Dextro-Thyroxine as a Cholesterol-Lowering Agent in Patients with Angina Pectoris

Abstract

In a double-blind study, 7 of 16 patients with moderate to severe angina noticed a definite increase in frequency and severity of attacks of angina pectoris while receiving 4 mg of D-thyroxine daily. Significant lowering of total cholesterol, phos-pholipid, and [beta]-lipoprotein was observed with 4 mg of D-thyroxine. A combination of 2 mg of D-thyroxine and 0.25 mg of stilbestrol daily, although not ideal, was the most satisfactory compromise between lipid and clinical effects in the present study. Guanethidine did not prevent the increase in frequency of attacks of angina pectoris noticed by patients receiving D-thyroxine. Reserpine also failed in this respect.