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Cardiovascular abnormalities in hyperthyroidism: a prospective Doppler echocardiographic study
Jordi Mercé1, Sara Ferrás, Carmina Oltra
1Cardiology Service, Hospital Universitari de Tarragona Joan XXIII, Tarragona, Spain. jmerce@eresmas.com
The American Journal of Medicine
|February 8, 2005
Summary
Hyperthyroidism frequently causes pulmonary hypertension and atrioventricular valve regurgitation. These cardiovascular issues often resolve after treating the thyroid condition, improving patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Endocrinology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Hyperthyroidism, a condition of excess thyroid hormone, can impact cardiovascular function.
- Cardiovascular abnormalities are a known complication of hyperthyroidism, but their prevalence and specific types require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of cardiovascular abnormalities in patients with hyperthyroidism.
- To assess the clinical significance and reversibility of these abnormalities after treatment.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 39 hyperthyroid patients and 39 age- and sex-matched controls were studied.
- Data collected included medical history, physical examination, ECG, laboratory tests, and Doppler echocardiography.
- Assessments were performed at diagnosis and after achieving euthyroidism.
Main Results:
- 18% of hyperthyroid patients had atrial fibrillation, and 23% had moderate to severe mitral or tricuspid regurgitation.
- Pulmonary hypertension (systolic pressure ≥35 mm Hg) was found in 41% of patients versus 3% of controls (P=0.001).
- Left ventricular systolic dysfunction was rare; pulmonary hypertension significantly decreased after hyperthyroidism treatment.
Conclusions:
- Hyperthyroidism is associated with a high prevalence of pulmonary hypertension and atrioventricular valve regurgitation.
- These cardiovascular abnormalities are generally reversible with effective treatment of hyperthyroidism.