Subclinical Thyroid Disease Increases Risk for HF Events

The effect is significant at both very high and very low thyroid-stimulation hormone levels, but whether corrective treatment improves outcomes is unknown.

Current practice guidelines recommend routine screening for subclinical thyroid disease as a possible etiology of heart failure (HF). However, data supporting this recommendation are relatively sparse. To explore the association between subclinical thyroid abnormalities and HF events, investigators conducted a pooled analysis of prospective cohort studies published during the past 6 decades that included baseline measurement of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxine levels; longitudinal follow-up with ascertainment of HF events; and a control euthyroid group. Studies confined to patients taking thyroid-replacement agents or to those with overt thyroid disease were excluded.

The analysis included six studies including 25,390 ind…

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)