Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder that affects the thyroid gland, causing it to produce an overactive amount of thyroid hormone. Untreated Graves’ disease can cause several complications, some of which can be life-threatening. If you have been diagnosed with Graves’ disease, it is important to understand the symptoms and risks associated with this condition so that you can take action to manage them as soon as possible.
Untreated Graves’ disease has the potential to cause serious complications due to its impact on various organs and systems throughout the body. Left untreated or undertreated, individuals with Graves’ disease are at a higher risk for developing one or more of the following dangerous complications:
Cardiovascular Complications
The most serious complication of Graves’ disease is the development of cardiovascular problems, including rapid heart rate, irregular heartbeat, and blood vessel abnormalities. In rare cases, these issues may lead to heart failure. Individuals with Graves’ disease are also at increased risk for blood clots, which can cause a stroke or heart attack.
The exact cause of cardiovascular complications in people with Graves’ disease is unclear; however, it is believed that the high levels of thyroid hormone and immune system activation involved with the disease may play a role. There are a few lifestyle changes that can help to reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications in people with Graves’ disease.
Getting enough sleep, managing stress, and eating a healthy diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help to lower your risk of developing these complications. Patients with Graves’ disease may also benefit from medications designed to reduce thyroid hormone levels.
Eye Problems
Graves’ disease can also cause several eye problems that may lead to blindness. While these complications are rare, they are the leading cause of blindness due to eye disease in people with Graves disease. Patients with Graves’ disease may be at an increased risk of eye problems if they have certain comorbidities, such as high blood pressure or diabetes.
Some of the eye problems associated with Graves’ disease include: Eye doctors can treat most of these conditions with medication, surgery, or both. Losing vision in one or both eyes due to Graves’ disease is rare, but it can happen. Patients with Graves’ disease should see an eye doctor as soon as they notice any of these symptoms to reduce the risk of blindness.
Respiratory Problems
Graves’ disease may also cause respiratory problems, such as hyperventilation, shortness of breath, and pneumonia. Some of these conditions may be signs of CO2 retention, which occurs when the body cannot properly remove CO2 from the blood. This can lead to a reduction in the amount of oxygen in the blood. Although rare, CO2 retention can lead to respiratory failure and death.
Patients with Graves’ disease have an increased risk for CO2 retention due to the excess levels of CO2 associated with hyperactive cells and the increased heart rate associated with the condition. Several lifestyle changes can help to prevent CO2 retention in people with Graves’ disease.
Patients with Graves’ disease may want to consider reducing their level of physical activity to prevent CO2 retention due to increased heart rate. Patients with Graves’ disease may also want to reduce caffeine intake and avoid tobacco products to reduce CO2 buildup.
Skin Problems
Graves’ disease may also cause skin problems, such as a rash and itching. The most common skin rash associated with Graves’ disease is pretibial myxedema, which usually appears on the lower legs. If patients with Graves’ disease have a rash, it is important to see a doctor since it may be a symptom of another condition, such as an infection.
Skin problems may be more common in individuals with Graves’ disease who also have other autoimmune disorders. Patients can reduce the risk of skin problems by managing Graves’ disease with medication. Patients with Graves’ disease who stop taking medication to reduce their risk of developing other autoimmune disorders are at a higher risk of developing a rash. Patients with Graves’ disease who develop a rash may want to talk to their doctor about treatment.
Loss of Muscle Tissue
Graves’ disease may also cause muscle loss and weakness. This condition, known as myasthenia gravis-like syndrome, is a rare complication of Graves’ disease. Patients with Graves’ disease are more likely to develop muscle loss if they also have hyperthyroidism, have received radiation therapy to the head or neck, or have an autoimmune disorder.
There is no cure for this muscle disorder; however, patients can reduce the risk of developing it by managing their Graves’ disease with medication. People with Graves’ disease who are on a higher dose of medication may be at a reduced risk of developing this complication.
Constipation and Blockage
Graves’ disease can also cause constipation, which may be a sign of underactive thyroid. Patients with Graves’ disease who are not taking medication to treat the condition may experience constipation, which may be a sign that their thyroid hormone levels are too low. Graves’ disease can also cause a blockage in the digestive tract, which may require surgery to remove.
Individuals with Graves’ disease may be at an increased risk of developing these complications if they do not take medication to manage their condition. Patients who have stopped taking medication may want to talk to their doctor about restarting treatment.
Conclusion
Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder that can cause serious complications if left untreated. Untreated or undertreated Graves’ disease may lead to cardiovascular complications, eye problems, respiratory problems, skin problems, muscle loss, constipation, and blockage in the digestive tract. Patients with Graves’ disease should see a doctor as soon as possible to receive the proper treatment and reduce their risk of developing these complications.
