Graves' Disease | Diagnosis & Treatment

Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and medical history, including your family history of thyroid disease, and perform a physical exam. They may also order the following tests to confirm a Graves’ disease diagnosis:

Thyroid blood tests: These blood tests check the level of thyroid hormone in your blood and amounts of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). A low TSH level indicates that your thyroid gland is producing too much hormone. The overproduction causes your pituitary gland to make less TSH.
Thyroid antibody blood tests: These tests help identify different types of autoimmune thyroid conditions. The two types of antibodies linked with Graves’ disease include TSI (thyroid-stimulating antibodies) and TBII (thyrotropin binding inhibitory immunoglobulins).
Thyroid uptake and scan: In this test, you take a small amount of radioactive iodine orally. Your provider will check to see how much of the radioactive iodine your thyroid absorbs. High levels of iodine absorption can be a sign of Graves’ disease.
Doppler blood flow measurement (Doppler ultrasound): This test uses sound waves to detect increased blood flow in your thyroid due to Graves’ disease. Your provider may order this test if radioactive iodine uptake is not a good option for you, such as during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Symptoms

When to see a doctor

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Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.

The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:

High blood pressure.
Diabetes.
Heart failure.
Some types of heart valve disease.

Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:

Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Don't smoke or use tobacco.
Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Reduce and manage stress.

By Freedmans Health Clinic Staff

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