Heart Failure and Grave's Disease

There are generally three different courses of action that a physician will choose from to treat Grave's disease. Less severe cases can be controlled with medication alone, but sometimes the threat to the physical health of the patient is so extreme that surgical removal of the thyroid gland or radioactive shrinkage is necessary.

Identification

Grave's disease is an autoimmune disorder that results in the elevated production of thyroid hormone. If left untreated, high risk complications can occur which include, heart failure.

Function

The thyroid gland is responsible for creating the hormones that keep the body's cells and organs functioning properly. But if the thyroid gland is compromised by an autoimmune disorder, such as Grave's disease, the increase in hormones can play a significant role in the autoimmune disorder's siege on the body.

Effects

If the hormonal chaos is allowed to continue, the autoimmune condition will begin to destroy the very cells, tissues and organs that the immune system has been created to protect. In a Grave's disease patient, the hormonal imbalance can lead to destruction of the liver, lungs and the heart muscle.

Complications

When thyroid levels in a Grave's disease patient escalate beyond what is considered to be normal range, a condition known as 'thyroid storm' can result. Increased heart rate, rapid pulse, and elevated body temperature are all precursors's to the full cardio collapse that a thyroid storm patient can experience.

Potential

Along with increased heart rate, rapid pulse rate and fever, there are a few more symptoms of thyroid storm that someone who has been diagnosed with Grave's disease should watch for. Chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness, excessive sweating, anxiety and a feeling of disorientation can bombard the body all at once, potentially increasing the patient's risk for heart failure.

Warning

This heart failure scenario requires immediate medical attention. A Grave's sufferer should be taken to the closest emergency medical facility at the onset of symptoms. A full blood work up will be conducted to determine the extent of any organ damage that may have occurred, and life saving treatments can also be set into motion, if necessary.

Prevention/Solution

Recognition of early Grave's disease symptoms, along with a physician's confirmation, is the first step in preventing the fatal thyroid storm condition that leads to heart failure. Following a prescription regiment that includes follow up visits with an endocrinologist and frequent blood test evaluations, can greatly reduce the chances of damage to the heart muscle.

Resources

• Grave's disease
• Grave's disease complications
• Thyroid storm