Complications

If left untreated, acromegaly can lead to major health problems. Complications may include:

• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• High cholesterol
• Heart problems, particularly enlargement of the heart (cardiomyopathy)
• Osteoarthritis
• Type 2 diabetes
• Enlargement of the thyroid gland (goiter)
• Precancerous growths (polyps) on the lining of your colon
• Sleep apnea, a condition in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Increased risk of cancerous tumors
• Spinal cord compression or fractures
• Vision changes or vision loss

Early treatment of acromegaly can prevent these complications from developing or becoming worse. Untreated, acromegaly and its complications can lead to premature death.