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Complications
By Mayo Clinic staffAny time your body produces too much thyroid hormone, because of Graves' disease or another cause, it can lead to a number of complications:
- Heart problems. Some of the most serious complications of hyperthyroidism involve the heart. These include a rapid heart rate, a heart rhythm disorder called atrial fibrillation and congestive heart failure — a condition in which your heart can't circulate enough blood to meet your body's needs. These complications are generally reversible with appropriate treatment.
- Brittle bones. Untreated hyperthyroidism can also lead to weak, brittle bones (osteoporosis). The strength of your bones depends, in part, on the amount of calcium and other minerals they contain. Too much thyroid hormone interferes with your body's ability to incorporate calcium into your bones.
- Thyrotoxic crisis. Hyperthyroidism also places you at risk of thyrotoxic crisis — a sudden intensification of your signs and symptoms, leading to a fever, a rapid pulse and even delirium. This complication is rare, but if it occurs, seek immediate medical care.
References
- Graves' disease. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. http://www.endocrine.niddk.nih.gov/pubs/graves/Graves.pdf. Accessed April 23, 2009.
- Hyperthyroidism. American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists. http://www.aace.com/pub/thyroidbrochures/pdfs/Hyperthyroidism.pdf. Accessed April 23, 2009.
- Nyirenda MJ, et al. Thyroid-stimulating hormone-receptor antibody and thyroid hormone concentrations in smokers vs. nonsmokers with Graves' disease treated with carbimazole. Journal of the American Medical Association. 2009;301:162.
- Cawood TJ, et al. Smoking and thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy: A novel explanation of the biological link. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism. 2007;92:59.
- Davies TF. Pathogenesis of Graves' disease. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed April 27, 2009.
- Brent GA. Graves' disease. New England Journal of Medicine. 2008;358:2594.
- Rubin DI. Neurologic manifestations of hyperthyroidism and Graves' disease. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed April 27, 2009.
- Davies TF. Treatment of Graves' ophthalmopathy (orbitopathy). http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed April 27, 2009.
- Nippoldt TB (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. May 13, 2009.
- Propylthiouracil-induced liver failure. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Accessed June 17, 2009.
