A study of cardiovascular involvement in Hypothyroidism

Background: Cardiac abnormalities associated with hypothyroidism attracted great deal of investigational effort. There are only few studies done in our country to asses CVS parameters in hypothyroid patients. Hypothyroidism is known to cause reversible cardiac dysfunction in humans. Aim: This study was aimed at studying the cardiovascular involvement in hypothyroidism. Materials and methods: The data for this study was collected from 40 hypothyroid patients by clinical examination and by performing ECG and Echocardiogram who came to Malla Reddy Medical College and Hospital, Hyderabad which included both outpatients and inpatients. Results: On systemic examination, diminished heart sound was found in 25 % patients. Lipid analysis showed increase of TOT.CHOL, LDL, VLDL, TGL and decrease of HDL. Normal ECG was found in 30% of patients, Bradycardia was most common finding seen in 16 patients counting for 40%. Low voltage complexes were seen in 35% patients. Echo findings were normal in 32.5% cases. Pericardial effusion was next common finding seen in 11 cases accounting to 27.5%. Diastolic dysfunction was seen in 27.5%, majority of them being mild dysfunction. No cases were found to have severe diastolic dysfunction. IVS thickness was found only in 2 cases. Conclusion: Among 40 new cases of hypothyroidism, pericardial effusion was found in 27.5% patients. Diastolic dysfunction was seen in 27.5 % patients. All the patients diagnosed with hypothyroidism are to be screened for pericardial effusion and other cardiac complications.