Thyroid Feedback Quantile-Based Index Is Associated With Blood Pressure and Other Hemodynamic Measures: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

ObjectivePrevious studies have reported inconsistent relationships between thyroid function and blood pressure (BP) levels. We aimed to explore the associations between thyroid hormone sensitivity and BP parameters. MethodsThis retrospective study included 6272 participants who underwent a health examination at the First Hospital of China Medical University between January 2017 and December 2018. The Thyroid Feedback Quantile-based Index (TFQI), Parametric TFQI, thyroid-stimulating hormone index, and thyrotroph thyroxine resistance index were calculated to reflect thyroid hormone sensitivity. Mean arterial pressure, pulse pressure, and rate-pressure product were used to indirectly represent arterial stiffness. ResultsThe TFQI was positively associated with systolic BP (β = 3.22), diastolic BP (β =2.32), and mean arterial pressure (β = 2.62) (P < .001, for all). Analyses of the Parametric TFQI, thyroid-stimulating hormone index, and thyrotroph thyroxine resistance index yielded similar results. The TFQI was positively related to pulse pressure and rate-pressure product. With a 1 SD increase in the TFQI, the adjusted odds ratio for hypertension was 1.11 (95% CI 1.04-1.18). When comparing the fourth quartile of the TFQI with the first, the odds ratio for hypertension was 1.27 (95% CI 1.07-1.51, Pfor trend = .006). These relationships remained significant when stratified by age, sex, and body mass index. Similar results were observed in a euthyroid or normotensive population. ConclusionThe TFQI was positively associated with BP and markers of arterial stiffness. Impaired thyroid hormone sensitivity was related to increased risk for hypertension.