The heart in Grave's disease (overactive thyroid)

Associate Editor:

Overview
Grave’s disease is the most frequent reason (approximately 60-90%) of thyrotoxicosis that results from thyroid hormone excess and 10 times more frequently occurs in women than in men.

Symptoms
1. Palpitations due to;


 * Sinus tachycardia (at rest, at sleep sleep, and during exercise) is the most frequently observed rhythm disturbances.


 * Atrial arrhythmias (premature atrial contractions, atrial fibrillations, less frequently atrial tachycardia and atrial flutter may be seen


 * Ventricular arrhythmias are rare

2. Exercise intolerance

3. Dyspnea on exertion

4. Chest pain

5. Pretibial edema

6. Dilated cardiomyopathy: Cardiomyopathy may be reversible or resistant to treatment.

7. Congestive heart failure (especially in elderly patients)

Treatment
Patients with atrial fibrillation should monitored and properly anticoagulated to prevent embolic complications and stroke.