The Impact of Thyroid Hormone Imbalance on Cardiovascular Health: A Population-Based Study

Thyroid hormone imbalances are known to significantly affect cardiovascular health, contributing to conditions such as arrhythmias, dyslipidemia, and hypertension. Given the increasing prevalence of thyroid dysfunction and its potential impact on cardiovascular outcomes, early diagnosis and intervention are crucial, particularly within specific regional populations.

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of thyroid hormone imbalance on cardiovascular health outcomes in patients at Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar, over a 24-month period.

A prospective cohort study was conducted between October 2022 and September 2024, involving 150 adult patients diagnosed with thyroid dysfunction, categorized into subclinical, hyperthyroid, and hypothyroid groups. The study assessed key cardiovascular health indicators, including blood pressure, lipid profiles, heart rate, and electrocardiograms (ECGs), at baseline and during follow-up visits at 6, 12, and 24 months. Participants were included if they met the biochemical criteria for thyroid dysfunction and had no significant pre-existing cardiovascular disease. Data were collected through medical records and standardized questionnaires. The Institutional Review Board at Lady Reading Hospital approved the study.

Dyslipidemia was found in 90 participants (60%), hypertension in 99 participants (66%), and hypothyroidism in 76 participants (72%). Arrhythmias were observed in 14 individuals (46%) with hyperthyroidism. ECG findings revealed sinus bradycardia in 32 participants (30%) with hypothyroidism and sinus tachycardia in 23 participants (76%) with hyperthyroidism. Multivariate analysis showed that hypothyroidism significantly increased the odds of hypertension (OR = 3.2, p = 0.001), dyslipidemia (OR = 2.9, p = 0.003), and arrhythmias (OR = 4.3, p < 0.001).

Thyroid hormone imbalance has a profound impact on cardiovascular health, with hyperthyroidism linked to arrhythmias and hypothyroidism associated with hypertension and dyslipidemia. Subclinical thyroid dysfunction also increases cardiovascular risks, emphasizing the need for early detection and region-specific management strategies. This study provides valuable insights into the long-term cardiovascular effects of thyroid dysfunction in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) region, supporting the importance of routine screening and timely intervention.