Abstract

A Study of Systemic Hypertension with Subclinical Hypothyroidism

Thyroid dysfunction, both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, may increase the risk of hypertension. However, it is still controversial whether mild thyroid dysfunction, such as subclinical hypothyroidism, affects blood pressure. Aim of this study was to explore relationship of hypertension with different levels of thyroid stimulating hormone in subjects with subclinical hypothyroidism and euthyroidism. This cross sectional study was conducted at Department of General Medicine of a tertiary care centre over one year. A total of 500 newly diagnosed hypertensive subjects were evaluated for demographic characteristics, body mass index, smoking habits, serum TSH, and free T4. Subjects were further divided into various groups depending on TSH levels. Statistical software, SPSS version 17.0 was used for analysis. In the present study, Systolic BP and diastolic BP was higher in subclinical hypothyroidism subjects than that of the euthyroid group (P<0.05 for both). From this study, we can conclude that subclinical hypothyroid subjects have more tendencies to develop hypertension than euthyroid subjects. Therefore subclinical hypothyroid subjects should be regularly screened for hypertension.

• PDF