# Assessment of Left Ventricular Strain Echocardiography in Individuals with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis and Its Association with Serum TIMP-1 Concentration

## TL;DR

This study shows that Hashimoto’s thyroiditis affects heart function, as seen in reduced left ventricular strain and higher TIMP-1 levels, regardless of thyroid hormone status.

## Contribution

The study reveals that LV strain impairment in Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is linked to TIMP-1 and anti-TPO, independent of thyroid hormone levels.

## Key findings

- HT patients had higher TIMP-1 levels and lower LV strain values than healthy controls.
- A negative correlation was found between LV strain and TIMP-1 and anti-TPO levels.
- Hypothyroid HT patients showed worse diastolic function and ejection fraction compared to euthyroid HT and controls.

## Abstract

Background: Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT), which is an autoimmune condition and the primary cause of hypothyroidism, has numerous impacts on the cardiovascular system. This research aimed to compare TIMP-1 levels and LV strain values in euthyroid HT, hypothyroid HT, and healthy control persons. Materials and Methods: This study included 40 hypothyroid HT patients, 42 HT patients who became euthyroid with thyroid hormone replacement therapy, and 40 healthy controls. All subjects had conventional echocardiography and STE. Global and segmental LV longitudinal strain values (LVGLS) were calculated. Participants’ blood was tested for TIMP-1, thyroid function, and anti-TPO. Results: Higher serum TIMP-1 levels were found in euthyroid and hypothyroid HT patients than in the control group. Additionally, patients with euthyroid and hypothyroid HT displayed lower segmental and global LV strain values than the control group. A negative correlation was observed between strain values and TIMP-1 and anti-TPO levels. No significant difference was observed in serum TIMP-1 and strain values between euthyroid and hypothyroid HT patients. Patients with hypothyroid HT exhibited impaired diastolic function and reduced ejection fraction when compared to both euthyroid HT and control groups. However, euthyroid HT patients and the controls had similar diastolic function and ejection fractions. Conclusions: Hashimoto’s thyroiditis causes impairment of LV strain, regardless of thyroid hormone levels. Additionally, the condition is associated with elevated TIMP-1 levels. The relationship between LV strain values and anti-TPO levels indicates that the autoimmune component of the disease may be responsible for the impaired LV strain.