Early activation of an altered thyroid hormone profile in asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic idiopathic left ventricular dysfunction

BACKGROUND: Although an altered thyroid metabolism has been documented in patients with overt heart failure, no evaluation has been made of a heart-thyroid interaction in mildly symptomatic patients with idiopathic left ventricular dysfunction (ILVD). We wanted to assess the thyroid state in patients with ILVD. METHODS AND RESULTS: Eighty-six patients (age 60 +/- 10 years) were enrolled into the study. Thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), thyrotropin, brain and atrial natriuretic peptides (BNP, ANP), noradrenaline, aldosterone, renin activity, and interleukin-6 were measured. Patients were divided into three groups: Group N with LV ejection fraction (EF) or = 50% (n = 28), Group I with LVEF 35%- 50% (n