Lipid Profile and Electrocardiographic Changes in Thyroid Dysfunction

Abstract

BACKGROUND:The study was designed to explore lipid profile and electrocardiographic changes associated with thyroid dysfunctions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 50 patients of thyroid dysfunction having either hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism were investigated with lipid profiles and electrocardiogram (ECG). RESULTS: Out of the 50 patients, 27(54%) were suffering from hypothyroidism, while hyperthyroidism was present in 23(46%). Female: male ratio was 1.7:1. Mean cholesterol and LDL was higher in hypothyroid patients. Maximum number of hypothyroid patients (76%) had either borderline high (27.92%) or high (48.14%) serum cholesterol. 91.3% of the 23 hyperthyroid patients had serum cholesterol levels <200 mg%. In hypothyroidism sinus bradycardia is the most common electrocardiographic findings and sinus tachycardia is most commonly seen in hyperthyroidism. CONCLUSION: Total and LDL cholesterol is significantly high in hypothyroid patients. Commonest electrocardiographic findings in hypothyroidism is sinus bradycardia whereas in hyperthyroid patients it is sinus tachycardia followed by atrial fibrillation