Thyroid function in components of metabolic syndrome - A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Thyroid dysfunction and components of metabolic syndrome (MetS) are both associated with cardiovascular disorders. Aim and Objectives: The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between thyroid function and components of MetS. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was done among 200 MetS patients at C. U. Shah Medical College, Gujarat, India, for a period of 3 years from July 2012 to June 2015. They were divided into three groups on the basis of the presence of numbers of metabolic components. MetS was defined National Cholesterol Education Program’s-Adult Treatment Panel III Criteria. Anthropometric measurements (height, weight, and waist circumference) and blood pressure were recorded. Fasting blood samples were analyzed to measure glucose, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and thyroid hormones. Statistical analysis was done by SPSS windows version 20.0 software. Results: The prevalence of numbers of metabolic components in patients with MetS was 48.5% with 3, 33.5% with 4, and 18% with 5 components of MetS. The serum T3 level was significantly (P < 0.05) lower and while serum thyroid-stimulating hormone level was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in subjects with 5 metabolic components as compared to subject with 3 and 4 metabolic components. Conclusion: It is concluded from this study that the frequency of metabolic components was significantly associated with degree of hypothyroidism in metabolic subjects. Therefore, early diagnosis and proper management of thyroid dysfunction (hypothyroidism) would be helpful to reduce the risk of MetS and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disorders.