Final answer:
Prolonged use of growth hormone can lead to arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, cardiomyopathy, and heart disease, all mentioned in answer choice e) All of the above. Acromegaly and gigantism are conditions related to GH excess, which can cause various severe and often irreversible side effects, including heart issues.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks about the potential side effects of prolonged use of growth hormone (GH). Growth hormone has important functions in the body related to growth and metabolism. However, excessive levels of GH can lead to several health issues. The correct answer to the question is e) All of the above, as prolonged use of GH can indeed lead to a variety of complications, including arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, cardiomyopathy, and heart disease. These types of conditions can arise due to the effects of growth hormone on the body's tissues and organs over time, with cardiomyopathy referring specifically to diseases of the heart muscle that can impair its function.
Acromegaly is a condition caused by the overproduction of GH in adults, and gigantism is a similar condition resulting from GH excess in children. Both conditions are characterized by abnormal growth, and in the case of acromegaly, this can affect the bones in the face, hands, and feet. Hypersecretion of GH can lead to severe side effects, including impaired heart function, which can be severe and irreversible.