Resting Heart Rate Monitoring for Optimized Treatment and Surveillance of Hyperthyroidism

Resting Heart Rate Monitoring for Optimized Treatment and Surveillance of Hyperthyroidism

The investigators want to investigate if a continuous heart rate monitoring with a wrist worn fitnesstracker can be useful in the treatment and surveillance of patients suffering from Graves' disease.The aim of our research project is two-fold: First, to evaluate the use of continuous heart rate monitoring as a potential substitute for hormone measurements during treatment of hyperthyroidism. Second, to use continuous heart rate monitoring as a tool for early detection of relapse after discontinuation of antithyroid drugs.

Inclusion Criteria:

All participants:

• BMI 17 to 35 kg/m2
• Diagnosis of Graves' disease (matching one of the following criteria: elevated TRAb and/or ultrasonography and functional imaging consistent with Graves' disease)
• In possession of a smart phone
• Able to use a wearable device and willing to regularly upload their biometric data
• Informed consent as documented by signature (Appendix Informed Consent Form)

Group "treatment":

• TSH < 0.2 mIU/l and
• fT4 > 25 pM or fT3 > 8 pM
• ATD planned, additional treatment with propranolol allowed

Group "surveillance":

• TSH within the reference range between 0.3 and 4.5 mlU/l
• Cessation of ATD is planned within the next 2-4 weeks

Exclusion Criteria:

• Chronic treatment with beta blocker or verapamil-type calcium antagonist for other reason than symptomatic treatment of hyperthyroidism (propranolol)
• Treatment with amiodarone
• Pacemaker with continuous stimulation.
• Severe concomitant diseases: chronic heart failure, liver cirrhosis, kidney failure, active cancer
• Abuse of alcohol or illicit drugs
• Allergic to nickel or silicone
• Inability to follow the procedures of the study, e.g. due to language problems, psychological disorders, dementia, etc. of the participant