Subclinical atherosclerosis and metabolic profile in middle age asymptomatic women with TSH ≥ 2,5 uUI/mL

Abstract

Subclinical hypothyroidism may contribute to development of cardiovascular disease and has been shown that TSH >2.5uUI/mL is associated with endothelial dysfunction. Objectives: To determine carotid intima media thickness (CIMT), presence of carotid artery plaque and metabolic profile in asymptomatic middle-aged women with TSH ≥2.5 uUI/mL, and compare them with those with levels <2.5 uUI/mL. Design: Analytical and cross-sectional study. Setting: Dos de Mayo Hospital and Institute of Clinical Research, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Peru. Participants: Women with no history of thyroid disease, cardiovascular disease or diabetes. Interventions: Total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), fasting insulin (F-Ins), body mass index (BMI), waist circumference and blood pressure were assessed in 60 women with no history of thyroid disease, cardiovascular disease or diabetes with mean age 53,8 ± 5,8 years. HOMA-IR index and LDL cholesterol were also determined. CIMT was measured by Doppler ultrasound. Main outcome measures: TSH ≥ 2.5 uUI/mL and metabolic profile, and association with CIMT. Results: From 60 women 38.3% had TSH ≥2.5 and 61.7% TSH <2.5 uUI/mL; 56% of women with TSH ≥2.5 and 65% with TSH <2.5 uUI/mL were hypertensive with no statistical difference. Lipid profile, fasting glucose, F-ins and index HOMA-IR were similar in both groups. Higher levels of BMI, glucose at 120 minutes, left CIMT and maximal CIMT were observed in women with TSH ≥2.5 uUI/mL (p=0.03, p=0.01, p=0.008 and p=0.02 respectively). The presence of plaques in the left carotid artery and in at least one of the carotid arteries was significantly more frequent in women with TSH ≥2.5 uUI/mL. Conclusions: TSH levels ≥2.5 uUI/mL in middle-aged women predispose to altered glucose metabolism and subclinical atherosclerosis.