Health problems can occur even in the most celebrated individuals. One of the most famous and unforgettable wrestlers, Andre the Giant, suffered from acromegaly. This medical condition emanates from excessive growth hormone secretion by the anterior pituitary. Andre's quality of life could have been better had he not suffered from this condition. While several factors, such as lifestyle choices, contributed to his condition, it was primarily caused by his own decisions and refusal of treatment when it was available to him. Likely, his habit of taking alcohol excessively worsened his condition and took a toll on his body, thus resulting in his untimely death.

Andre the Giant's late diagnosis and inadequate treatment for acromegaly was partially due to his background. In his childhood, growing up in France, there was not enough medical knowledge on such diseases as acromegaly; hence, early intervention opportunities were missed. The knowledge gap and unavailability of health facilities play a significant role in situations whereby people like Andre could go unnoticed and untreated until their symptoms grow worse later in life. In addition, Andre put his wrestling career ahead of seeking medical attention despite having had an opportunity to do so; Andre the Giant's experience with acromegaly highlights some of the challenges that people suffering from rare diseases encounter, especially at the beginning stages of medical awareness, plus unavailable therapeutic options.

Due to acromegaly, Andre's internal conflicts could not have differed more from his commanding presence in the wrestling scene. He suffered from chronic pain resulting from this condition and used alcohol to cope with the pain. Understandably, he wished to alleviate the ongoing suffering from his disease, but drinking alcohol as a means of coping might have added to the complication and sped up his death. This further exacerbated matters for him since he was not interested in conventional medical treatments or medications to deal with his condition adequately. It is a reminder of how hard it can be living with an ailment permanently, thus leading people to go beyond any limit just for comfort.

Andre died of congestive heart failure (CHF), a complication from his untreated acromegaly. Cardiac disease affects almost a third of patients who have acromegaly, and this doubles the risk of death due to its complications. In people with acromegaly, the heart muscles' thickening is widespread due to excessive growth hormone production over many years. This results in an inefficient pumping action by the heart muscle. With time, this can cause fluid to back up into the lungs and surrounding tissues. If left uncontrolled, it may culminate in congestive heart failure and subsequent mortality.

 Management of acromegaly has improved with newer medications and medical advancements in surgery, radiotherapy, and hormone therapy, unlike during Andre's time when options were not as available. The case of Andre the Giant is a vivid example of how limited medical treatment, and the complexities of untreated diseases can negatively influence health and life expectancy. This unfortunate reality highlights why regular research into medicine, as well as discovering new methods and treatments for illnesses like acromegaly, should be ongoing. It also shows how people should prioritize their health regardless of any difficulties that may come their way, especially severe and possibly life-threatening ones.

 

 

 

 

 

Acromegaly and Heart Failure - PubMed (nih.gov)

Diagnosis and Treatment of Acromegaly: An Update - Mayo Clinic Proceedings

https://www.wrestlinginc.com/1032105/the-tragic-life-of-andre-the-giant/