ABSTRACT
Background: Several studies worldwide have studied the correlation between subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH), and metabolic syndrome (MetS), but have reported inconsistent findings. Objectives: To assess the correlation between SCH and MetS in a population from Saudi Arabia. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted at King Abdulaziz University Hospital and analyzed all thyroid function tests conducted between January 1, 2019, to December 31, 2021. A predesigned checklist was used to collect data about patients' characteristics such as age, gender, nationality, TSH, FT4 level, and MetS components. Results: A total of 41,519 thyroid function tests were conducted during the study period. From this, 1303 (3.1%) patients were found to have SCH, with the majority being females (74.4%). The prevalence did not differ according to gender but increased to 3.5% among those aged >60 years. MetS components between mildly and markedly elevated TSH were significant for total cholesterol (P < 0.001) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P < 0.05). Male patients with SCH were at a higher risk of developing diabetes (P < 0.001) and hypertension (P < 0.02), than female patients with SCH. After adjusting for age, in the multiple stepwise linear regression analysis, a significant association was found between TSH levels and ALT (odds ratio: 0.77) and SBP (odds ratio: 0.35). Conclusion: The study demonstrated that the prevalence of SCH is similar between both genders but increases with age. MetS components were abnormal in patients aged >50 years and in males with SCH. SCH and MetS components were found to be correlated, and thus monitoring these variables in patients with SCH is advisable.
ABSTRACT
Background Coronary artery disease (CAD) remains a significant cause of death and morbidity in people globally despite advances in treatment. Prevention of CAD risk factors is crucial to reducing its prevalence. We conducted this study to determine the incidence of CAD from 2019 to 2020 in King Abdulaziz University Hospital (KAUH), Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), and its major risk factors among this population. Method This retrospective study involved all patients diagnosed with CAD at KAUH in 2019 and 2020. We analyzed validated hospital data to determine the incidence of CAD and identify the risk factors among participants. The incidence of CAD was calculated based on the total number of patients admitted to KAUH by gender, age group, and nationality (Saudi/non-Saudi). Result The study included 1,364 patients with a mean age of 49 years. Most patients were men (n=1,050; 77%), with fewer women (n=314; 23%), and 71.2% were non-Saudi. The incidence of CAD in 2019 was 220.98 per 10,000, and the incidence in 2020 was 3,030.52 per 10,000. However, the incidence for 2020 was confounded by the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic-related restrictions affecting hospital admissions. The most common diagnosis was acute transmural myocardial infarction, and patients aged <60 years had a significantly high incidence of hypertension, high total cholesterol levels, low low-density lipoprotein levels, and high triglyceride levels. Patients ≥60 years had a significantly high incidence of chronic kidney disease, low hemoglobin levels, history of ischemic heart disease, and intensive care unit or critical care unit admission. Conclusion The study demonstrated a significant rise in CAD incidence associated with advanced age and male sex. Further prevention and control of these risk factors would be essential to decrease the incidence of CAD. A national community-based prevention effort should be implemented to avoid the expected CAD epidemic in KSA.
