A new study from Boston University has revealed important insights into how different treatments for hyperthyroidism—a condition where the thyroid gland produces too many hormones—can affect long-term health, especially heart health.
Hyperthyroidism speeds up the body’s processes and can lead to serious issues like irregular heart rhythms, high blood pressure, and even heart failure if left untreated.
Doctors usually treat hyperthyroidism using one of three main methods: anti-thyroid drugs, radioactive iodine therapy, or surgery to remove part or all of the thyroid gland. While all of these are commonly used, it has been unclear which option offers the best long-term results for preventing death and heart-related problems.
To answer this question, researchers examined health records from over 114,000 patients in Taiwan between 2011 and 2020. These people were treated for hyperthyroidism using one of the three main methods. The team looked at how each treatment affected the risk of death and major heart problems over time.
What they found was striking. People who had thyroid surgery had a 47% lower risk of death and a 24% lower risk of serious heart problems compared to those who took anti-thyroid medications. Patients treated with radioactive iodine also showed a 55% lower risk of heart-related problems than those on medication.
These results suggest that surgery or radioactive iodine may be better choices for people with hyperthyroidism who also have a higher risk of heart disease.
One reason may be that surgery and radioactive iodine work faster and more completely to fix the overactive thyroid, while medication often needs to be taken long-term and may not fully control the problem in some people.
Dr. Elizabeth Pearce, one of the researchers, noted that this study shows the importance of personalizing treatment. Not every patient will need surgery or radioactive iodine, but for those with heart disease risk, these options could help lower the chance of future complications or even death.
The study doesn’t mean medication is always the wrong choice. Anti-thyroid drugs can be effective, especially for people with mild symptoms or those who can’t undergo surgery. But the research does highlight the need to look closely at a patient’s overall health—especially their heart—when choosing a treatment plan.
While the findings are promising, the researchers also pointed out the need for more studies to confirm these results. Most of the data came from looking back at patient records, so future studies that follow people over time could give even stronger evidence.
This research, published in JAMA Network Open, could change the way doctors treat hyperthyroidism, especially for patients at high risk of heart disease. It shows that faster, more permanent treatments may offer better protection for the heart than relying on medication alone.
If you’re concerned about your heart or thyroid health, it’s always a good idea to speak with your doctor about the best treatment options for your situation. As science continues to learn more, personalized care will become even more important for protecting long-term health.
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