Hypocholesterolemic Effect of Tetraiodothyroformic Acid on Brittle Coronary Patients

Abstract

The inverse relationship of lipemia and the body metabolism has been established.^1-9 Hurxthal, in 1934, demonstrated that, within limits, the blood cholesterol level reflects the thyroid activity.⁹ Thyroid deficiency is accompanied by an elevated blood cholesterol level, while in hyperthyroidism, the blood cholesterol level is usually below normal. There are many studies which suggest a relationship between the incidence of arteriosclerosis and hypercholesterolemia.^10-12 The search for hypocholesterolemic agents which might prevent arteriosclerotic narrowing of the blood vessels has been exhaustive and frustrating. While it has long been recognized that desiccated thyroid will reduce blood cholesterol levels in the hypercholesterolemic patient, the amount of thyroid which must be administered is of such a magnitude that it often induces a strong calorigenic or adrenergic effect. It is also difficult to administer thyroxin in sufficient amounts to lower the hyperlipemia without the induction of adverse effects such as palpitation due