Heart in hypothyroidism--an echocardiographic study.

55 individuals, 44 of whom served as patients and 11 as controls were included in this study. Patient group was further divided into overt and subclinical hypothyroid group each having 22 patients. Patients were examined in a prospective manner and results compared with control group with an aim to evaluate the effect of hypothyroidism subclinical and overt on cardiac status by echocardiography. Variables of heart structure and function were assessed by cross sectional and Doppler echocardiography. IVS dimensions were significantly raised in moderate subclinical and in severe overt hypothyroidism (mean 0.911 +/- 0.038 and 0.973 +/- 0.217 cm). LVPW thickness was significantly increased only in overt hypothyroidism (mean 1.378 +/- 0.246). However RVW and LVID showed no definite pattern of change. Pericardial effusion and Diastolic dysfunction was seen in significant cases only in overt hypothyroidism. To conclude, hypothyroidism both subclinical and overt is associated with cardiovascular alteration both structural and functional. IVS and LVPW thickness are markedly affected, as well as there is impairment of left ventricular function more in diastole.