Lipids Profile in Subclinical Hypothyroidism

Overt hypothyroidism is associated with increased risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) as indicated by hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and increased low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels. Mild hypothyroidism, also called subclinical hypothyroidism \[SH\] is highly prevalent in elderly subjects, especially in women older than 50 years of age. Whether SH is related as a risk for premature CVD is controversial. It was shown that SH is associated with elevated lipids levels, particularly LDL-cholesterol. However recent evidence suggests that the 'quality' rather than only the 'quantity' of LDL-cholesterol exerts a direct influence on the cardiovascular risk. LDL-cholesterol comprises multiple distinct subclasses that differ in their atherogenic potential. Thus, the proposed study protocol is intended to evaluate the different LDL lipoproteins subclasses in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism.