Endothelium-related Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Subclinical Hypothyroidism

Abstract

The aim of the study was to evaluate the endothelial function in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism. 39 patients and a control group of 14 matched persons group were included in cross-sectional research. In subclinical hypothyroid patients endothelium-dependent vasodilatation significantly decreased, while endothelin-1 and PAI-1 levels increased. Levels of total cholesterol and low-density lipoproteins were significantly higher in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism than in control group, and their positive correlation with TSH was revealed. These findings allow us to make a conclusion on presence of endothelial dysfunction and atherogenic dislipoproteinemia in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism.