Overproduction of growth hormone in acromegaly can result in a cardiomyopathy. Control of the underlying disease results in control of the heart disease. Failure to control progression of the cardiac disease increases morbidity and mortality.
Risk factors for cardiomyopathy:
(1) long duration of disease
(2) active, uncontrolled disease
Clinical features:
(1) tachycardia
(2) hypertension
(3) left ventricular hypertrophy followed by biventricular dilatation (dilated cardiomyopathy)
(4) heart failure
Structural Changes
Cardiac Output
Functional Status
Stage
none apparent
high (increased contractility, low vascular resistance)
