1% of the general population has hypothyroidism, with 5% of those over 60 diagnosed with the disease. Most people diagnosed with hypothyroidism had no idea they had the condition, their cases mild. Advanced cases of hypothyroidism can lead to medical emergencies.
Metabolic rate is controlled by the thyroid gland. When our metabolism slows we feel sluggish, both mentally and physically. As we get older most assume the sluggish feeling we may be experiencing is from getting older, and not a medical condition such as hypothyroidism. But hypothyroidism can affect blood pressure, heart function, and fluid regulation, and prompt treatment is a must to restore normal function.
A general physical will not detect mild hypothyroidism unless a specific screening panel is completed. Those with mild hypothyroidism complain of tiredness, weight gain, weakness, joint pain, depression, and shortness of breath during exertion. As hypothyroidism progresses, reflexes become noticeably delayed, blood pressure is affected, and cardiac failure may occur.
Untreated in the older population, hypothyroidism can lead to myxedema coma, a difficult condition to treat. Dementia may also occur.
In most cases (and with excellent results) treatment of hypothyroidism is accomplished by taking a daily pill such as Synthroid.
From a life insurance underwriting perspective, for those with hypothyroidism and no other accompanying disease (and take their medication regularly) it is likely that a preferred status/rate will be applied. Premium rates are affected when conditions such as uncontrolled hypertension or cardiac abnormalities are present as well.