What cardiovascular symptom might a patient with hypothyroidism present?

A patient with hypothyroidism often presents with bradycardia due to the influence of thyroid hormones on the cardiovascular system. Thyroid hormones play a crucial role in regulating heart rate and cardiovascular function. When a person has hypothyroidism, there is a deficiency in these hormones, leading to a decrease in metabolic rate and heart function. This can manifest as a slower than normal heart rate, or bradycardia, which is typically characterized by a heart rate of fewer than 60 beats per minute.

This symptom reflects the overall decrease in physiological activity that occurs in hypothyroidism. The slowed heart rate is also consistent with the reduction in oxygen demand and energy expenditure in the body, which is a hallmark of this condition. In addition to bradycardia, individuals with hypothyroidism may experience other systemic effects, but bradycardia is a particularly notable cardiovascular symptom due to its direct connection to decreased thyroid hormone levels.