The heart in Grave's disease (overactive thyroid)
Template:WikiDoc Cardiology News Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Associate Editor: Cafer Zorkun, M.D., Ph.D. [2]
Overview
Grave’s disease is the most frequent reason (approximately 60-90%) of thyrotoxicosis that results from thyroid hormone excess and 10 times more frequently occurs in women than in men.
Symptoms
1. Palpitations due to;
- Sinus tachycardia (at rest, at sleep sleep, and during exercise) is the most frequently observed rhythm disturbances.
- Atrial arrhythmias (premature atrial contractions, atrial fibrillations, less frequently atrial tachycardia and atrial flutter may be seen
- Ventricular arrhythmias are rare
2. Exercise intolerance
3. Dyspnea on exertion
4. Chest pain
6. Dilated cardiomyopathy: Cardiomyopathy may be reversible [1] or resistant [2] to treatment.
7. Congestive heart failure (especially in elderly patients)
Diagnosis
Electrocardiography
Echocardiography
Treatment
Patients with atrial fibrillation should monitored and properly anticoagulated to prevent embolic complications and stroke.