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Exaggerated responsiveness to thyrotrophin releasing hormone: a risk factor in women with coronary artery disease

J W Dean, P B Fowler

    British Medical Journal (Clinical Research Ed.)
    |May 25, 1985
    PubMed

    Insights

    Subtle thyroid function impairment is a significant risk factor for coronary artery disease in women. This study found exaggerated thyroid-stimulating hormone responses in women with coronary artery disease.

    Area of Science:

    • Endocrinology
    • Cardiology
    • Women's Health

    Background:

    • Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a leading cause of mortality in women.
    • Thyroid dysfunction is increasingly recognized as a potential contributor to cardiovascular disease.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the association between thyroid function and coronary artery disease in women.
    • To identify potential thyroid-related risk factors for CAD in this demographic.

    Main Methods:

    • Thyroid function tests, thyroid antibodies, and serum cholesterol were measured in 12 women with severe CAD and 11 controls.
    • Coronary angiography was used to confirm CAD severity.
    • Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) response to thyrotrophin-releasing hormone (TRH) was assessed.

    Main Results:

    • Women with CAD showed an exaggerated TSH response to TRH (10/12) compared to controls (2/11).
    • Mean serum cholesterol was significantly higher in the CAD group.
    • Thyroid antibodies were more prevalent in the CAD group (4/12 vs. 1/11).
    • Cigarette smoking was a significant risk factor in the CAD group (11/12 vs. 4/11).

    Conclusions:

    • Minimal thyroid function impairment, indicated by an exaggerated TSH response to TRH, is a significant risk factor for coronary artery disease in women.
    • Elevated cholesterol and thyroid antibodies may also be associated with CAD in women.
    • While smoking is a known risk factor, thyroid function warrants further investigation in CAD pathogenesis.

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