Which sign is commonly associated with Graves disease in adolescents?

Which sign is commonly associated with Graves disease in adolescents?

• A. Tachycardia
• B. Weight gain
• C. Cold intolerance
• D. Lethargy

Answer: (A)

Graves disease causes excess thyroid hormones, which speeds up metabolism and increases sympathetic activity. That cardio-metabolic upshift often shows as tachycardia in adolescents, as the heart works harder to meet the body's heightened demand. Weight loss and heat intolerance are common with hyperthyroidism, whereas weight gain and cold intolerance point toward hypothyroidism. Lethargy is also less typical of hyperthyroidism, which more often brings restlessness or hyperactivity. So tachycardia best reflects the hyperthyroid state seen in Graves disease.

Graves disease causes excess thyroid hormones, which speeds up metabolism and increases sympathetic activity. That cardio-metabolic upshift often shows as tachycardia in adolescents, as the heart works harder to meet the body's heightened demand. Weight loss and heat intolerance are common with hyperthyroidism, whereas weight gain and cold intolerance point toward hypothyroidism. Lethargy is also less typical of hyperthyroidism, which more often brings restlessness or hyperactivity. So tachycardia best reflects the hyperthyroid state seen in Graves disease.