Why the study?
Hypothyroidism may be associated with changes in autonomic regulation of the cardiovascular system that could have clinical implications, but its impact on HRV needed systematic evaluation.
Does untreated hypothyroidism alter heart rate variability compared to healthy controls?
Population
11438 patients across 17 studies (1163 hypothyroid patients and 10275 healthy controls)
Comparison
Untreated hypothyroidism vs healthy controls
Design
Systematic review and random-effects meta-analysis
Key result
Untreated hypothyroidism was associated with decreased heart rate variability, including a significant reduction in SDNN (effect size -1.27; 95% CI -1.72 to -0.83; p<0.001) versus healthy controls.
Authors
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Reduced SDNN signals autonomic dysfunction warranting closer monitoring; confirms large, consistent HRV impairment across >11k participants.
Meta-Analysis (n=11,438)
Does untreated hypothyroidism alter heart rate variability compared to healthy controls?
Standardized Mean Difference: -1.27 (95% CI -1.72–-0.83)
p-value: p=<0.001
Untreated hypothyroidism is associated with decreased heart rate variability, characterized by increased sympathetic and decreased parasympathetic activity, which worsens with disease severity.
Brusseau et al. (2022) conducted a meta-analysis in Hypothyroidism (n=11,438). Untreated hypothyroidism vs. Healthy controls was evaluated on SDNN (standard deviation of RR intervals) (Effect size -1.27, 95% CI -1.72 to -0.83, p=<0.001). Untreated hypothyroidism was associated with decreased heart rate variability, including a significant reduction in SDNN (effect size -1.27; 95% CI -1.72 to -0.83; p<0.001) versus healthy controls.