Thyrotoxicosis and the heart--a review of the literature

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Published on: August 16, 2016

B A Kolawole1, M O Balogun

  • 1Department of Medicine, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria.

Nigerian Journal of Medicine : Journal of the National Association of Resident Doctors of Nigeria
|November 14, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Thyroid hormone impacts circulation and heart function. Excess thyroid hormone (thyrotoxicosis) can worsen or cause heart conditions like atrial fibrillation and heart failure, requiring prompt management.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Endocrinology

Background:

  • Thyroid hormone influences peripheral circulation and myocardial function.
  • Thyrotoxicosis, or excess thyroid hormone, can exacerbate existing cardiac conditions or induce new ones.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To raise awareness of cardiac complications associated with thyrotoxicosis in Nigeria.
  • To highlight the importance of recognizing cardiac issues like atrial fibrillation and heart failure in thyrotoxicosis patients.

Main Methods:

  • Review of cardiac effects of thyroid hormone.
  • Observation of increasing thyrotoxicosis cases in Nigeria.
  • Discussion of diagnostic and treatment facility improvements.

Main Results:

  • Thyrotoxicosis can lead to significant cardiac problems, including atrial fibrillation and cardiac failure.
  • Increased reporting of thyrotoxicosis in Nigeria correlates with improved healthcare access.

Conclusions:

  • Greater awareness of thyrotoxicosis-related cardiac disease is needed in Nigeria.
  • Management involves prompt treatment of hyperthyroidism alongside diuretics, digoxin, and beta-blockers.

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