Incidence and Prevalence of Hypothyroidism in Patients Affected by Chronic Heart Failure: Role of Amiodarone.

Background. It has been demonstrated that hypothyroidism can lead to significant hemodynamic alterations favoring the onset of chronic heart failure (CHF) as well as its progression. Furthermore, amiodarone, an iodine-containing antiarhythmic drug frequently used in CHF patients, is often the cause of primary hypothyroidism. Aim of the study. To define the prevalence and incidence of hypothyroidism in a group of CHF outpatients in stable clinical conditions, with particular reference to the role of amiodarone therapy. Results. Among the 422 enrolled patients (326 males, aged 65±12 years), 51 (12%) had a previous diagnosis of hypothyroidism while 21 (5%) were newly diagnosed at the enrolment. Then, the overall prevalence of hypothyroidism at the first evaluation was 17% and, as expected, it was significantly higher in females than males (33% vs 13%; p