Heart protected by a radiant shield, symbolizing cardiovascular health in acromegaly.

Acromegaly and Heart Health: What You Need to Know

Avery Sinclair in Health & Wellness August 2025 • 4 min read.

"A deep dive into the latest research on heart risks for acromegaly patients and how specialized care is making a difference."

Acromegaly, a rare hormonal disorder usually caused by a benign pituitary tumor, leads to an overproduction of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). This hormonal imbalance can affect many parts of the body, including the heart. For years, doctors have been concerned that acromegaly might significantly increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes. But is that really the case?

A recent study from the German Acromegaly Registry sheds light on this important question. Researchers analyzed data from nearly 500 patients treated at specialized endocrine centers to see if their rates of myocardial infarction (MI, or heart attack) and stroke differed from those of the general population. The results might surprise you.

This article breaks down the study’s findings, explains what they mean for people with acromegaly, and offers practical advice on managing your heart health. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been living with acromegaly for years, understanding your cardiovascular risk is key to staying healthy and proactive.

Are Heart Attacks and Strokes More Common in Acromegaly?

Heart protected by a radiant shield, symbolizing cardiovascular health in acromegaly.

The German Acromegaly Registry study found that the incidence of heart attacks and strokes in acromegaly patients was very similar to that of the general population. Specifically, the study calculated Standardized Incidence Ratios (SIRs), which compare the observed number of cases to the expected number in the general population. The SIR for heart attacks was 0.89, and for stroke, it was 1.17. These numbers are so close to 1.0 that they suggest no significant difference.

In simpler terms, this means that acromegaly patients in this study, who were receiving care at specialized centers, did not have a higher risk of heart attacks or strokes than people without acromegaly. This is encouraging news, but it's important to understand the context.

Specialized Care Matters: The patients in this study were treated at specialized endocrine centers. This suggests that the quality of care and management of the disease play a crucial role in reducing cardiovascular risks.
Hypertension is Still a Concern: Although the overall incidence of heart attacks and strokes wasn't higher, the study did find that hypertension (high blood pressure) was much more common in acromegaly patients, especially at their initial visit to the clinic. Effective management of blood pressure is therefore essential.
More Research is Needed: The researchers themselves emphasize that larger, prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings. A single study, no matter how well-designed, can't provide all the answers.

So, what does this mean for you? While the study offers reassurance, it's not a reason to become complacent. Acromegaly can still impact your heart health, and it's important to take proactive steps to protect yourself.

Taking Control of Your Heart Health with Acromegaly

Living with acromegaly requires a proactive approach to your health. While this study offers encouraging data, it's crucial to remember that specialized care, diligent management of risk factors like hypertension and diabetes, and ongoing monitoring are key to protecting your heart. Work closely with your endocrinologist and cardiologist to create a personalized plan that addresses your specific needs and ensures a long, healthy life.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1007/s11102-017-0827-5, Alternate LINK

Title: Incidence Of Myocardial Infarction And Stroke In Acromegaly Patients: Results From The German Acromegaly Registry

Subject: Endocrinology

Journal: Pituitary

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Authors: Christof Schöfl, David Petroff, Anke Tönjes, Martin Grussendorf, Michael Droste, Günter Stalla, Cornelia Jaursch-Hancke, Sylvère Störmann, Jochen Schopohl

Published: 2017-08-14

Everything You Need To Know

What exactly is acromegaly, and how does it impact overall health?

Acromegaly is a rare hormonal disorder, typically resulting from a non-cancerous pituitary tumor, leading to excessive production of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). This hormonal excess can affect various parts of the body, including the heart, potentially leading to cardiovascular issues. Managing acromegaly involves specialized medical care to normalize GH and IGF-1 levels and address related health concerns.

Did a recent study find a higher risk of heart attacks and strokes for people with acromegaly?

The German Acromegaly Registry study indicated that patients with acromegaly receiving care at specialized endocrine centers did not show a significantly higher risk of heart attacks or strokes compared to the general population. The study calculated Standardized Incidence Ratios (SIRs) which were close to 1.0 for heart attacks and strokes. This suggests that specialized care and management of acromegaly can mitigate cardiovascular risks.

Is high blood pressure a concern for individuals with acromegaly?

High blood pressure, or hypertension, was found to be more prevalent among acromegaly patients, particularly when they were initially diagnosed. Managing hypertension is critical because it can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular complications. Regular monitoring of blood pressure and appropriate treatment are essential for people with acromegaly.

Why is specialized care important in managing acromegaly?

Specialized endocrine centers provide comprehensive care for acromegaly, including hormone management, monitoring for complications, and addressing cardiovascular risk factors. The study suggests that the quality of care received at these centers plays a significant role in reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes in acromegaly patients. Access to specialized care is important for managing the condition effectively and protecting heart health.

What steps can someone with acromegaly take to protect their heart health?

Living with acromegaly requires a proactive approach to manage cardiovascular health. It's important to work closely with endocrinologists and cardiologists to create a personalized plan. Regular monitoring of heart health, managing blood pressure and diabetes, and maintaining healthy lifestyle habits are all important. Although the study provided reassuring data, it's crucial not to be complacent and to prioritize ongoing monitoring and management.