Link between sluggish Thyroid and Cardiovascular Disease



Hypothyroidism is usually accompanied by raised serum cholesterol levels and hypertension, and is known to be associated with cardiovascular disease. Data from the Rotterdam Study shows conclusively that subclinical hypothyroidism is quite prevalent in elderly women, and is strongly associated with aortic atherosclerosis and myocardial infarction. A new study suggests that the presence of antibodies is associated with a more severe or persistent form of subclinical hypothyroidism, and hence a higher odds ratio for cardiovascular disease.



SOURCE/REFERENCE: Hak AE, Pols HAP, Visser TJ, et al. “Subclinical hypothyroidism is an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis and myocardial infarction in elderly women: The Rotterdam Study.,” Ann Int Med 2000;132:270-278