Lipid profile and electrocardiographic changes in thyroid dysfunction

Abstract

Background: The study was designed to explore lipid profile and electrocardiographic changes associated with thyroid dysfunctions. Materials and Methods: A total of 72 patients of thyroid dysfunction having either hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism were investigated with lipid profiles and electrocardiogram (ECG). Hypothyroids with ST-T ECG changes who were symptomatic for coronary artery disease were subjected to further investigations and were benefitted by either medical therapy or revascularization procedures following coronary angiography. Results: Out of the 72 patients, 44 (61.11%) were suffering from hypothyroidism, while hyperthyroidism was present in 28 (38.89%). Female:male ratio was 4.5:1. Maximum number of hypothyroid patients (73%) had either borderline high (36.6%) or high (36.36%) serum cholesterol; 67.86% of the 28 hyperthyroid patients had serum cholesterol levels <200 mg%. In hypothyroidism, ST segment and T wave ECG changes (ST-T changes) were the commonest electrocardiographic findings. Conclusion: Hypothyroidism was associated with high serum cholesterol levels whereas maximum patients with hyperthyroidism had normal serum cholesterol levels. Correlation was found between ST-T changes on ECG and high serum cholesterol levels in hypothyroidism.

Keywords

• Coronary artery disease
• electrocardiographic changes
• hyperthyroidism
• hypothyroidism
• lipid profile
• ST segment and T wave changes