Arteriosclerosis and Hypothyroidism: Observations on Their Possible Interrelationship

Abstract

This study was confined to 293 subjects who were 55 yrs. or older and in whom no metabolic disorders or other factors were present which might abnormally influence the B.M.R. The presence or absence of arteriosclerosis as gauged by clinical criteria was correlated with the B.M.R. The incidence of hypometabolism in these subjects was greater for those exhibiting arteriosclerosis than for those without arteriosclerotic manifestations. Theoretical considerations relating the activity of the thyroid gland to the aging process were discussed.