Hyperthyroidism in elderly

Česká verzia

Authors: M. Pytliak; V. Vargová; V. Mechírová
Authors place of work: I. INTERNÁ KLINIKA LF UPJŠ A FNLP, KOŠICE ¹; III. INTERNÁ KLINIKA LF UPJŠ A FNLP, KOŠICE ²
Published in the journal: Čes Ger Rev 2010; 8(1-2): 27-31

Summary

Hyperthyroidism was thought to be more common in young adulthood and middle age, but nowadays we can find it in all age groups. Hyperthyroid conditions affect approximately 2% of women and 0.2% of men with Graves‑Basedow thyrotoxicosis as a leading cause. Older people with hyperthyroidism may have many of the usual signs and symptoms found in younger people but, as with many diseases that occuring in the elderly, the signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism are often nonspecific and have an atypical presentation. Hyperthyroidism can be confused with other diseases attributed to old age or with age itself. The physiologic presentation of true thyroid disease often focuses on the most compromised organ system (i.e. the cardiovascular system) and the symptoms of hyperthyroidism in the elderly may be hidden. Thyrotoxicosis can aggravate pre‑existing heart disease and can also lead to atrial fibrillation, congestive heart failure, or worsening of angina pectoris. In older patients it is also important to detect subclinical hyperthyroidis. Thyroid laboratory tests should be ordered for all patients with the classic symptoms of hyperthyroidism, elderly people with apathetic symptoms of uncertain etiology, all people admitted to geriatric care units, and elderly people with atrial fibrillation.

Key words:
elderly – hyperthyroidism – apathetic hyperthyroidism – Graves‑Basedow disease

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