NR283: Pathophysiology Graves’ Disease | Chamberlain College of Nursing | STUDY GUIDE

Graves’ Disease Introduction of Disease In 1835, Dr. Robert J. Graves was the first to medically describe Graves’ disease (GD) in a patient. GD is an autoimmune disease where the thyroid gland over produces thyroid hormone, which causes hyperthyroidism. When this occurs it causes the thyroid to become enlarged. This type of disorder develops when the immune system starts attacking healthy tissues in the body. GD is typically hereditary and it affects women more than men; however other factors include genes, gender, stress, pregnancy, and infections. The thyroid is a small butterfly shaped gland that is located in the front of the neck. It regulates the body’s metabolism, and is responsible for the body's use of energy, it also keeps the heart, brain and muscles working in an orderly fashion. If GD goes untreated it can lead to some serious impediments or even mortality.