Symptom 7. Changes in Heart Rate – An Overlooked Indicator of Low Iodine
Heart rate changes are another symptom that could indicate low iodine levels. It’s often overlooked, but once you understand the role of iodine in heart function, the connection becomes clear.
Iodine’s role in the production of thyroid hormones makes it crucial for heart health. Thyroid hormones influence the way your heart works. They control your heart rate and ensure that your heart is pumping an adequate amount of blood to meet your body’s needs.
Low levels of iodine can lead to hypothyroidism, which can slow down your heart rate, a condition known as bradycardia. This can make you feel like your heart is beating irregularly or skipping beats.
You might also experience other symptoms like fatigue, dizziness, or fainting spells. On the other hand, some individuals might experience a rapid heart rate or palpitations as a reaction to the body’s attempt to compensate for the low metabolic rate associated with iodine deficiency.
Additionally, iodine deficiency can lead to high cholesterol levels. That’s because thyroid hormones play a key role in managing the body’s cholesterol levels. When there’s a deficiency in these hormones, your body may not be able to break down cholesterol effectively, leading to its accumulation in the bloodstream.
Increased cholesterol levels can further impact your heart health, leading to conditions like atherosclerosis, where the arteries become narrowed and hardened due to a buildup of cholesterol plaques. This can increase your risk of heart disease. (7)
