Cardiovascular and metabolic complications associated with acromegaly

Czech version

Authors: Ivana Ságová ^1,2; Tomáš Bolek ²; Matej Samoš ²; Martin Jozef Péč ²; Jakub Jurica ²; Ingrid Tonhajzerová ³; Marián Mokáň ²
Authors‘ workplace: Endokrinologické oddelenie, Národný endokrinologický a diabetologický ústav, Ľubochňa ¹; I. interná klinika JLF v Martine UK v Bratislave a Univerzitná nemocnica Martin ²; Ústav fyziológie JLF v Martine UK v Bratislave a Univerzitná nemocnica Martin ³
Published in: Forum Diab 2025; 14(2): 133-137
Category: Review Article

Overview

Acromegaly is a rare, chronic endocrine disorder caused by excessive secretion of growth hormone (GH), most commonly due to a pituitary adenoma. Long-term overproduction of GH and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) leads to a gradual enlargement of soft tissues, bones, and internal organs, which can result in significant systemic complications. Among the most common complications are cardiovascular manifestations, including cardiomyopathy, arterial hypertension, an increased risk of cardiac arrhythmias, and valvular defects. Patients with acromegaly often suffer from metabolic disorders such as insulin resistance and diabetes mellitus, which further contribute to the deterioration of their health status. Other significant complications include respiratory and musculoskeletal disorders, as well as an increased risk of neoplastic diseases. All of these systemic complications substantially contribute to morbidity and mortality in patients with acromegaly and require a comprehensive approach to diagnosis and treatment in order to improve prognosis and quality of life. The aim of this review article is to provide a comprehensive overview of the cardiovascular and metabolic complications associated with acromegaly.

Keywords:

Growth hormone – acromegaly – insulin-like growth factor 1 – systemic complications

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