Total Access Medical - Direct Primary Care Blog

The thyroid, a small butterfly-shaped gland situated just below the larynx at the bottom of the neck, plays a vital role in many bodily processes as a key part of the endocrine system. The thyroid is responsible for producing hormones  to regulate the body’s metabolism. Through this mechanism, thyroid hormones affect every cell in the body.

Thyroid disease is an umbrella term for conditions that affect how your thyroid functions. Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are the two main types of thyroid disease. But they each have multiple possible causes. Thyroid diseases are treatable — usually with medication.

The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland in the front of your neck that makes two thyroid hormones: thyroxine and triiodothyronine. Thyroid hormones control how the body uses energy, so they affect nearly every organ in your body, even your heart. Health care professionals use thyroid tests to check how well your thyroid is working and to find the cause of problems such as hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. 

The two main types of thyroid disease are hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) and hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid). But they each have several conditions that can cause them.

The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland in the front of your neck that makes two thyroid hormones: thyroxine and triiodothyronine. Thyroid hormones control how the body uses energy, so they affect nearly every organ in your body, even your heart. Health care professionals use thyroid tests to check how well your thyroid is working and to find the cause of problems such as hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. 

According to the American Thyroid Association, approximately 20 million Americans have some form of thyroid cancer. As January is Thyroid Awareness Month, it is important to discuss because 60% of those with a thyroid disease are unaware of their condition. In this article, we will discuss what the thyroid is and its function.

Heart disease is the number one cause of death worldwide, regardless of gender and race. Treatment for the disease depends on the cause and type of heart damage.

Below, we discuss treatment options for heart disease.

To diagnose heart disease, a healthcare professional examines you and listens to your heart. You are usually asked questions about your symptoms and your personal and family medical history. Sometimes heart disease may be "silent" and not diagnosed until a person experiences signs or symptoms of a heart attack, heart failure, or an arrhythmia.