Too much thyroxine in an elderly patient with an underlying heart disease could be dangerous by increasing pulse rate and workload of heart. Thyroid function may continue to decline and therefore, yearly blood tests for T4 and TSH are necessary to determine if thyroxine dosages are correct. Myxedema Coma is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate intervention. Treatment is aimed at correcting systemic or underlying abnormalities, normalizing body temperature, and ensuring adequate adrenal gland function. Due to the life-threatening nature of myxedema coma, treatment with thyroxine and cortisol may be started before the results of the TSH, T4 and serum cortisol blood tests are known.
Hypothyroidism presents minimal underwriting concerns.
It generally has no impact on the pricing of life insurance. However, it is important to document the date of the diagnosis and the current medication being for thyroxine replacement.