Hyperparathyroidism: Key Points from the Lecture

Overview

• Hyperparathyroidism is a disease of the parathyroid glands.
• Affects approximately 1 in 800 people during their lifetime.
• More prevalent in women over age 50 (1 in 250).
• Involves improper regulation of calcium in the body.

Parathyroid Glands

• There are four parathyroid glands located behind the thyroid gland.
• These glands regulate calcium levels in blood and bones.
• They release parathyroid hormone (PTH) to control calcium levels.

Causes and Effects of Hyperparathyroidism

• Cause: Usually due to a tumor on one of the parathyroid glands.
• Effects:
  • Overproduction of PTH leading to elevated blood calcium levels.
  • Bone weakening due to calcium being leached from bones, causing osteoporosis and fractures.
  • High calcium levels in blood lead to atherosclerosis, increasing risk of heart attack and stroke.
  • Affects the heart's electrical system, causing atrial fibrillation and palpitations.
  • Causes kidney stones and potential kidney failure.
  • Affects the brain's nervous system, resulting in tiredness, memory loss, and poor concentration.
  • Associated with chronic fatigue due to high calcium levels.
  • Gastrointestinal issues such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and abdominal discomfort.
  • Higher risks of cancers (breast, prostate, colon, kidney).
• Untreated hyperparathyroidism can decrease life expectancy by 5 to 6 years.

Treatment

• Surgical Removal: Only cure is surgical removal of the parathyroid tumor.
  • Important to have the surgery performed by an expert.
  • Surgery is an outpatient procedure, often takes less than 20 minutes.
  • All four glands are examined to ensure no additional tumors.
  • Once removed, disease is cured, and symptoms begin to resolve quickly.
• Post-Surgery Recovery:
  • Bone regeneration starts within days.
  • Blood calcium levels normalize within hours.
  • Patients typically feel better within a week or two.
  • Health risks diminish rapidly after tumor removal.

Recommendation

• All patients with hyperparathyroidism should be evaluated for surgery.
• Early intervention has a significant positive impact on health and quality of life.

Additional Information

• More resources available, including a diagnostic app, at parathyroid.com.