A study of the cardiac risk factors emerging out of subclinical hypothyroidism

INTRODUCTION: Subclinical hypothyroidism is defined as a serum TSH level above the upper limit of normal with normal levels of serum free thyroxine. It is a common thyroid disorder affecting 3-15% of the adult population. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To study the cardiovascular profile of patients with subclinical hypothyroidism, and to establish cardiac risk factors emerging out of subclinical hypothyroidism. METHODOLOGY: Adult patients attending General Medicine department and diagnosed with subclinical hypothyroidism over a period of 2 months were enrolled. History and general examination was done. Fasting lipid profile, hsCRP, electrocardiography and echocardiography were done. RESULTS: The mean age was 35.1 (SD = 10.26). Most common age group affected is 20-30 years. There are about 12% of the enrolled patients were overweight (OW), and 24% were obese (OB). 16% had stage 1 hypertension, and 4% had stage 2 hypertension. 92% of the patients had dyslipidemia. 64% patients had raised LDL. 44% of the patients had raised hsCRP levels. 44% patients showed abnormal findings and the most common abnormality was found to be grade 1 left ventricular diastolic dysfunction. CONCLUSION: Subclinical hypothyroidism is seen to be associated with a rise in hsCRP independent of other cardiac risk factors. A large number of patients have dyslipidemia which is a significant cardiac risk factor. Early Diagnosis and treatment of subclinical hypothyroidism will have possible cardioprotective advantages.