Abstract: Thirteen patients with newly diagnosed hyperthyroidism were treated with propylthiouracil.Heart function and plasma atrial natriuretic peptide(ANP), plasma renin activity(PRA)and angiotension Ⅱ(Ang Ⅱ)levels of the patients were measured by echocardiography and specific radioimmunoassay, before treatment and during treatment at third month and sixth month. After treatment, heart rate of the patients were significantly decreased(P<0.001), body weight were increased(P<0.01), cardiac output,cardiac index,peak flow velocity of mitral valve, aortic valve and main pulmonary artery were decreased(P<0.05),thyroid hormone became normal. With hyperdynamic circulating state improving, plasma ANP level was significantly decreased(P<0.01)and Ang Ⅱ and PRA were increased(P<0. 01). These results suggest that propylthiouracil is an effective drug in improving heart and endocrine functions in patients with hyperthyroidism.

Key words: hyperthyroidism, propylthiouracil, heart function tests, atrial natriuretic peptide, renin-angiotensin system