What’s already known about this topic?
Overt hypothyroidism has been associated with increased fatal and nonfatal cardiovascular disease. However, studies of the association of subclinical hypothyroidism and cardiovascular risk have shown controversial results, particularly in mild subclinical hypothyroidism (thyrotropin [TSH] <10 µIU/ml).
In terms of cardiovascular risk prediction, carotid intima-media thickness is a marker of atherosclerosis well studied.