Association Between Thyroid Hormone Imbalance and Cardiovascular Health: An Institution-Based Cross-Sectional Study...

Background and objective Thyroid hormone imbalance has important cardiovascular implications, influencing cardiac rhythm, blood pressure regulation, and vascular function. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between thyroid hormone imbalance and cardiovascular abnormalities, including hypertension, ECG abnormalities, arrhythmias, and dyslipidemia, among adults in an institution-based cross-sectional setting. Methods This institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Allama Iqbal Medical College, Lahore, from January 1, 2019, to December 31, 2019. A total of 424 participants were recruited using nonprobability consecutive sampling. Based on thyroid function tests (triiodothyronine, thyroxine, and thyroid-stimulating hormone), participants were categorized into euthyroid, hypothyroid, and hyperthyroid groups. Cardiovascular assessment included blood pressure measurement and resting ECG. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, version 25.0 (released 2017; IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). The chi-square test was applied for categorical variables, and a p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Multivariable logistic regression was also performed to adjust for potential confounders. Results Among the 424 participants, 238 (56.13%) were euthyroid, 126 (29.72%) were hypothyroid, and 60 (14.15%) were hyperthyroid. The prevalence of hypertension and ECG abnormalities was higher in the hypothyroid and hyperthyroid groups than in euthyroid individuals. ECG abnormalities were observed in 28 (11.76%) euthyroid, 48 (38.10%) hypothyroid, and 36 (60.00%) hyperthyroid participants. Overall cardiovascular manifestations, including tachycardia, bradycardia, atrial fibrillation, ischemic changes, and left ventricular strain, were more frequent in the thyroid dysfunction groups. Cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, and arrhythmias showed a significant association with thyroid dysfunction (p < 0.001). Conclusions Thyroid hormone imbalance is significantly associated with cardiovascular abnormalities in the studied population. These findings highlight the importance of early detection and cardiovascular risk assessment in individuals with thyroid dysfunction.