Assessing cardiovascular changes in Iraqi women with hypothyroidism
Suaad Muhssen Ghazi1, Abdulkareem Ali Salman2, Abdulmahdi Abdulameer Jawad3
1Physiology and Medical Physics Department, College of Medicine, Al-Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, Iraq.
Insights
Hypothyroidism significantly impacts cardiovascular health, causing abnormalities like diastolic dysfunction and pericardial effusion. Early detection and management of thyroid dysfunction are crucial for preventing heart complications.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Endocrinology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Hypothyroidism is a recognized cause of reversible cardiac dysfunction.
- Limited research exists on cardiac parameters in Iraqi hypothyroid patients.
- Cardiovascular changes associated with hypothyroidism warrant further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate cardiovascular changes in hypothyroid patients.
- To compare cardiac parameters between hypothyroid and euthyroid individuals.
- To assess the relationship between thyroid dysfunction and cardiac abnormalities.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study involving 100 subjects (50 hypothyroid, 50 controls).
- Data collection included medical history, BMI, lipid profile, thyroid function tests, ECG, and echocardiogram.
- Statistical analysis compared parameters between the two groups.
Main Results:
- Hypothyroid patients exhibited significantly different thyroid function tests compared to controls.
- Elevated triglyceride and total cholesterol levels were observed in hypothyroid patients.
- Higher prevalence of ECG and echocardiogram abnormalities, including diastolic dysfunction and pericardial effusion, was noted in the hypothyroid group.
Conclusions:
- Hypothyroidism adversely affects the cardiovascular system.
- Cardiac dysfunction, including diastolic dysfunction and pericardial effusion, is more common in hypothyroid individuals.
- The severity of cardiovascular impact correlates with Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH) elevation.
Abstract:
This study aimed to investigate the cardiovascular changes associated with hypothyroidism, a topic that has received significant research attention. Although only a limited number of studies have been conducted in Iraq to evaluate cardiac parameters in patients with hypothyroidism, it is widely recognized that hypothyroidism can lead to reversible cardiac dysfunction in humans. The study enrolled 100 subjects, of which 50 were diagnosed with hypothyroidism and 50 without hypothyroidism. Medical history and body mass index (BMI) were recorded for each patient, and lipid profile, thyroid function tests, ECG, and echocardiogram results were obtained. The results revealed significant differences in the thyroid functions of hypothyroid patients compared to healthy controls, except for HDL-C, which did not show any significant difference. Hypothyroid patients had higher triglyceride and total cholesterol levels and lower HDL-C, while LDL, LDL-C, VLDL, and VLDL-C were within normal range. Patients with hypothyroidism showed a higher prevalence of ECG and echocardiogram abnormalities, including diastolic dysfunction and pericardial effusion, compared to the control subjects. Our findings suggest that hypothyroidism can affect the cardiovascular system, with the degree of impact depending on TSH elevation.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Assessment of the Cardiovascular System I: Subjective Data
Initial Enquiry
Ask the patient about their primary concern and thoroughly explore all reported symptoms.
Medical History
Investigate past illnesses affecting the cardiovascular system, such as angina, anemia, rheumatic fever, congenital heart disease, stroke, thrombophlebitis, dysrhythmias, varicosities
Inquire about symptoms...
01:25Assessment of the Cardiovascular System IV: Auscultation
Normal Heart Sounds
S1 (First Heart Sound)-
S1 is made by the closure of the mitral and tricuspid valves (atrioventricular valves), marking the beginning of systole.
S2 (Second Heart Sound)-
S2 is made by the closure of the aortic and pulmonic valves (semilunar valves), marking the end of the systole.
01:29Assessment of the Cardiovascular System II: Inspection
Head and Neck
01:30Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
01:29Cardiovascular System Abnormal Findings I: Inspection and Palpation
Abnormal findings observed during an inspection
01:20Rheumatic Heart Disease IV: Nursing Management