Thyroid and heart, a clinically relevant relationship

G Corona1, L Croce2,3,4, C Sparano5

  • 1Endocrinology Unit, Medical Department, Maggiore-Bellaria Hospital, Azienda-Usl Bologna, Bologna, Italy.

Insights

Thyroid disorders impact cardiovascular health, with established links for overt conditions and ongoing debate for subclinical thyroid dysfunction. This review synthesizes meta-analyses on thyroid disease and heart risks.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Cardiology
  • Internal Medicine

Background:

  • Thyroid disorders are common, affecting many individuals globally.
  • Overt thyroid dysfunction clearly links to cardiovascular complications.
  • Subclinical thyroid dysfunction's cardiovascular impact remains debated.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent meta-analyses on thyroid dysfunction and cardiovascular disease.
  • To explore the complex relationship between thyroid imbalances and heart health.
  • To summarize evidence on cardiovascular risks associated with thyroid disorders.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review of meta-analyses.
  • Analysis of cardiovascular risk in overt and subclinical thyroid dysfunction.
  • Stratification of data by age, TSH levels, and pre-existing cardiovascular disease.

Main Results:

  • Physiopathological links between thyroid hormones and the cardiovascular system.
  • Evidence from meta-analyses on cardiovascular risk in overt thyroid dysfunction.
  • Evidence from meta-analyses on cardiovascular risk in subclinical thyroid dysfunction, stratified by key patient factors.

Conclusions:

  • Thyroid hormone imbalances have significant cardiovascular implications.
  • Cardiovascular risk varies with overt and subclinical thyroid dysfunction, influenced by patient factors.
  • Therapy for subclinical thyroid disease may improve cardiovascular outcomes.
Abstract

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