Cardiometabolic and Hematological Consequences of Subclinical Hypothyroidism – A Hospital-based Study

Introduction: Cardiometabolic syndrome is a major public health problem that effects various groups of population world over. Overt hypothyroidism is reported to be associated with both adverse cardiometabolic events as well as hematological picture. However, cardiometabolic and hematological consequences of subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) are yet to be evaluated in different population. In the present study, we evaluated cardiometabolic and hematological consequences of SCH in a middle aged population from Agartala, Tripura, India. Methodology: The study was conducted on 193 patients attending the ENT OPD of Tripura Medical College and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Memorial Teaching Hospital, Hapania, Agartala. Subjects having diabetes mellitus, hypertension, patients having thyroxin, antithyroid drugs and antilipidemic drug users, established cancer patients, pregnant woman, and women receiving oral contraceptive pills were excluded from inclusion in the study. Results: The mean age of the subjects was 40.13 years, and females constituted around 65 % of total subjects. The analyses showed a significant difference the RBC count, HB concentration, and a non-significant difference in WBC count between euthyroid and hypothyroid subjects, while platelets showed no significant difference between the groups. There was a significant increase in total cholesterol level and level of LDL cholesterol as well as blood pressure, blood sugar level, and waist circumference in hypothyroid subjects in comparison to euthyroid subjects. Conclusion: The study concluded that the subjects with hypothyroidism have worse cardiometabolic parameters with alteration in lipid profile. Thyroid dysfunction affects all blood parameters except platelets. The follow-up of patients with hypothyroidism should include the complete blood count and evaluation of lipid profile and other cardiometabolic parameters