Prevalence and Prognostic Effects of Thyroid Abnormalities in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome.

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is an umbrella term used to describe a range of conditions associated with sudden, reduced blood flow to the heart. ACS includes conditions such as: Unstable Angina, Non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI) And ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI). The morbidity and mortality due to ACS are substantial-nearly half of all deaths due to coronary heart disease occur following an ACS .

Thyroid abnormalities, particularly hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, are relatively common in patients with ACS. Studies indicate that thyroid dysfunction can affect cardiovascular health, influencing the risk and prognosis of ACS. Reports suggest prevalence rates of Hypothyroidism 10-20% and Hyperthyroidism range from 1-5% in ACS patients .

Hypothyroidism is associated with elevated cholesterol levels, increased vascular stiffness, and heightened inflammation, can lead to reduced cardiac output and heart rate and increased incidence of heart failure and arrhythmias. all of which can exacerbate coronary artery disease and contributing to worse outcomes during ACS event. Hypothyroid patients often have a slower recovery and poorer response to standard ACS treatments, including thrombolytics and antiplatelet therapy.

Hyperthyroidism raises heart rate and contractility, leading to increased myocardial oxygen demand, which can worsen ischemia during ACS, Patients are more susceptible to arrhythmias, which can complicate ACS and lead to higher morbidity and mortality, Hyperthyroidism can cause vascular endothelial dysfunction, increasing the risk of thrombotic events during ACS and Patients may respond differently to standard ACS therapies, necessitating careful monitoring and potential adjustment of treatment strategies.

Patients with concurrent thyroid dysfunction often experience higher morbidity and mortality rates, So thyroid function should be routinely assessed in ACS patients, as early detection and management of thyroid abnormalities can improve clinical outcomes.