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Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in subclinical hypothyroidism
H Vierhapper1, A Nardi, P Grösser
1Department of Internal Medicine III, University of Vienna, Austria. h.vierhapper@akh-wien.ac.at
Thyroid : Official Journal of the American Thyroid Association
|December 29, 2000
Summary
Subclinical hypothyroidism does not appear to cause high LDL cholesterol levels. Even with elevated TSH levels, no clear link was found, suggesting thyroxine therapy isn
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Clinical Chemistry
Background:
- The link between subclinical hypothyroidism and hyperlipidemia is not well understood.
- An unfavorable lipid profile could explain the association between coronary heart disease and hypothyroidism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the relationship between thyrotropin (TSH) and lipid profiles (total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides).
- To investigate this relationship in individuals with normal thyroid function, subclinical hypothyroidism, and overt hypothyroidism.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study analyzing serum TSH, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides.
- Patient groups included euthyroid (n=4886), subclinical hypothyroid (n=1055), and overt hypothyroid (n=92) individuals.
Main Results:
- LDL cholesterol levels were similar in euthyroid (134+/-39 mg/dL) and subclinical hypothyroid (137+/-40 mg/dL) groups.
- Overt hypothyroidism showed significantly higher LDL cholesterol levels (178+/-70 mg/dL, p < 0.01).
- No correlation was found between TSH levels (4.0-49.0 microU/mL) and LDL cholesterol in the subclinical hypothyroidism group.
Conclusions:
- Subclinical hypothyroidism is not associated with elevated LDL cholesterol.
- No TSH threshold necessitates thyroxine therapy in subclinical hypothyroidism based on lipid profiles.