hashimoto's thyroiditis can be diagnosed by biopsy. however clinical history along with a blood test confirming hypothyroidism plus the addition of anti-tpo antibodies and a thyroid scan (if needed) also secures the diagnosis in most cases. treatment involves starting thyroid hormone replacement (synthroid levoxyl) to maintain a thyroid stimulating hormone (tsh) level within the normal range. if the thyroid is large enough to cause symptoms of compression (difficultly swallowing hoarseness wheezing) surgery to debunk or remove the gland may be considered if the gland dose not shrink on replacement therapy. in regard to your question about heart disease the relationship is more related to replacement therapy of the thyroid hormones than with hashimoto's itself. as the gland starts to lose function hypothyroidism can result. hypothyroidism is treated by replacing the inappropriately low or absent endogenous thyroid hormone with a synthetic equivalent taken daily by mouth (synthroid or levoxyl for example). should a patient receive too much thyroid hormone the high dose can result in palpitations irregular heartbeat and over time a weakened heart. it can also result in osteoporosis. if the hormone is under-replaced it can exacerbate heart failure adversely affect cholesterol levels and slow heart rates down. naturally if hashimoto's resulting in hypothyroidism remains unreplaced completely this can also occur.
how do you diagnose hashimoto's hypothyroidism and does this condition have effect on heart disease and osteoporosis?