For MI Patients with Subclinical Hypothyroidism, Hormone Therapy Doesn't Improve Left Ventricular Function

Results from a 1-year study.

Thyroid hormone is an important modulator of cardiac performance. Hypothyroidism is a potential cause of heart failure, and even subclinical hypothyroidism (elevated serum thyrotropin [TSH] with normal thyroid hormone levels) is associated with higher morbidity and mortality after acute cardiac events. This U.K.-based, randomized, placebo-controlled trial (ISRCTN52505169) examined the effects of thyroid hormone replacement on left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in 95 individuals hospitalized for acute myocardial infarction (AMI; mean age, 63; mean LVEF, 53%; ST-segment elevation MI, 68%), with subclinical hypothyroidism confirmed at two assessments (median TSH, 5.7 mIU/L).

In the intervention arm, thyroid hormone replacement (levothyro…

Reviewing Author

Frederick A. Masoudi, MD, MSPH, FACC, FAHA

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardBristol Myers Squibb; CPC Clinical Research

Grant/Research SupportNational Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

Editorial BoardsUpToDate; American College of Cardiology Self-Assessment Program (SAP)

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican College of Cardiology (Chair, Innovations Committee)