Abstract
BackgroundThyroid dysfunction has been described to be linked to a variety of cardiovascular morbidities. Through this pathway thyroid function might also be associated with cardiorespiratory function and exercise capacity. So far only few patient-studies with small study populations investigated the association between thyroid dysfunction and exercise capacity. Thus, the aim of our study was to investigate the association of serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels with lung function and cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) in the general population.MethodsData from the two independent cross-sectional population-based studies (Study of Health in Pomerania [SHIP] and SHIP-Trend-0) were pooled. SHIP was conducted between 2002 and 2006 and SHIP-Trend-0 between 2008 and 2012. Participants were randomly selected from population registries. In total, 4206 individuals with complete data were available for the present analysis. Thyroid function was defined based on serum TSH levels. Lung function was evaluated by forced expiratory volume in 1 s and forced vital capacity. CPET was based on symptom limited exercise tests on a bicycle in a sitting position according to a modified Jones protocol. Associations of serum TSH levels with lung function and CPET parameters were analysed by multivariable quantile regression adjusted for age, sex, height, weight, use of beta blockers, smoking status, and physical activity.ResultsSerum TSH levels, used as continuously distributed variable and categorized according to the clinical cut-offs 0.3 and 3.0 mIU/L or according to quintiles, were not consistently associated with parameters of lung function or CPET.ConclusionsOur results suggest that thyroid dysfunction is not associated with lung function and cardiopulmonary exercise capacity in the general population.
Highlights
Thyroid dysfunction has been described to be linked to a variety of cardiovascular morbidities
The discrepancy in results among previous studies investigating associations between thyroid dysfunction and exercise capacity is probably referred to the fact that all those studies were conducted in selected patient populations. It is unclear whether the significant findings between thyroid dysfunction and lung function detected in the patient studies can be extended to the general population, because potential associations of thyroid dysfunction with lung function and exercise capacity has never been analysed in population-based samples. Against this background we aimed to investigate the association of thyroid function state as determined by serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels with parameters of lung function and cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) in two independent population-based studies conducted in Northeast Germany
In the pooled population most measurements of spirometry (FEV1 and forced vital capacity (FVC)) and CPET were lower in individuals with low TSH compared to individuals with serum TSH levels in the reference range, while there were substantial differences between individuals with high TSH and individuals with TSH in the reference range only for VO2@AT and O2HR (Table 1)
Summary
Thyroid dysfunction has been described to be linked to a variety of cardiovascular morbidities Through this pathway thyroid function might be associated with cardiorespiratory function and exercise capacity. Only few patient-studies with small study populations investigated the association between thyroid dysfunction and exercise capacity. The aim of our study was to investigate the association of serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels with lung function and cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) in the general population. Thyroid dysfunction has been described to be linked to a variety of cardiovascular morbidities [1]. In hypothyroid patients it has been shown that treatment with thyroxine results in an improved exercise cardiopulmonary reserve [20]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
