Hyperthyroidism affects about 1% of people but is more common in older adults. It is often more serious among older adults because they tend to have other disorders as well. Hyperthyroidism in older adults often results from Graves disease. Almost as often, hyperthyroidism is caused by the gradual growth of many small lumps in the thyroid gland that produce thyroid hormones (toxic thyroid nodules). Older adults are more likely to be treated with medications that can cause hyperthyroidism. The most common is amiodarone, a medication used to treat heart disease but which may stimulate or damage the thyroid gland. Hyperthyroidism can cause many vague symptoms that can be attributed to other conditions. Typically, symptoms in older adults differ from those in younger people. Among older adults, the most common symptoms are weight loss and fatigue. The heart rate may or may not be increased, and the eyes usually do not bulge. Older adults are also more likely to have abnormal heart rhythms (such as atrial fibrillation Atrial Fibrillation and Atrial Flutter Atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter are very fast electrical discharge patterns that make the atria (upper chambers of the heart) contract very rapidly, with some of the electrical impulses... read more ), other heart problems (such as angina Angina Angina is temporary chest pain or a sensation of pressure that occurs while the heart muscle is not receiving enough oxygen. A person with angina usually has discomfort or pressure beneath the... read more and heart failure Heart Failure (HF) Heart failure is a disorder in which the heart is unable to keep up with the demands of the body, leading to reduced blood flow, back-up (congestion) of blood in the veins and lungs, and/or... read more ), and constipation. Occasionally, older adults sweat profusely, become nervous and anxious, and have hand tremors and frequent bowel movements or diarrhea. |