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Elevated serum lipoprotein(a) in subclinical hypothyroidism
A W Kung1, R W Pang, E D Janus
1Department of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong.
Clinical Endocrinology
|October 1, 1995
Summary
Subclinical hypothyroidism is linked to higher lipoprotein(a) and adverse lipid profiles, increasing atherosclerosis risk. This study evaluated these markers in patients with asymptomatic subclinical hypothyroidism.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Clinical Chemistry
Background:
- Subclinical hypothyroidism and asymptomatic lymphocytic thyroiditis are associated with an elevated risk of coronary artery disease.
- Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] and lipid parameters are crucial indicators of cardiovascular risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate serum lipoprotein(a) [measured as apo(a)] and other lipid parameters in individuals with asymptomatic subclinical hypothyroidism.
- To compare these markers between patients and healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- A comparative study involving 32 Chinese subjects diagnosed with asymptomatic subclinical hypothyroidism.
- Comparison with 96 age- and sex-matched healthy controls.
Main Results:
- Subclinical hypothyroid patients exhibited significantly higher apo(a), total triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels compared to controls.
- Patients also showed lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels, elevated apo A-I and apo B, and increased TC/HDL and LDL/HDL ratios.
- Fifty percent of subclinical hypothyroid subjects presented with hyperlipoproteinemia, compared to 20.8% in the control group. Higher TSH levels correlated with elevated TC/HDL and LDL/HDL ratios.
Conclusions:
- Subclinical hypothyroidism is associated with elevated LDL-cholesterol, low HDL-cholesterol, and increased lipoprotein(a).
- These dyslipidemic changes may contribute to an increased risk of atherosclerosis development in individuals with subclinical hypothyroidism.