[Subclinical hypothyroidism and cardiovascular risk]

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Cardiology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) is a common thyroid condition.
• Its role as an independent cardiovascular risk factor is debated.
• Understanding SCH's impact on cardiovascular risk is crucial for patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate subclinical hypothyroidism as a cardiovascular risk factor or modifier.
• To identify epidemiological variables associated with cardiovascular risk in SCH patients.
• To estimate cardiovascular risk in a Spanish cohort with diagnosed SCH.

Main Methods:

• An observational, descriptive study was conducted in Albacete, Spain.
• Data collected included lipid profiles, glucose, TSH, T4, BMI, blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease history.
• Cardiovascular risk factors and estimated cardiovascular risk were analyzed in 326 patients.

Main Results:

• The study included 326 patients, predominantly middle-aged women (79.2%), with 48.61% having no cardiovascular risk factors.
• Prevalence of risk factors: smoking (33.2%), diabetes mellitus (24.9%), hypertension (23.4%), lipid abnormalities (28.9%), and atrial fibrillation (4.9%).
• A significant association was found between SCH and hypertriglyceridemia, but not with other lipid parameters, cardiovascular risk factors, or overall cardiovascular risk.

Conclusions:

• Subclinical hypothyroidism patients are typically middle-aged women, often without traditional cardiovascular risk factors.
• While SCH is associated with hypertriglyceridemia, it does not appear to significantly increase overall cardiovascular risk or modify other lipid profile parameters.
• A notable percentage of both diabetic (25%) and non-diabetic (22%) patients exhibited moderate to high cardiovascular risk, highlighting the need for comprehensive risk assessment.