Jamaican Dancehall star Vybz Kartel has recently been released from prison, bringing renewed attention to his ongoing health struggles with Graves’ disease.
Over the past few years, Kartel’s health has visibly declined due to this condition, leading to noticeable changes such as an enlarged head and body, which have left many fans concerned and perplexed.
In this article, we’ll dig into what Graves’ disease is, its causes, symptoms, side effects, and available treatment options.
What is Graves’ Disease?
Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder that targets the thyroid gland, causing it to overproduce thyroid hormones. The thyroid gland, located at the base of the neck, plays a crucial role in regulating various bodily functions. When it produces too much hormone, it can disrupt these functions and lead to a host of health issues.
Causes of Graves’ Disease
The exact cause of Graves’ disease remains a mystery, but it’s believed to result from a mix of genetic and environmental factors. People with a family history of autoimmune diseases are at a higher risk. Environmental factors like stress, infections, or smoking may also trigger the disease.
Symptoms, Side Effects, and Treatment Options
Graves’ disease can manifest in a variety of symptoms, which can differ from person to person. Common symptoms include a rapid or irregular heartbeat, weight loss despite an increased appetite, excessive warmth and sweating, fine shaking or trembling of the hands and fingers, fatigue despite bursts of energy, an enlarged thyroid gland causing visible swelling at the base of the neck, and eye issues such as bulging eyes, irritation, and vision problems.
As the disease progresses, it can lead to more severe side effects, including abnormal growth patterns such as an enlarged head and body, muscle and joint weakness, weakened bones increasing the risk of fractures, and heart problems like arrhythmias and heart failure.
Managing Graves’ disease typically involves controlling thyroid hormone production and alleviating symptoms. Treatment options include antithyroid medications such as methimazole or propylthiouracil, which reduce thyroid hormone production. Radioactive iodine therapy involves taking a radioactive iodine pill that targets and destroys overactive thyroid cells. In some cases, surgery to remove part or all of the thyroid gland may be necessary. Beta-blockers can help manage symptoms like a rapid heart rate and tremors, while treatments for Graves’ ophthalmopathy may include corticosteroids or other medications to reduce inflammation and manage eye symptoms.
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In an interview with FOX 5’s Lisa Evers, the ‘Enchanting’ hitmaker is prioritizing his health and overall wellness. “Healthwise, you know I’m working on my health right now, but the feeling of just being free is just an amazing feeling,” Kartel said.
He also mentioned that he’s already invested in a bike and a treadmill as part of his new health routine.
