Serum Lipid Profile and Atherogenic Risk in Thyroid Dysfunction: A Cross-sectional Study

Aim and background: Thyroid dysfunction is associated with significant morbidity.Dyslipidemia may increase the risk for cardiovascular disease and stroke in these patients.The current study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of aberrant serum lipids, fasting blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin, and atherogenicity indices in patients with thyroid dysfunction, including hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism patients.Methodology: The study included randomly selected 177 newly diagnosed adult hypothyroid patients (age 36.39 11.32 years), 66 hyperthyroid patients (age 33.14 11.33 years), and 127 healthy controls (age 34.04 10.67 years).History taking and general examination of participants were done, followed by collection of blood samples in clot activator and EDTA vacutainer tubes as required for fasting blood glucose, lipid profile, and HbA1c.The Kruskal-Wallis test was used for comparisons between groups.It was followed by post-hoc Dunn's test for pairwise comparisons, considering a p-value < 0.05 as statistically significant.Results: Total cholesterol and LDL-C levels were found to be significantly higher among the hypothyroid patients.TG/HDL ratio, TyG index, and AIP were highest in healthy controls, followed by hypothyroid and hyperthyroid patients.On the other hand, the mean Castelli index I and II, Non-HDL cholesterol, and AC were highest in hypothyroid patients, followed by healthy controls and hyperthyroid patients. Conclusion:We conclude that hypothyroidism poses a higher risk of development of dyslipidemia and atherogenicity as compared to healthy controls and hyperthyroid patients.Further studies are required on longitudinal data to explore the temporal alterations of lipid profiles and atherogenicity indices with the progression of thyroid dysfunction.Clinical significance: The findings of the present study underscore the importance of close monitoring of serum lipid profile and atherogenicity indices in patients with hypothyroidism.