Risk of cardiovascular changes in hypothyroidism in North-west Punjab population

• Main Authors: Gagandeep Jagota, Rajinderjit Singh Ahi, Rakendra Singh, Saranpal Singh
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2021-01-01
• Series: Medical Journal of Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth
• Subjects: cardiovascular; hypothyroidism; overt and subclinical hypothyroidism
• Online Access: http://www.mjdrdypv.org/article.asp?issn=2589-8302;year=2021;volume=14;issue=2;spage=185;epage=189;aulast=Jagota

Background: This study was done with an objective to study the cardiovascular involvement associated with newly detected overt and subclinical hypothyroidism. Methods: A total number of 150 newly detected hypothyroid patients, diagnosed by the clinical evaluation, confirmed by thyroid hormone assay, were subjected to electrocardiograph and echocardiography. It was a cross-sectional study design based on the random sampling method, which was conducted for 2 years in the Central Laboratory of Adesh Institute of Medical Sciences and Research and Center for Interdisciplinary Biomedical Research, Adesh University. Results: Of 150 patients studied, 62 were overt hypothyroid and 88 were subclinical hypothyroid. Forty-one were male and 109 were female. Hypothyroidism was newly diagnosed more in females and maximum in the age group of 41–70 years (69.9%). Of 150 patients, 63.3% had symptoms <2-month duration. Cardiovascular symptoms were present in 68.0% of patients. Bradycardia was observed in 44.0% of patients. Stage 1 hypertension was noticed in 30.7% (systolic high blood pressure). Low-voltage complexes in electrocardiogram (ECG) were present in 34.0% study group. Pericardial effusion was present in 32.7% of patients. Diastolic dysfunction was noticed in 20.0% study group. Altered lipid profile was present in 74.0% (total cholesterol) and 65.3% (total triglycerides). Conclusions: Hypothyroidism is common in female, maximum between the age group of 17 and 47 years. Majority of the patients have cardiovascular changes such as ECG abnormalities, pericardial effusion, diastolic hypertension, and diastolic dysfunction. Systematic study was done to know the early effects of hypothyroidism on cardiovascular system. The identification of patients with hypothyroidism is an important individual as well as public health issue. Hence, early detection and initiation of hormone replacement therapy can minimize the associated cardiovascular changes.