Does altered thyroid hormone status affect resting systolic blood pressure significantly in premenopausal women? - A cross-sectional comparative study

Abstract

Background: Hypothyroid or hyperthyroid state affects all the physiological systems including cardiovascular system, central nervous system, digestive system, and blood. Among all adverse changes, systolic blood pressure (SBP) can also be affected in patients with thyroid disorders. Aims and Objectives: The present study was carried out to compare SBP in newly diagnosed patients of hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism and age and gender matched euthyroid subjects and to assess correlation between Tri-iodothyronine (T3) level and resting SBP. Materials and Methods: The present study was carried out in 90 female subjects in the age group of 30 to 45 years. Diagnosis of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism was based on both clinical and biochemical criteria. Subjects were divided in euthyroid, hypothyroid and hyperthyroid groups with each group containing 30 subjects. Resting SBP was measured in all the groups. Results: Hyperthyroid group had significantly higher SBP as compared to euthyroid group and hypothyroid group. The difference in SBP between euthyroid and hypothyroid group was statistically non-significant. There was a significant correlation between Total T3 level and resting SBP. Conclusion: Elevated levels of thyroid hormone increases the cardiac output by increasing heart rate and increasing force of contraction. This elevated cardiac output in hyperthyroid subject is reflected as increase in resting SBP. Hence, thyroid hormone concentration should be kept within normal limits by appropriate therapeutic measures so as to prevent ill effects of resultant elevated SBP.