Cardiovascular Manifestations of Primary Hypothyroidism

Abstract

Introduction

Hypothyroidism is clinical syndrome that results from decreased secretion of thyroid hormone from thyroid gland. Primary Hypothyroidism accounts for 90-95% of all cases of hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism has various cardiovascular manifestations. With aim for early prevention and management of cardiovascular manifestation in hypothyroidism this study was conducted.

Materials and Methods

A cross sectional observational study was conducted in Department of Medicine in Bir Hospital. Ethical clearance from Institutional Review Board, National Academy of Medical Sciences was taken. A total of 70 patients with untreated Primary Hypothyroidism were randomly selected without any prior known comorbidities or under any medication. Data were collected and entered in Microsoft Excel to tabulate data and analyse results.

Results

Out of 70 enrolled participants, 41 cases were subclinical hypothyroidism and 29 overt/clinical hypothyroidism with 80% female and 20% male. Most common presenting cardiovascular symptoms was peripheral odema (60%) followed by easy fatiguability (47.14%). Body Mass Index (BMI) and Hypertension was higher in majority of cases 70% and 60% respectively. Dyslipidemia was present in 48.57% of cases among which majority changes were in triglyceride and total cholesterol level. Abnormality in ECG were seen in only 22.85% of cases with T wave abnormality (18.57%) being most common followed by sinus bradycardia (14.28%). Echocardiography was abnormal in 7.14% of cases with 2.86% showing pericardial effusion.

Conclusion

Cardiovascular manifestations were present in majority of patients of primary hypothyroidism especially High BMI, Hypertension and Dyslipidemia. Screening of newly diagnosed primary hypothyroidism for cardiovascular manifestations thus should be done routinely in all patients.