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Cardiovascular involvement in patients affected by acromegaly: an appraisal

Susanna Mosca1, Stefania Paolillo, Annamaria Colao

  • 1Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.

International Journal of Cardiology
|December 11, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Acromegaly patients frequently suffer cardiovascular issues due to growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) excess. Early treatment of GH and IGF-I excess improves heart function and reduces cardiovascular risks.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Cardiology
  • Internal Medicine

Background:

  • Cardiovascular complications are common in acromegaly.
  • Patients exhibit increased cardiovascular risk factors, endothelial dysfunction, and vascular alterations.
  • Chronic excess GH and IGF-I cause acromegalic cardiomyopathy, leading to heart failure.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To summarize the cardiovascular complications in acromegaly.
  • To highlight the impact of GH and IGF-I excess on cardiac function.
  • To discuss the benefits of early treatment on cardiac abnormalities.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on acromegaly and cardiovascular complications.
  • Analysis of studies reporting cardiovascular risk factors and cardiac structural changes.
  • Evaluation of the effects of GH/IGF-I excess and its control on cardiac performance.

Main Results:

  • Acromegaly is associated with hypertension, dyslipidemia, and diabetes.
  • Characteristic cardiac changes include biventricular hypertrophy, diastolic dysfunction, and impaired systolic function.
  • Valvulopathies and arrhythmias are frequently observed, contributing to cardiac dysfunction.

Conclusions:

  • Strict control of cardiovascular risk factors is essential.
  • Early normalization of GH and IGF-I levels improves cardiac and metabolic status.
  • Therapeutic interventions can significantly reduce left ventricular hypertrophy and enhance cardiac performance.

Keywords:
Acromegalic cardiomyopathyAcromegalyGH/IGF-I excessPremature atherosclerosis

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