Studies on Serum T3, T4, TSH, Progesterone and Oestrogen in Cardiovascular Disease Patients

Aim: This research was done to ascertain if thyroid hormones and female sex hormones (progesterone and estrogen) play a role or are a risk factor in the development of cardiovascular diseases.

Study Design: This is an observational study, specifically a case-control study.

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at Enugu State University Teaching Hospital for six months.

Methodology: Blood samples were collected from 20 persons with cardiovascular disease. The sera from the study subjects were estimated for T3, T4, and TSH using the ELISA technique. The same parameters were estimated in 20 healthy individuals, and the results from both groups were analysed using SPSS version 21.

Results: There were no significant differences in serum T3, T4 and TSH, Progesterone and Estradiol (p=0.236, p=0.834, p=0.412, p=0.995 and p=0.512, respectively) in cardiovascular disease patients compared with controls. There were no significant differences in serum T3, Progesterone, Estradiol and TSH (p=0.443, p=0.291, p=0.612 and p=0.550, respectively) in male cardiovascular disease patients compared to female cardiovascular disease patients. There was a significantly higher level of T4 (p=0.042) in male cardiovascular disease patients compared to female cardiovascular disease patients. A significant negative correlation of serum TSH with T4 (r=-0.759, p=0.000) in cardiovascular disease patients. There was no significant correlation of serum TSH with T3 (r=-0.131, p=0.560) in cardiovascular disease patients. There was a significant positive correlation of Serum Progesterone with Estradiol (r=0.815, p=0.000) in cardiovascular disease patients.

Conclusion: T4, T3, and TSH serum levels may not be associated with the development of cardiovascular diseases in this environment. Also, serum progesterone may have a linear association with estradiol in cardiovascular disease patients.