Thyroid Disorders and Their Impact on Metabolic Syndrome and Cardiovascular Risk: A Narrative Review

Thyroid function regulates numerous processes that influence metabolism and maintenance of homeostasis. Its dysfunction can adversely affect multiple clinical parameters. Notably, thyroid disorders have been correlated with metabolic changes and increased risk of cardiovascular disease. In both cases of hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, thyroid hormone interrupts insulin sensitivity and adipocyte metabolism, leading to abnormal glucose metabolism, lipid profile, and cardiometabolic health. As thyroid disorders represent modifiable risk factors, including reduced physical activity, cigarette smoke, mean body mass index, and alcoholism, a thorough understanding and up-to-date knowledge of how these conditions affect different systems may provide clinicians with a better opportunity for early detection, which contributes to reducing the progression of health complications and improving both quality of life and life expectancy. This narrative review aims to identify and summarize current understanding of the relationship between thyroid disorders and their effect on metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular risk, including the possible pathophysiology, and discuss the associated correlations. To achieve this, a detailed search was conducted using credible databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar. We also used sidebar filters to include articles relevant to our topic and critically analyzed them before citing the references in this review.