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Published on: October 6, 2023
Thyroid function tests and resting heart rate in Graves' disease: a prospective longitudinal study.
Beatrice Egger1, Uwe Riedmann2, Lisa Schmitt2
1Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital of The Brothers of St. John of God, Graz, Austria.
Endocrine Connections
|June 1, 2026
Summary
Resting heart rate (RHR) monitored with wearables strongly correlates with thyroid hormones in Graves' disease (GD). This suggests RHR could be a valuable tool for monitoring GD and guiding treatment, though further research is needed.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Cardiology
- Medical Technology
Background:
- Increased resting heart rate (RHR) is a hallmark of thyrotoxicosis.
- Longitudinal data on continuous RHR monitoring and thyroid hormone levels are limited.
- Graves' disease (GD) management requires effective monitoring of thyroid function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the association between continuously monitored RHR and thyroid function tests in patients with Graves' disease.
- To explore the potential of wearable devices for monitoring GD.
- To investigate RHR as a potential biomarker for thyrotoxicosis.
Main Methods:
- A prospective, longitudinal cohort study involving 30 patients with GD on antithyroid drug treatment.
- Monthly study visits over 6 months for thyroid hormone measurements (fT4, fT3).
- Continuous RHR monitoring using wristband activity trackers (Fitbit Charge 6).
Main Results:
- A significant association was found between RHR and thyroid hormones: a one SD increase in RHR correlated with increased fT4 and fT3 levels.
- RHR was strongly associated with the presence of thyrotoxicosis (odds ratio: 5.134).
- The study enrolled 30 participants, with 80% experiencing thyrotoxicosis at baseline.
Conclusions:
- Wearable-assessed RHR shows a strong association with thyroid hormones in GD patients.
- RHR may serve as a useful, non-invasive tool for monitoring GD.
- Further trials are needed to confirm RHR's utility in guiding treatment timing and diagnostics for GD.
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