High prevalence of subclinical thyroid dysfunction and the relationship between thyrotropin levels and cardiovascular risk factors in residents of the coastal area of China.

Objectives: To investigate the prevalence of subclinical thyroid dysfunction and the relationship between thyrotropin levels and cardiovascular risk factors in residents of the coastal area of China.

Methods: Atotalof4256individuals(mean[±SD]age50.51±14.24years; 2079 males, 2177 females,) were enrolled in the present study. Sex, blood pressure, body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, serum levels of fasting glucose, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, uric acid and smoking status were measured. The relationship between thyrotropin levels and cardiovascular risk factors was analyzed.

Results: The overall prevalence of thyroid dysfunction was 11.07%. The prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism (6.32%) was higher than that of hyperthyroidism (1.53%). The prevalence of thyroid dysfunction among female subjects was higher than that among male subjects (16.54% versus 5.34%, respectively; P<0.001). Significant differences were detected with respect to body mass index (P=0.026), waist-to-hip ratio (P<0.001), fasting glucose levels (P=0.001), total cholesterol levels (P=0.013), triglyceride levels (P=0.003) and smoking status according to different thyrotropin levels.

Conclusion: The prevalence of thyroid dysfunction was high in residents of China's coastal area. Significant differences were detected with regard to body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, fasting glucose levels, total cholesterol levels, triglyceride levels and smoking status according to different thyrotropin levels.