by Individuals diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid gland produces excessive thyroid hormones, face an increased risk of cardiovascular events due to elevated levels of these hormones. Treatment options for hyperthyroidism include anti-thyroid drugs, radioactive iodine ablation, and surgery, each with its own set of benefits and risks.
A recent study conducted by researchers at Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine revealed promising findings regarding the long-term outcomes of hyperthyroid patients treated with surgery versus medication. The study, based on data from 114,062 patients in Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Research Database diagnosed with hyperthyroidism between 2011 and 2020, compared the rates of major cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality among patients undergoing different treatment modalities.
The results showed that patients who underwent surgery for hyperthyroidism had a 47% lower risk of death and a 24% lower risk of major adverse cardiovascular events compared to those treated with medication. Additionally, individuals treated with radioactive iodine had a 55% lower likelihood of experiencing major adverse cardiovascular events than those treated with medication.
Dr. Elizabeth Pearce, co-corresponding author of the study and a professor of medicine at the school, emphasized the importance of personalized treatment selection for individuals with hyperthyroidism. Dr. Pearce highlighted that the study’s findings suggest considering the patient’s cardiovascular risk when deciding on the most suitable treatment for hyperthyroidism, as the optimal approach varies from person to person.
While acknowledging the challenges associated with treatment decisions for hyperthyroidism, the researchers recommended thyroid surgery or radioactive iodine treatment as potentially more effective options than long-term use of anti-thyroid drugs for patients at high risk of cardiovascular diseases. According to the study findings, the improved outcomes observed in patients undergoing surgery or radioactive iodine treatment may be attributed to the quicker and more comprehensive resolution of hyperthyroidism compared to medication-based approaches.
Moving forward, the researchers underscored the need for prospective studies to gain a deeper understanding of the risks and benefits associated with different treatment modalities for hyperthyroidism. Dr. Pearce, who is also an endocrinologist at Boston Medical Center, highlighted the importance of further research to enhance treatment strategies for individuals with hyperthyroidism and high cardiovascular risk.
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
