Prevalence and pattern of thyrocardiac disease among patients with hyperthyroidism in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background Thyrocardiac disease encompasses the spectrum of cardiovascular abnormalities that arise as complications of hyperthyroidism. Despite being clinically significant and potentially life-threatening, its burden in Ethiopia remains poorly defined. Objective To determine the pooled prevalence and pattern of thyrocardiac disease among hyperthyroid patients in Ethiopia. Methods A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Comprehensive searches were carried out in PubMed, Google Scholar, AJOL, Hinari, Europe PMC, Cochrane library, and institutional repositories. Observational studies reporting cardiac outcomes in adults with hyperthyroidism in Ethiopia were included. Analysis was done using STATA version 17. Prevalence data were pooled using a random-effects model, and heterogeneity was assessed using the Cochrane Q and I² statistic. Results Seven studies with a total of 1,160 participants were included in the review. Sinus tachycardia (39.32%; 95% CI: 23.34–55.31%), Heart failure (21.65%; 95% CI: 13.84–29.46%), and Pulmonary hypertension ( 19.43%; 95% CI: 6.78–32.09%) were the commonest presentations, while Dilated cardiomyopathy (12.35%; 95% CI: 6.16–18.53%) and Atrial fibrillation (16.27%; 95% CI: 12.17–20.38%) were the least common. Toxic multinodular goiter was the most common cause of hyperthyroidism among these patients accounting for 64.8% (95% CI: 53.2–75.3%). Conclusion Thyrocardiac disease is a frequent complication among hyperthyroid patients in Ethiopia, with sinus tachycardia and heart failure being the most common presentations. These findings highlight the importance of integrating routine cardiac evaluation into the clinical management of hyperthyroidism.