Hypothyroidism and its influence in the development of metabolic syndrome- A cross sectional study

Abstract

Background: Patients with hypothyroidism including subclinical hypothyroidism have a higher chance of developing the metabolic syndrome. In the current cross-sectional investigation, the relationship between metabolic syndrome and hypothyroidism was examined. Methodology: A cross sectional study was carried out in the General Medicine department of a tertiary care hospital. Patients were classified based on the thyroidism status. Various parameters of metabolic syndrome were correlated with TSH Levels. Results: It has been observed that the prevalence of hypothyroidism in Metabolic Syndrome is found to be 41.36%. Significant direct relationship was observed between TSH levels and HbA1c, Fasting Blood Sugar, Triglycerides and Body Mass Index and a significant inverse relationship was observed with HDL cholesterol. Conclusion: Hypothyroidism is found to be one of the serious risk factors for development of metabolic syndrome. It is further associated with multiple components of Metabolic syndrome. Hence a regular screening of thyroid levels can be useful in prognosis of Metabolic Syndrome.

Keywords: Hypothyroidism, Metabolic Syndrome, Thyroid Stimulating Hormone.