BACKGROUND Hypothyroidism is the second most common endocrinopathy next to diabetes mellitus (DM). Hypothyroidism is associated with increased cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. Cardiovascular complications are some of the most profound, reproducible and reversible clinical findings associated with thyroid disease1 . Hence this study was undertaken to assess the cardiac dysfunction among patients with hypothyroidism by electrocardiogram (ECG) and echocardiogram (ECHO) so as to provide a proper treatment guideline even among milder cases. METHODS This was a cross sectional study carried among 50 new patients of hypothyroidism who presented to Navodaya Hospital, Raichur during 2015 to 2017. They were clinically evaluated and underwent relevant investigations, including thyroid profile estimation, cardiac evaluation using ECG and 2D ECHO. RESULTS Most cases fell in the age group of 31 - 40 years. There was an overall female preponderance (76 %) over all age groups with mean age of 42.02 years. Goiter was found in 8 % of patients, bradycardia and hypertension was seen in 30 % and 22 % respectively. Central nervous system (CNS) examination revealed delayed ankle jerk in 40 % followed by hoarseness of voice in 38 % of patients. Lipid analysis showed increase of total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein (LDL), very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), triglycerides (TGL) and decrease of highdensity lipoprotein (HDL). Normal ECG was found in 26 % of patients. Bradycardia was most common finding seen in 30 % (15) of patients. 24 % (12) of patients exhibited low voltage complexes. While, 46 % cases showed normal ECHO findings. 24 % of cases presented with pericardial effusion. 18 % cases presented with diastolic dysfunction among which majority were mild. None of the cases had severe diastolic dysfunction. Only a meagre 10 % cases showed intraventricular septum (IVS) thickness. CONCLUSIONS Pericardial effusion was seen among 24 % of patients while diastolic dysfunction was seen in 18 % patients. Thus, any unexplained pericardial effusion should be screened for hypothyroidism. KEYWORDS Hypothyroidism, Cardiac Dysfunction, 2D ECHO, ECG, Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
Plasma Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Correlates With Heart Function in Individuals With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Cross-Sectional Study
