4. Thyroid Disease
The thyroid is located in the neck. It is below the collarbone and Adam’s apple. The thyroid has 2 lobes that are connected by a bridge. The thyroid cannot typically be felt through touch. It is an endocrine gland and secretes hormones. The primary hormone secreted by the thyroid is thyroxine, which is responsible for controlling the metabolism of the body.
Hyperthyroidism is caused by an excessive amount of thyroxine. This can cause weight loss, heat intolerance, nervousness, weight gain, slow heart rate, cold intolerance, as well as many other symptoms. When there is too much thyroxine being produced in the body it can cause a person to develop congestive heart failure because of the weight gain or loss. A person that has been diagnosed with thyroid disease needs to also be on alert for other health issues including diseases of the heart including congestive heart failure.