ELCTROCARDIOGRAPHIC AND ECHOCARDIOGRAPHIC CHANGES IN SUBCLINICAL PRIMARY HYPOTHYROIDISM

Dr. Roha Shad and *Dr. Shubham Sharma

ABSTRACT

Introduction: The cardiovascular system is one of the most important targets of thyroid hormones and is very sensitive to a minimal decrease of circulating thyroid hormones. This study was done to assess the cardiovascular parameters in newly diagnosed subclinical hypothyroid patients by using Electrocardiogram and Echocardiography. Material and Methods: The present study included 25 patients. Results: ECG changes like Sinus Bradycardia were seen in 16% of patients, AV block was seen in 8%, low voltage complex was seen in 24%, generalized and non-specific t wave inversion was seen in 4%.The left ventricular end-systolic diameter and left ventricular end-diastolic diameter did not differ from the normal values. The mean left ventricular posterior wall thickness was 9.12±0.85 and Mean interventricular septum thickness was 9.152±0.749 in the study group, which were increased. A significant association was found between the occurrence of increased LVPW thickness and the severity of disease. A similar relationship was also demonstrated for abnormal IVSW thickness. IRT was significantly prolonged in subclinical group and E/A ratio was reduced. These two parameters directly represent the impaired diastolic dysfunction. Mild pericardial effusion was found in 3 individuals of subclinical group. Conclusion: This study suggests that it is very important to evaluate patients of subclinical hypothyroidism for cardiovascular changes so that prior interventions could be performed to improve the clinical outcomes.

Keywords: Hypothyroidism, Echo, IRT.