The Effects of Thyroid Status on Blood Pressure in a Diabetic Patient among the Saudi Population

• Published in: King Khalid University Journal of Health Sciences Vol. 9; no. 2; pp. 135 - 141
• Main Author: Alqahtani, Saif Aboud M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: India Wolters Kluwer - Medknow 01.07.2024
• Edition: 2
• Subjects: Original Article; Blood pressure; diabetes mellitus; hypertension; thyroid dysfunction
• ISSN: 2772-4832; 2772-4840
• DOI: 10.4103/KKUJHS.KKUJHS_8_24

Abstract Background: The thyroid hormones are crucial in regulating metabolism, energy production, and the functioning of various organs, including the heart. Imbalances in thyroid hormones can affect cardiovascular health, leading to potential links with blood pressure (BP) and diabetes. Objective: The objective of this study was to explore the impact of thyroid status on BP among diabetic individuals in Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted on the laboratory findings of 11,632 individuals (5764 females and 5868 males) diagnosed with diabetes mellitus. These participants were screened for the effects of thyroid status and BP over 1 year in various regions of Saudi Arabia. Baseline demographic characteristics, hemoglobin A1c, thyroid profile, and BP were included in the screening process. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS statistics. Results: Among different age groups, the 41-60 age group predominated, with females representing 44.3% (n = 1974) and males 55.7% (n = 2486). BP was significantly higher in females (P < 0.001). Distinct thyroid profiles were evident, with females having higher free thyroxine levels (1.01 ± 0.16) compared to males (0.99 ± 0.14) (P < 0.001). Abnormal BP prevalence varied across thyroid categories. Primary hypothyroidism in females showed a significantly higher prevalence of hypertension (HTN) (72.5%) than in males (27.5%) (P = 0.002). Subclinical hypothyroidism exhibited gender-based disparities, with 62.2% of females and 37.8% of males having HTN (P < 0.001). Correlation analysis revealed a significant positive association between thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels and systolic BP (SBP) (r = 0.29, P = 0.004). Regression analysis indicated TSH as a significant risk factor for higher SBP (B = 0.246, P = 0.001). Conclusion: Our study reveals gender-based age and BP variations, emphasizing the link between hypothyroidism and HTN in diabetic individuals. There is a significant positive association between TSH levels and SBP.