Acromegaly and Heart Health — September 2024

Acromegaly raises the risk of heart problems, and our September 2024 post explains why and what to do about it. The article breaks down how excess growth hormone affects the heart and blood vessels, lists common signs, and gives clear steps for patients and caregivers. If you or someone you know has unusual growth of hands, feet, or facial features, this guide tells you when to seek tests and specialist care. We focus on practical advice: screening, treatment options, and simple lifestyle changes that reduce complications.

What causes the increased cardiovascular risk?

Long‑term high growth hormone and IGF‑1 levels change heart muscle and raise blood pressure and cholesterol. That can lead to enlarged heart chambers, heart valve problems, arrhythmias, and a higher chance of heart failure. Our post explains these changes in plain language and shows which tests doctors use, like ECG, echocardiogram, lipid panels, and blood pressure monitoring.

How is acromegaly diagnosed and treated?

Endocrine tests measure GH and IGF‑1, and an MRI looks for a pituitary tumor. Treatment often includes surgery to remove the tumor, medications that lower hormone levels, or targeted radiation. We explain the pros and cons of each approach and how choosing the right option helps protect the heart. Regular follow‑up matters because heart risks can persist even after treatment.

Practical steps you can take today. Get baseline heart checks when acromegaly is suspected. Ask for an echocardiogram and rhythm monitoring if you have palpitations or shortness of breath. Control blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar with diet, exercise, and medications when needed. Small changes—walking 30 minutes a day, cutting added sugar, and avoiding heavy alcohol—help heart health and improve outcomes when combined with medical care.

When to see a doctor fast. Seek urgent care for chest pain, fainting, sudden breathlessness, or severe palpitations. Contact an endocrinologist if you notice rapid changes in hand or shoe size, or persistent headaches and vision changes.

Who benefits from the information. Patients newly diagnosed with acromegaly, caregivers, and general practitioners will find clear testing and monitoring steps. Cardiologists can use the summary to coordinate care with endocrine teams.

Where to go next. Read the full article on CFSPharmacy.com for deeper guidance, patient checklists, and links to support resources. If you have personal concerns, book an appointment with your doctor to create a tailored plan.

Common medicines include octreotide, lanreotide, and pegvisomant. These drugs lower hormone levels and can shrink tumors in many people. Side effects are usually mild but report digestive issues, gallstones, or blood sugar changes to your doctor. After surgery you will need hormone tests and periodic imaging to check for recurrence. Most teams recommend heart checks every year at first, then as advised by your doctors. If you have high blood pressure or cholesterol, treat them aggressively. Working with an endocrine and cardiology team makes a big difference. Use a notebook or app to track symptoms, medications, and test dates so appointments are more productive.

Share with those affected.