Study of association among various atherosclerotic risk factors in patients of subclinical hypothyroidism

Abstract

Background & Objectives: Subclinical hypothyroidism is endocrine disorder where serum TSH levels are increased but FT4 levels are within the assay's reference interval. Atherosclerosis has been found to be associated with the increased level of Ox-LDL in SCH. The aim of the present study is to find out the association of Ox-LDL and lipid profile in SCH patients. Materials and methods: 120 SCH patients aged (18-70) years and 120 age & sex-matched healthy controls were included in the study. BMI & lipid profile were estimated in both SCH patients and controls. FT3, FT4, TSH and Ox-LDL) were estimated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: SCH patients and healthy controls had different BMIs (p<0.001). TC, Triglycerides, HDL-C, and LDL-C were significantly greater in the SCH group than in the control group, although HDL-C was decreased (p<0.001). SCH patients had a significantly higher blood TSH level than controls (p<0.001), although FT3 and FT4 levels were similar. SCH patients had higher Ox-LDL than controls (p<0.001). Conclusion: In our study, SCH patients had higher serum lipid profile and Ox-LDL levels than healthy persons, indicating susceptibility to atherosclerosis. Ox-LDL can be used to predict CVD risk in SCH patients.