Hypothyroidism and dyslipidemia

Abstract

Introduction: Hypothyroidism is a relatively common endocrine disorder usually accompanied with changes in serum lipid profiles. Recent studies consistently demonstrate elevated levels of serum total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), apolipoprotein B, lipoprotein(a), and possibly triglycerides in individuals with overt hypothyroidism, all of which are reversible withlevothyroxine therapy. The purpose of this study was to assess the association between dyslipidemia and hypothyroidism. Materials and methods: The aim of this study was to evaluate the lipid profile of patients with different degrees of hypothyroidism. Initially, a cross-sectional study was performed with 96 participants [manifest hypothyroidism (MH) = 47 participants, and euthyroidism (EU) = 49 participants]. Women with manifest hypothyroidism and euthyroid women were enrolled in this study.Their lipid profile, fasting blood sugar, T3,T4 and TSH levels were measured and various parameters were compared. Results: Correlation study revealed a significant positive correlation between Lp(a) and TSH levels in hypothyroid patients. Conclusion: Thyroid dysfunction can have an important effect on lipid profile. Biochemical screening for thyroid dysfunction is critical in all dyslipidemic patients. These results show that hypothyroidism is Associated not only with elevated serum levels of LDL-C but also with elevated serum Lp(a) concentrations.