What is the most common cause of death in patients with acromegaly?

Heart failure is the most common cause of death in patients with acromegaly due to the physiological changes that occur as a result of elevated growth hormone levels. Acromegaly, which is primarily caused by growth hormone-secreting pituitary adenomas, leads to increased growth of tissues and organs, including the heart.

The hypertrophy of the cardiac muscle and the resulting increased cardiac output can contribute to various cardiac complications, such as hypertension and congestive heart failure. Patients with acromegaly often exhibit features like cardiomyopathy, which further compounds their risk of heart failure. The chronic elevation of growth hormone can also lead to metabolic changes that affect cardiovascular health, increasing the likelihood of associated risks like arrhythmias.

This understanding highlights the importance of monitoring cardiovascular health in patients with acromegaly to improve management and outcomes, thus providing a focused approach to treatment that can mitigate the risks of heart failure, which ultimately plays a significant role in patient mortality.