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T3: Not just for treating the thyroid
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American Thyroid Association Spring Symposium
Triiodothyronine may be a novel treatment for chronic congestive heart failure, according to Irwin Klein, MD.
T3 has a powerful effect on almost every process in the body, including heart rate, metabolism, cholesterol levels and energy. New data has suggested a potential for T3 to treat heart disease, said Klein, associate chairman, department of medicine, North Shore University, N.Y.
Recently published data indicated that 20% to 25% of patients with chronic congestive HF have low serum T3 levels. Additional data have suggested that T3 given in replacement doses to patients with congestive HF can improve cardiac function, including contractility and performance.
Current clinical data support the safety and lack of untoward effects of treatment. T3, a positive inotropic and lusitropic agent, has helped to lower systemic vascular resistance and to promote reverse remodeling of the post-myocardial infarction pathologically hypertrophied heart and has potential beneficial effects on skeletal muscle function.
Although a low serum T3 concentration in patients with congestive HF increases the risk for an adverse outcome, it is not clear that the two are causally related. A correction of the low serum T3 commonly associated with illness has not improved outcome in such patients.
– P. Reed Larsen, MD
Professor, Thyroid Section,
Brigham and Women’s Hospital
For more information:
- Klein IL. Thyroid hormone and the treatment of congestive heart failure. Presented at: the American Thyroid Association Spring Symposium; March 28, 2008; Washington.