Thyroid and heart, a clinically relevant relationship

BACKGROUND: Thyroid disorders, both overt and subclinical, are highly prevalent conditions in the general population. Although a clear relationship between overt thyroid dysfunctions and cardiovascular complications has long been established, data regarding subclinical thyroid dysfunction are by far more controversial. PURPOSE: The present review will be aimed at providing a summary of most recent evidence coming from meta-analyses regarding the complex relationship between thyroid dysfunction and cardiovascular disease. CONCLUSIONS: The review will summarize, in the first part, the physiopathological link between thyroid hormone imbalances and the cardiovascular system. In the second part the review will outline the evidence coming from meta-analyses regarding the cardiovascular risk related with both overt and subclinical thyroid dysfunctions. Particular attention will be put towards studies showing data stratified for patient’s age, TSH levels and pre-existing cardiovascular disease. Finally, an overview regarding the effects of specific therapy for subclinical thyroid diseases in terms of amelioration of cardiovascular outcomes will be included.