Inhypothyroidism, the thyroid gland fails to produce enough of the thyroid hormone thyroxine (also called T4).

In hypothyroidismin which the thyroid simply cannot make enough T4the TSH levels are almost always greatly elevated.

What Is Subclinical Hypothyroidism?

subclinical thyroidism

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There is quite a bit of controversy today regarding the true significance of subclinical hypothyroidism.

Perhaps the biggest concern with subclinical hypothyroidism is that it mayaffect the heartif the TSH level goes above 10.

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Another pooled analysis found a significantly increased risk ofheart failurein patients with subclinical hypothyroidism.

And several studies have associated subclinical hypothyroidism with increased cholesterol levels.

This fact gives credence to the idea that subclinical hypothyroidism may also negatively impact the heart.

The increase in cardiac risk seen with subclinical hypothyroidism is indeed the most worrisome feature of this condition.

Treatment

Subclinical hypothyroidism can be treated by giving thyroid hormone replacement therapy.

There is only limited evidence from clinical studies that treating subclinical hypothyroidism improves symptoms.

Similarly, evidence that treating subclinical hypothyroidism reduces the risk of heart disease is also limited.

No treatment benefit was seen in older patients with subclinical hypothyroidism.

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Patil N, Rehman A, Jialal I.Hypothyroidism.

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Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing.

A systematic review with meta-analysis on lipid profile.

doi:10.1001/archinternmed.2012.1159

Stockigt J.Clinical Strategies in the Testing of Thyroid Function.

In: Feingold KR, Anawalt B, Boyce A, et al., editors.

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South Dartmouth (MA): MDText.com, Inc.