Subclinical Hypothyroidism with TSH>7 mIU/l and≤10 mIU/l and Coronary Artery Disease

The association of subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) with increased cardiovascular risk is controversial when thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) concentration is 7 mIU/l and≤10 mIU/l untreated for 5 years after diagnosis. The CACS was obtained for two groups of women with low cardiovascular risk. Group A consisted of 32 women with mild SCH (TSH>7 mIU/l and≤10 mIU/l) who remained untreated for 5 years, and group B consisted of 32 euthyroid women matched for age and body mass index to group A. The CACS ranged from 0 to 350 (median 0, 25–75% interval: 0–10) in group A and from 0 to 280 (median 0, 25–75% interval: 0–0) in group B. Scores>0 and≥10 were significantly more frequent in group A (40.6 vs. 12.5% and 25 vs. 3.1%, respectively). A CACS≥100 was also more frequent in group A (18.75 vs. 3.1%), but the difference was not significant (p=0.1). The results of the study suggest that long-term SCH with TSH>7 mIU/l and ≤ 10 mIU/l is associated with a higher risk of CAD in individuals≤65 years, even in those with low cardiovascular risk.