Frequency of Cardiovascular Manifestation in Patients With Hyperthyroidism

Introduction Cardiovascular manifestations are very common in hyperthyroidism. Various cardiovascular symptoms such as palpitations, exercise intolerance, dyspnea, angina, edema, and congestive heart failure are commonly reported in hyperthyroidism. In this study, we determine the frequency of cardiovascular signs, symptoms, and various conduction disorders associated with hyperthyroidism. Methodology This cross-sectional, observational study was conducted in the cardiology department of a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan in close association with the internal medicine department from August 2019 to December 2019. A total of 100 hyperthyroid patients confirmed based on thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH, also known as thyrotropin), free T₄ (FT₄; thyroxine), and free T₃ (FT₃; triiodothyronine) were enrolled in the study. Results The most common cardiovascular symptom in this study was palpitations identified in 72% of the participants, followed by breathlessness in 41% of the participants. The most common cardiovascular sign was a pulse rate of more than 100 beats per minute found in 72% of the participants. The most common abnormality in electrocardiogram (ECG) was sinus tachycardia in 39% of the participants, followed by atrial fibrillation in 22% of the participants. In echocardiography, 5% of the participants had systolic dysfunction. Conclusion In this study, cardiovascular signs, symptoms, ECG, and echo changes were very frequent in hyperthyroidism. Management of hyperthyroidism should include routine ECG and echo testing, and cardiologists should be involved in thorough cardiovascular examination.