The association of thyroid function and heart valve sclerosis. Results from a population-based study

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Investigating Aortic Valve Calcification via Isolation and Culture of T Lymphocytes using Feeder Cells from Irradiated Buffy Coat
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Investigating Aortic Valve Calcification via Isolation and Culture of T Lymphocytes using Feeder Cells from Irradiated Buffy Coat

Published on: February 4, 2021

Marcus Dörr1, Jörg Ruppert, Henri Wallaschofski

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine B, Cardiology, Angiology and Pulmology, Ernst-Moritz-Arndt-University, Greifswald, Germany.

Endocrine Journal
|May 1, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Thyroid dysfunction is linked to cardiovascular issues. Men with high thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels showed increased odds of aortic valve sclerosis (AVS) and mitral annular calcification (MAC), suggesting higher atherosclerosis risk.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Endocrinology
  • Atherosclerosis Research

Background:

  • Thyroid dysfunction is recognized for its adverse cardiovascular impacts.
  • Aortic valve sclerosis (AVS) and mitral annular calcification (MAC) serve as indicators of generalized atherosclerosis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between thyroid status and the prevalence of AVS and MAC.
  • To determine if thyroid dysfunction correlates with markers of atherosclerosis.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of data from 2065 participants (aged ≥45 years) from the Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP).
  • Subjects were categorized by low, medium, and high thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels.
  • Logistic regression models were employed, adjusted for key atherosclerosis confounders.

Main Results:

  • In women, AVS prevalence was highest with low TSH levels.
  • In men, high TSH levels correlated with a higher prevalence of MAC.
  • Men with high TSH exhibited increased adjusted odds for MAC, AVS, or both compared to euthyroid men.

Conclusions:

  • A significant association exists between thyroid function and valvular sclerosis.
  • Elevated TSH levels in men are linked to a greater likelihood of AVS and MAC.
  • These findings suggest a potential link between thyroid status and an increased atherosclerotic state.
Abstract

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