The association of thyroid immunity with blood pressure and body mass index in primary care patients

Endocr Res. 2008;33(3):93-103. doi: 10.1080/07435800802534126.

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the association of thyroid immunity with cardiovascular symptoms and body mass index (BMI).

Methods: Four hundred and sixty-five primary care patients underwent ultrasound evaluation of the thyroid gland, with hypo-echoic thyroid pattern indicating autoimmune involvement. BMI and blood pressure (BP) were the main outcomes.

Results: Men and women with hypo-echoic thyroid had higher BMI and higher BP in comparison to patients with normo-echoic thyroid. Among women with hypo-echoic thyroid, only those who were premenopausal had higher BMI and higher BP in comparison to women with normo-echoic thyroid.

Conclusions: Thyroid immunity is related to higher BMI and higher BP in men and women, especially in premenopausal women.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Autoimmune Diseases / physiopathology*
  • Blood Pressure / immunology*
  • Body Mass Index*
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / etiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Postmenopause / physiology
  • Premenopause / physiology
  • Primary Health Care
  • Risk Factors
  • Sex Factors
  • Thyroid Diseases / immunology*
  • Thyroid Gland / diagnostic imaging
  • Thyroid Gland / immunology*
  • Ultrasonography