Abstract 15486: Subclinical Hypothyroidism and Left Heart Strain in the General Population

Abstract

Background: Although subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) is a common clinical entity and carries independent risk for incident heart failure (HF), its possible association with subclinical cardiac dysfunction has not been extensively evaluated. Left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LVGLS) and left atrial (LA) phasic strain can unmask subclinical left heart dysfunction and are excellent predictors for HF. This study aimed to investigate the association between the presence of SCH and subclinical left heart dysfunction in a sample of the general population without overt cardiac disease. Methods: We examined 1,078 participants who underwent extensive cardiovascular health check-up including laboratory tests and 2-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography to assess LVGLS and LA reservoir, conduit and pump strain. SCH was defined as an elevated serum thyroid stimulating hormone level with normal concentration of free thyroxine. Results: Mean age was 62±12 years, and 56% were men. Seventy-eight (7.2%) participants exhibited SCH. Individuals with SCH had significantly reduced LA reservoir and conduit strain (both p<0.05) compared with those with euthyroidism, whereas there was no significant difference in LV ejection fraction, LA volume index, LVGLS and LA pump strain between the 2 groups. In multivariable analyses, the presence of SCH was significantly associated with impaired LA reservoir strain, independent of age, traditional cardiovascular risk factors and pertinent laboratory and echocardiographic parameters including LVGLS. Conclusions: In an unselected community-based cohort, individuals with SCH had significantly impaired LA function. This association may be involved in the higher incidence of HF in subjects with SCH.