Is Hyperthyroidism Serious?

How serious hyperthyroidism is depends on the severity of the condition causing it. In people whose thyroid hormone levels are only slightly elevated, the symptoms will be fewer and less severe than for those with very high levels of circulating thyroid hormone.

The seriousness of hyperthyroidism also depends on how well the body can compensate for the changes brought on by excess thyroid hormones. For example, a heart that is already stressed by heart disease may deteriorate and develop heart failure as the heart rate rises in response to the increased level of thyroid hormone. In addition, serious eye complications are fortunately rare, but need to be properly cared for.

For further information about heart failure, go to Heart Failure.