Thyrotoxicosis and the Heart

THE original descriptions of thyrotoxicosis by Parry and by Graves mention cardiovascular manifestations, and today we recognize that many patients with thyrotoxicosis have symptoms and signs reflecting the effects of excess thyroid hormone on the cardiovascular system. Thyrotoxicosis not only can aggravate preexisting cardiac disease but also by itself can lead to cardiac disease. 1 2 3 4 This concept was introduced by Levine and his coworkers, on the basis of their clinical observations of patients in whom thyrotoxicosis was the sole or principal factor leading to cardiomegaly, atrial fibrillation, or congestive heart failure. 5 , 6 In this report, I shall address the pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, . . .