A Study Correlating the Effects of Subclinical Hypothyroidism on the Known Modifiable Risk Factors of Coronary Artery Disease in Indian Adults

Subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) is synonymous with thyroid failure (a milder form). It is a condition characterized by normal laboratory ranges of serum FT4 and FT3 levels, but serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels are slightly increased above the normal range.

The leading aims and objectives of the study were: (1) establishing a correlation between the presence of modifiable risk factors of ischemic heart disease in subjects with SCH. (2) Quantification of the economic markers of ischemic heart disease in patients with SCH.

This study was accomplished at the Department of Internal Medicine, Ramakrishna Mission Seva Pratishthan, Vivekananda Institute of Medical Sciences, Kolkata, for the duration of 1 year, from March 2020 to February 2021. The study variables included history, physical examination, clinical examination, and investigations. The individuals who met the inclusion criteria set for the study were included. All the participants were informed about the study, and their informed consent was obtained. Data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel spreadsheet, followed by Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) (version 27.0; SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) and GraphPad Prism version 5.

Of the total 80 subjects enrolled in the study, 54 were females and 26 were males. In the study sample, the mean age was 47.8 (+9) years. Different variables were analyzed, and the values obtained were recorded for statistical analysis.

According to the study, there is a positive correlation between established coronary artery disease (CAD) risk factors, such as hypertension, abnormal lipid profiles, and elevated body mass index (BMI), and SCH. We also noted a strong correlation between SCH and elevated levels of uric acid, fasting blood sugar (FBS), postprandial glucose test (PPBS), and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). As a result, early detection and management of SCH may have cardiac preventive benefits.