Original Research Article
Year: 2019 | Month: June | Volume: 6 | Issue: 6 | Pages: 192-198
Cardiopulmonary Dysfunction in Patients with Subclinical Hypothyroidism
Dr. Tauseef Nabi1, Dr. Nadeema Rafiq2, Dr. Quratul-Ain- Arifa3
1DM Endocrinology, Department of Endocrinology, Govt. Medical College, Srinagar, J&K, India
2MD Physiology, Department of Physiology, Govt. Medical College, Baramulla, J&K, India
3MD SPM, Department of Community Medicine, Govt. Medical College, Baramulla, J&K, India
Corresponding Author: Dr. Tauseef Nabi
ABSTRACT
Background: Subclinical Hypothyroidism (SCH) represents the earliest stage of hypothyroidism. SCH is defined biochemically as a high serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and normal serum free thyroxine (fT4) and triiodothyronine (fT3) concentrations. Cardiopulmonary fitness reflects the overall capacity of the cardiovascular and respiratory system. VO2 max, also known as maximal oxygen uptake, is the measurement of the maximum amount of oxygen a person can utilize during intense exercise.
Objective: The aim of this prospective observational case-control study was to evaluate the cardiopulmonary fitness of patients diagnosed with SCH.
Methods: The study comprised of 140 participants (80 patients with SCH and 60 healthy controls) in the age-group of 18-55 years. VO2 max was estimated indirectly by following the protocol of Queen’s College Step Test (QCT) method to assess cardiopulmonary fitness
Results: The patients of SCH and Controls were comparable for age, gender, weight, waist circumference, BMI and hemodynamic parameters. TSH was significantly elevated in SCH than controls while fT4 and fT3 were comparable. The patients of SCH showed a significant reduction VO2 max as compared to controls 46.4±8.6 and 49.8±9.8 ml/kg/min respectively (P=0.029). VO2 max was significantly reduced in female SCH than male SCH (P=0.001).
Conclusion: Cardiopulmonary functions were affected in patients with SCH. A mild cardiopulmonary dysfunction was seen in patients with SCH particularly in females.
Key words: Subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH); Cardiopulmonary fitness; VO2 max; Queen’s College Step Test (QCT)
[PDF Full Text]