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Hyperthyroidism
Background
Overview
Definition
Hyperthyroidism is a pathological syndrome in which tissue is exposed to excessive amounts of circulating thyroid hormone.
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Pathophysiology
Causes of hyperthyroidism include increased synthesis of thyroid hormones (e.g., Grave's disease), release of preformed thyroid hormones due to destruction of thyroid tissue (e.g., thyroiditis), and exogenous thyroid hormone intake.
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Epidemiology
In the US, the prevalence of hyperthyroidism is estimated at 13,000 per 100,000 population. In Europe, the prevalence of hyperthyroidism is estimated at 800 per 100,000 population.
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Disease course
Hyperthyroidism leads to a higher incidence of AF and atrial flutter, and, at least partly by that mechanism, a higher risk of cerebral arterial thrombosis. Hyperthyroidism additionally leads to increased bone turnover and a negative bone balance.
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Guidelines
Key sources
The following summarized guidelines for the evaluation and management of hyperthyroidism are prepared by our editorial team based on guidelines from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG 2020), the Endocrine Society (ES 2020), and the American Thyroid Association (ATA 2016).
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