Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 23, 2026

Mouse Heterotopic Cervical Cardiac Transplantation Utilizing Vascular Cuffs
08:44

Mouse Heterotopic Cervical Cardiac Transplantation Utilizing Vascular Cuffs

Published on: June 23, 2022

Cardiovascular complications in acromegaly

G Vitale1, R Pivonello, G Lombardi

  • 1Department of Molecular and Clinical Endocrinology, School of Medicine, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy.

Minerva Endocrinologica
|July 30, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Acromegaly, caused by excess growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), significantly increases cardiovascular risks. Effective treatment can improve heart function and reduce cardiac complications in patients.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Cardiology
  • Internal Medicine

Background:

  • Acromegaly, a condition of excess growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), is associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.
  • GH and IGF-I excess lead to a specific cardiomyopathy, characterized initially by a hyperkinetic syndrome.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe the cardiac manifestations of acromegaly.
  • To highlight the impact of GH/IGF-I excess on cardiac structure and function.
  • To emphasize the importance of cardiac evaluation and the potential benefits of treatment.

Main Methods:

  • The abstract does not specify methods, but discusses established clinical observations and pathophysiology.
  • Review of literature on acromegaly and its cardiovascular complications.

Main Results:

  • Acromegaly frequently causes concentric biventricular hypertrophy and diastolic dysfunction, potentially progressing to impaired systolic function and heart failure.
  • Cardiac rhythm and valve abnormalities are also observed.
  • Comorbidities like hypertension and diabetes worsen acromegalic cardiomyopathy.

Conclusions:

  • Effective therapy suppressing GH/IGF-I may reduce left ventricular mass and improve cardiac function.
  • Comprehensive cardiac assessment is essential for managing patients with acromegaly.

Related Concept Videos

Complications of Diabetes Mellitus01:22

Complications of Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by persistent hyperglycemia due to insulin deficiency, resistance, or both. Prolonged hyperglycemia disrupts metabolic homeostasis and leads to acute and chronic complications.Acute ComplicationsAcute complications result from sudden metabolic imbalance.Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) mainly appears in type 1 diabetes but may also develop in type 2 diabetes, particularly under extreme stress. It arises from severe insulin deficiency,...
Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy01:30

Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM, is a progressive myocardial disorder characterized by ventricular chamber dilation and contractile dysfunction.EtiologyVarious factors can cause DCM, including hypertension and heavy alcohol intake, which contribute to the weakening and enlargement of the heart muscle. Viral infections, such as Coxsackievirus B, adenoviruses, and influenza, can lead to DCM by causing inflammation and damage to heart tissue. Certain chemotherapeutic agents, including daunorubicin,...
Imbalances in Cardiac Output01:26

Imbalances in Cardiac Output

The heart's primary function is to pump blood throughout the body, maintaining a balance between blood sent out (cardiac output) and blood returning (venous return). If this balance is disrupted, it can result in congestive heart failure (CHF), a severe condition where the heart becomes an inefficient pump, leading to inadequate blood circulation.
CHF can occur due to the failure of either side of the heart. Left-side failure leads to pulmonary congestion—the right side continues to send blood...
Cardiovascular System Abnormal Findings I: Inspection and Palpation01:29

Cardiovascular System Abnormal Findings I: Inspection and Palpation

In a cardiovascular examination, inspection and palpation are crucial for identifying abnormalities.
Abnormal findings observed during an inspection
Heart Failure III: Clinical Manifestations01:26

Heart Failure III: Clinical Manifestations

Heart failure (HF) manifests primarily as dyspnea, fatigue, and fluid retention, resulting in peripheral and pulmonary edema. Symptoms may vary depending on which ventricle is more affected, left or right.Left-Sided Heart FailureAlso known as left ventricular failure, this condition results from the left ventricle's inability to fill or eject sufficient blood into the systemic circulation. It leads to pulmonary congestion, which occurs when the left ventricle fails to eject blood effectively...
Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy01:29

Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM, is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by asymmetric left ventricular hypertrophy without ventricular dilation. It is more common in men and is typically diagnosed in young, athletic adults.EtiologyHCM is primarily genetic and is caused by mutations in genes encoding sarcomeric proteins. Researchers have identified over 1400 mutations across at least 11 different genes. Among these, the most frequently occurring mutations are found in the...