Thyroid problems are more common than you think. Your thyroid gland is found at the lower front of your neck and helps to regulate the body's energy levels. Common thyroid problems are over- or under-production of hormones (hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism). In hyperthyroidism there is overproduction of thyroid hormones by an overactive thyroid gland usually associated with an increased metabolism.

These are mainly three types:

•Diffuse toxic goitre - also known as Grave's disease - is mostly seen in young people. Here, the thyroid gland is slightly swollen and there will be eye problems, ranging from dry, irritated eyes to protruding eyes.

•Toxic nodular goitre tends to affect elderly people and is sometimes caused by a tumour, usually benign.

•Subacute thyroiditis - also known as De Quervain's thyroiditis - is caused by an inflammation, perhaps due to a viral infection, and the symptoms are temporary.

It is not entirely clear what causes these problems, but infections, smoking and stress, as well as some types of prescribed drugs, can trigger it. It affects about one per cent of adults, usually young to middle-aged women, especially smokers.

Early symptoms are loss of weight, increased appetite, intolerance of heat and increased sweating as well as any of the following:

•increased heart rate
•nervousness
•restlessness
•trembling hands
•protruding eyes
•enlarged thyroid
•muscle pains
•disturbed periods
•in more severe cases, muscles - including heart muscles - may waste.

If you suspect you might be suffering from any of these problems, make sure you go to your doctor!

Hyperthyroidism is a serious condition and over production of thyroid hormone can be quite harmful for the person, the common symptom of hyperthyroidism are Hypertension, anorexia, tachycardia, high BMR, dysponea etc.

Yes you are quite right this can be a very serious condition and can also be quite frightening for anyone suffering the symptoms. One way to tell someone who is hypothyroid is that they often have protruding eyes. And of course there is the fact that they never seem to be able to stay still and usually get very underweight.

If you think that you might have this, do see the Doctor, I don't think that it is difficult to deal with medically, but with the effect that it can have on the heart, it does need medical attention.

Thanks saffy for sharing this information with us, it is all about the care for heart, it is the most vital organ of body, and when it comes to any problem with the heart then the whole body just got affected.

You are certainly right there! The heart is like the engine that powers the whole body, without it pumping blood to every other organ then we are in trouble! It is amazing though how many people take better care of their car and its engine than they do of their own hearts. Moderation is the key I think, a moderate diet and exercise regime that achieves and maintains weight loss over a long period is the best.