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Mitral valve prolapse and hyperthyroidism: effect of patient selection
American Heart Journal
|November 1, 1985
Summary
Symptomatic mitral valve prolapse patients show a higher prevalence of hyperthyroidism. Common symptoms like palpitations may influence the clinical detection of both conditions.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Endocrinology
- Genetics
Background:
- Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) and hyperthyroidism share common symptoms, notably palpitations.
- The potential influence of these shared symptoms on the observed association between MVP and hyperthyroidism requires investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of hyperthyroidism in patients with symptomatic mitral valve prolapse (MVP) and their first-degree relatives.
- To determine if shared symptoms affect the clinical detection and reported association of MVP and hyperthyroidism.
Main Methods:
- Evaluated 220 patients with symptomatic MVP and 216 first-degree relatives across 72 families.
- Assessed 65 relatives with MVP and 151 relatives without MVP (age ≥ 16).
- Compared hyperthyroidism prevalence between probands, relatives with MVP, and relatives without MVP.
Main Results:
- Thirty subjects (49 ± 13 years) had thyroid disease; 90% were female.
- Hyperthyroidism prevalence was significantly higher in MVP probands (3.5%) compared to relatives without MVP (0%).
- An intermediate prevalence (2.2%) was found in relatives with MVP, suggesting symptom-driven detection bias.
Conclusions:
- Symptomatic MVP is associated with an increased prevalence of hyperthyroidism.
- Shared symptoms, particularly palpitations, likely impact the clinical diagnosis of both MVP and hyperthyroidism.
- The study highlights the importance of considering symptom overlap in diagnosing associated conditions.