Background: Hypothyroidism is a common problem that reduces the functional ability of life. Hypothyroidism is associated with altered lipid levels, which increases the cardiovascular risk.
Objective: The objectives of this study were to study whether there is any correlation between serum lipid levels and hypothyroidism (subclinical and overt) in a rural population of Gujarat and to study whether there is any difference in lipid levels among menopausal and postmenopausal women.
Materials and Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Clinical Biochemistry department, P.S. Medical College, Karamsad, which consisted 100 hypothyroid patients (subclinical and overt) and 100 similar age- and sex-matched controls. Serum total thyroxine, triiodothyronine, thyroid-stimulating hormone, free thyroxine, serum cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein levels were examined in subclinical and euthyroid patients.
Results: In patient with subclinical hypothyroidism, we found elevated serum total cholesterol (217.95) and triglyceride (148.35) levels as compared to controls (P = 0.001) but statistically insignificant HDL level (51.45; P = 0.973). In patient with overt hypothyroidism, elevated serum total cholesterol (271.92) and triglyceride (166.31) were found as compared to control (P = 0.001), but HDL level (46.57; P = 0.134) was found to be decreased.
Conclusion: There is association between subclinical and overt hypothyroidism with dyslipidemia. This might be a potential risk factor for coronary artery disease.
Key words: Hypothyroidism, lipid profile, TSH
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