From the Guidelines
Hyperthyroidism and thyrotoxicosis are distinct conditions, with hyperthyroidism referring to excessive thyroid hormone production by an overactive thyroid gland, and thyrotoxicosis being the clinical syndrome resulting from excess thyroid hormone in the body, regardless of the source. According to the 2022 study published in Hypertension 1, thyrotoxicosis, hyperthyroidism, thyroiditis, and Grave’s disease are all related conditions that can result in increased heart rate, tremor, and nervousness due to excess thyroid hormone production and secretion. The key difference between the two conditions is that hyperthyroidism is a specific cause of thyrotoxicosis, which can also be caused by other factors such as excessive thyroid hormone medication, thyroid destruction releasing stored hormones, or ectopic thyroid hormone production.
Some common causes of hyperthyroidism include:
- Graves' disease
- Toxic nodular goiter
- Thyroiditis While thyrotoxicosis can also result from:
- Excessive thyroid hormone medication
- Thyroid destruction releasing stored hormones
- Ectopic thyroid hormone production Both conditions share similar symptoms, such as:
- Weight loss
- Heat intolerance
- Anxiety
- Tremors
- Rapid heartbeat Treatment for these conditions depends on the underlying cause, but may include:
- Antithyroid medications, such as methimazole or propylthiouracil
- Beta-blockers, such as propranolol, for symptom control
- Radioactive iodine therapy
- Surgery As noted in the study 1, propranolol is the most widely studied nonselective beta-blocker for treating increased heart rate and tremor in patients with thyrotoxicosis or symptomatic hyperthyroidism. The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists Medical Guidelines have discussed the use of beta-blockers in conditions characterized by an excess of thyroid hormones, highlighting the importance of individualized treatment approaches.
From the Research
Definition and Causes
- Hyperthyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland produces and secretes inappropriately high amounts of thyroid hormone, which can lead to thyrotoxicosis 2.
- Thyrotoxicosis, also known as hyperthyroidism, is a condition characterized by the excessive production of thyroid hormones by the thyroid gland 3.
- The most common causes of hyperthyroidism and thyrotoxicosis include Graves' disease, toxic multinodular goiter, and toxic adenoma 2, 4.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
- Common symptoms of thyrotoxicosis include anxiety, insomnia, palpitations, unintentional weight loss, diarrhea, and heat intolerance 5.
- Patients with Graves' disease may have a diffusely enlarged thyroid gland, stare, or exophthalmos on examination 5.
- Diagnosis can be made based on clinical findings and confirmed with biochemical tests and imaging techniques, including ultrasound and radioactive iodine uptake scans 2.
Treatment Options
- Treatment options for hyperthyroidism include anti-thyroid medications, radioactive iodine, and surgery 2, 4.
- Antithyroid medications are often used temporarily to treat thyrotoxicosis in preparation for more definitive treatment with radioactive iodine or surgery 2.
- Radioactive iodine ablation is a successful treatment for hyperthyroidism, but should not be used in Graves' disease with ophthalmic manifestations 2.
- Surgery, including total thyroidectomy or thyroid lobectomy, may be considered for patients who are not successfully treated with radioactive iodine or have other indications for surgery 2, 4.