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Thyroid functions and serum lipids in older women: a population-based study
D C Bauer1, B Ettinger, W S Browner
1Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, USA.
The American Journal of Medicine
|July 23, 1998
Summary
Thyroid hormone deficiency, indicated by elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), is linked to unhealthy lipid profiles in older women. This includes higher LDL cholesterol and lower HDL cholesterol, increasing cardiovascular risk.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Cardiovascular Health
- Geriatric Medicine
Background:
- Thyroid hormone plays a crucial role in metabolic regulation.
- Dyslipidemia is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease in older adults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between subclinical hypothyroidism (elevated TSH) and serum lipid profiles in elderly women.
- To determine if thyroid dysfunction contributes to adverse lipid changes in this demographic.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional analysis of 279 ambulatory white women over 65 years old.
- Measurement of serum TSH and lipid levels (total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C, triglycerides).
- Statistical analysis to correlate TSH levels with lipid parameters.
Main Results:
- Elevated TSH was associated with significantly higher LDL-C and lower HDL-C levels.
- The ratio of LDL-C to HDL-C was notably increased in women with high TSH.
- Women with multiple lipid abnormalities were more likely to have elevated TSH.
Conclusions:
- Subclinical hypothyroidism in older women is linked to unfavorable serum lipid profiles.
- These lipid alterations, particularly involving LDL-C and HDL-C, may increase cardiovascular risk.
- Increased TSH should be considered in older women presenting with dyslipidemia.