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Meta-analysis on the Association Between Thyroid Hormone Disorders and Arterial Stiffness
Stella Bernardi1,2, Andrea Grillo1,2, Roberta Maria Antonello1
1Department of Medical Sciences, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy.
Journal of the Endocrine Society
|March 14, 2022
Summary
Thyroid disorders, including hypothyroidism and thyrotoxicosis, significantly increase aortic stiffness. This finding highlights the cardiovascular risks associated with thyroid dysfunction and suggests further research into treatment impacts.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Endocrinology
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Aortic stiffness is a key predictor of cardiovascular disease.
- Existing research on thyroid disorders and aortic stiffness is conflicting.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the association between subclinical/overt thyroid disorders and aortic stiffness.
- To identify factors that modify the effect of thyroid disorders on aortic stiffness.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies.
- Searched PubMed, Google Scholar, SCOPUS, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library.
- Pulse wave velocity (PWV) was used to measure aortic stiffness.
Main Results:
- Eleven studies involving 12,391 participants were analyzed.
- Elevated PWV (aortic stiffness) was observed in subclinical hypothyroidism, overt hypothyroidism, and thyrotoxicosis compared to controls.
- Age was identified as an effect modifier in hypothyroid patients.
Conclusions:
- Both hypothyroidism and thyrotoxicosis are linked to increased aortic stiffness.
- Further clinical trials are needed to evaluate the effect of treating these thyroid conditions on aortic stiffness.
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