Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 30, 2026

Intracoronary Acetylcholine Provocation Testing for Assessment of Coronary Vasomotor Disorders
Published on: August 18, 2016
De novo coronary artery disease in graves' disease. coincidence?
Dariush Shahsavari1, Bryan Zoll2
1Section of Hospital Medicine, Department of Medicine, Lewis Katz School of Medicineat Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
Insights
Hyperthyroidism, particularly Graves' disease, may increase the risk of developing new coronary artery disease (CAD). This case highlights a potential link between Graves' disease and de novo CAD, even without traditional risk factors.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Endocrinology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Hyperthyroidism is a known risk factor for cardiovascular complications.
- Graves' disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism.
Observation:
- A 50-year-old woman with no prior cardiac history presented with symptoms of heart failure.
- She was diagnosed with Graves' disease and extensive coronary artery disease.
Findings:
- The patient developed de novo coronary artery disease (CAD) in the context of newly diagnosed Graves' disease (GD).
- This suggests a potential association between GD and the development of CAD, independent of other common risk factors.
Implications:
- Clinicians should consider screening for coronary artery disease in patients diagnosed with Graves' disease.
- Further research is warranted to explore the mechanisms linking hyperthyroidism and de novo CAD.
Abstract:
Hyperthyroidism is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular conditions. We report a case of a 50-year-old woman with no prior cardiac history who presented to the emergency department with shortness of breath, chest pain, lower extremity swelling, and generalized fatigue. She was found to have Graves' Disease (GD) and extensive coronary artery disease (CAD), suggesting the possibility of increased risk of de novo CAD in patients with GD in the absence of other risk factors.
Related Concept Videos
Coronary Artery Disease III: Clinical Manifestations
Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies
Hyperthyroidism I: Introduction
Hyperthyroidism II: Pathophysiology
Graves' Disease I: Introduction
Graves Disease II: Pathophysiology

