Background: Primary hypothyroidism is associated with the synthesis, metabolism and lipid abnormalities of thyroid hormones. Individuals with hypothyroidism have been shown to have high low density cholesterol and low high density cholesterol. In individuals with normal thyroid the association is usually observed between total cholesterol and thyroid stimulating hormone. Due to lipid abnormalities one group of experts is of the opinion that individuals with TSH ≤10 mIU/L having features of hypothyroidism should be started with thyroxine medication. Whereas, the other group does not support this idea making the topic controversial. In Pakistan the association between thyroid function and lipid abnormalities have so far not been studied which leaves a room for research at this topic.   

Aim: To explore the association between mild hypothyroidism and lipid abnormalities in Pakistani population.

Methodology: This cross sectional study is carried out at Alfalah Welfare Medical Society, Lahore as part of their medical checkup, all the subjects gave written informed consent. The study was done from January 2021 to July 2021.

Results: Thyroid function test of 2312 (85.4%) of the subjects was found to be normal. Subjects with mild hypothyroidism among Group-I were 324 (11.9%) whereas mild hypothyroidism in group-II were 36(1.3%). Triglyceride (3.99±0.80 compared to 3.79±0.70 mmol/L, p˂0.0001), low density lipoprotein (2.59±0.60 compared to 2.29±0.39mmol/L, p˂0.0001) and high density lipoprotein was (1.10±0.14 compared to 1.14±0.15 mmol/L).

Conclusion: In patients with mild hypothyroidism due to deranged lipid profile atherogenesis was observed. In continuation to it low high density lipoproteins were also observed in children and a raised triglyceride and low density lipoprotein in the adult population. On the other hand, in patients with mild hypothyroidism having low TSH levels no such abnormalities were observed.