www.news-medical.net/news/20101202/Research-may-lead-to-new-treatment-strategies-for-Graves-disease.aspx