SERUM HIGH-DENSITY LIPOPROTEIN CHOLESTEROL CONCENTRATIONS IN HYPOTHYROIDISM AND HYPERTHYRODISM

  • 1 January 1980
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 26  (5) , 584-587
Abstract
Alterations in the concentration of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and of other lipid categories (total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides) in serum in hypo- and hyperthyroid states were studied, and these findings were compared with those for a control group. In the latter group the lipids showed an age-related increase in concentration but with a decrease in the 8th decade in all categories. In untreated hypo- and hyperthyroid subjects, all lipid values differed significantly from those of the controls but promptly returned to normal values upon treatment. In hypothyroid patients who are prone to develop coronary heart disease, the concentrations of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were high, suggesting protection against heart disease, while the ratio to total cholesterol indicated the contrary. The exact opposite of these relationships was seen in hyperthyroid disorders. This apparent paradox suggests that the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in serum, with its established atherogenic effect, should be given at least equal, if not more, weight than the concentration of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in serum, with its alleged protective effect.