Cardio-Thyrotoxicosis Syndrome: A Review of Thyrotoxic Cardiovascular Disease

Abstract

Thyrotoxicosis, an endocrine disorder characterized by elevated serum thyroid hormone levels of tri-iodothyronine (T3) and/or thyroxine (T4), can impact cardiovascular health in several ways. The cardiovascular system is often severely targeted by the thyrotoxic state, and the term "Cardio-thyrotoxic syndrome" has been proposed to encompass the various cardiovascular disease states resulting from thyrotoxicosis. In this review, we discuss various cardiovascular disorders resulting from the effects of thyrotoxicosis. It is important to keep a high index of suspicion for thyroid disorder in the setting of new atrial fibrillation, heart failure, and tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy. Management of cardio-thyrotoxicosis involves control of heart rate and blood pressure and treatment of acute cardiovascular complications. Thyroid-specific therapy to achieve a euthyroid state will not only improve but even potentially reverse cardiovascular abnormalities.