The thyroid gland is an indispensable endocrine organ that performs numerous functions and regulates metabolism. In Graves’ disease, due to various reasons, the activity of the gland increases dramatically, it produces hormones in an excess amount, forming a state of hyperthyroidism. The body works for wear, organs and tissues function with extreme stress, especially the heart and blood vessels. As a result, the pressure rises, arrhythmias appear, the temperature is constantly increased, the body weight is sharply lost with increased appetite. Without correction, the disease can be complicated by a thyrotoxic, life-threatening crisis. But what is the reason for this condition?
Basis of Graves Disease Development
Most scientists are inclined to believe that autoimmune disorder is the basis of Graves disease. This is a breakdown of the mechanisms of immunity, in which the tissues of the thyroid gland are perceived as a danger, against which the body synthesizes antibodies. Normally, tropic pituitary hormones act as stimulators of thyroid hormone synthesis, and in case of Graves disease, instead, the resulting antibodies act on the receptors.
The more antibodies to the TSH receptor are produced for the thyroid gland, the more actively it produces its own hormones. As a result, hyperthyroidism develops – the excess activity of the gland.
It does not pass without leaving a trace for the body – thyroid hormones have a stimulating effect. They accelerate metabolic processes, increase body temperature by increasing heat synthesis, strain the body, which ultimately leads to damage to the heart, blood vessels, kidneys and brain, depletes all the resources of the body. On the background diseases and increasing the activity of the gland, it can increase in size, forming a goiter.
What affects the gland pathology provocateurs
It is believed that such a pathology is more typical for women of young age, and often there must also be predisposing factors, for example, in the form of burdened heredity. Usually, the female line in the family reveals problems with the thyroid gland in several generations.
Also, the thyroid gland can be damaged by various external factors (viruses, toxins), or suffer from a violation of the internal environment of the body (chronic inflammation, deficiency of vitamins, minerals). There may be initiators of Graves’ disease, cranial injuries, inflammatory brain damage, stress or bad habits.
Typical manifestations: cardiac arrhythmia, pressure, fever
In addition to the background pathology thyroid increases in size (and not always), various manifestations of metabolic disorders are possible. Excess thyroid hormones adversely affect the functioning of the heart, vascular tone, basal metabolism, the visual analyzer and the nervous system.
Often patients complain to the doctor about heartbeat, the feeling that the heart “jumps” out of the chest, the pulse is felt in the abdomen, head. When calculating the pulse rate, it can exceed 120 beats. At pressure measurement the underestimated indicator of diastolic, with sharp rise in systolic level comes to light. On the ECG, cardiac arrhythmias may manifest as extrasystoles, and in severe cases, up to ventricular fibrillation, against which heart failure and edema are formed.
Breathing suffers, it becomes more frequent, it becomes superficial, bronchitis and pneumonia are not uncommon. Although the appetite can be increased, in a short period of time up to 15 kg of weight can be lost, constant sweating occurs, the temperature is elevated, typically malaise with irritability, outbursts of aggression.
When viewed from the thyroid gland can be dramatically increased in size, due to which the neck against the background of a thin body seems unnaturally thick.
Additional symptoms of hyperthyroidism
One of the most classic manifestations of hyperthyroidism is a bugglaze. These are eyeballs abnormally protruding from orbits, forming a white line between the eyelids and pupils, which gives the face a specific expression of insanity. In addition, the typical drying out of mucous membranes and its frequent inflammation due to rare blinking, the sensation of sand, dry eyes, an unnatural shine of the pupils.
Along with this, hyperthyroidism also reveals a decrease in visual fields with pain inside the apples due to an increase in intraocular pressure, and a decrease in visual acuity.
Hyperthyroidism leads to mental disorders, possible aggressive behavior, emotionality and excitability, fussiness and impaired concentration, tearfulness, memory disorders. Also typical is the presence of depression and sleep disorders, neurosis.
There are frequent complaints of abdominal pain, upset stools, and diarrhea. When examining for hyperthyroidism possible hepatitis and dystrophy of the liver, damage to the adrenal glands. Hyperthyroidism has a negative effect on muscle tone – typical trembling of the body and limbs, weakness of muscles, problems with movement and getting out of bed, changes in tendon reflexes.
How to confirm the diagnosis: hormone levels
Against the background of all signs typical of hyperthyroidism, the patient should determine the thyroid and tropic pituitary hormones to confirm the diagnosis. If the level of peripheral thyroid hormones is elevated, while there are few tropic hormones, it is also necessary to determine the antithyroid globulin. Along with how hormones are determined, research is also carried out on antibodies to the TSH receptors and the level of thyroid peroxidase.
At the same time, a full examination is carried out: assess the state of the heart and blood vessels, neurological status, ultrasound of the thyroid gland and isotope scanning (if indicated). Thermography of the organ may also be required, additional biochemical studies.
After the diagnosis is finally made, the question of how to treat Graves’ disease is solved. Perhaps both conservative and operative treatment, but the second option is applicable only for resistance to all conservative measures.