Utility of Atherogenic Index of Plasma as a Cardiovascular Risk Factor in Sub-Clinical Hypothyroid Patients

Background: Atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) is a reliable indicator of the likelihood of developing atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease. The objective of this study was to assess the AIP as a cardiovascular risk factor in subclinical hypothyroid patients, in predicting cardiovascular risk in patients of subclinical hypothyroidism. Methods: This prospective, cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital-based laboratory. Patients with Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) values between 4.5–10 IU/L and normal T4 were enrolled in the study. The participants were tested after fasting 8–10 hours and at least 3 days of fat-free diet for lipid profile analyzed on an automated chemistry analyzer. Data were analysed using SPSS-22. The odds ratio test was used to assess the risk of outcome keeping 1 as a positive measure to encounter outcome. Results: A total of 170 patients were enrolled in the study. Their mean age was 44.7±10.8 years. The AIP results indicated 118 (69.4%) as high risk, 41 (24.1%) as intermediate risk, and 11 (6.4%) as low risk (p<0.001). The assessment of outcome risk results indicated a positive association of exposure to outcome in TSH value of 6–7 mIU/L as OR 2.15 (CI: 1.81–4.13) while TSH value of 8–9 mIU/L as OR 1.08 (CI: 0.71–2.16). Conclusion: Sub-clinical hypothyroidism is associated with a higher risk of AIP especially with TSH levels of 4–8 mIU/L and age group of <50 years. Pak J Physiol 2024;20(2):7-10