HYPERTHYROIDISM

PREVALENCE

• Hyperthyroidism is a common condition
• affects 2/1000 men (0.2%)
• affects 20/1000 women (2%)
• Often leads to a visual enlargement of the thyroid gland
• is usually located at the front of the neck (sometimes affects animals)

SYMPTOMS

• Increased metabolism/heart rate
• weight loss, fatigue, hyperactivity
• atrial fibrillation
• can cause heart failure

DIAGNOSIS

• Thyroid treatment for the rest of eternity
• medications to reduce production of thyroid hormone
• surgery to remove thyroid gland tissue
• radioiodine therapy
• choice of treatment depends on various factors

Radioiodine therapy involves swallowing radioactive iodine which collects in the overactive thyroid gland, and slows down the production of thyroid hormones.

Outcome:
The elevated level of thyroid hormones can result in clinical manifestations ranging from mild to severely toxic with resultant morbidity and mortality for affected patients.

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