Estimation of thyroid function by timing the arterial sounds

Abstract

The timing of the Korotkoff arterial sounds with reference to the electrocardiogram provides an objective index of thyroid function which is precise, accurate, rapid, innocuous, inexpensive, and independent of iodine metabolism. QK_dis the interval between the QRS and the onset of Korotkoff sounds at diastolic pressure. The QK_dvalue in 80 euthyroid subjects had a normal range of 186 to 235 msec. Ten patients with hypothyroidism had QK_dvalues ranging from 230 to 320 msec.