Thyroid disorders are amongst the most prevalent of medical conditions possibly after diabetes. The prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in adults in the general population ranges from 1 to 10 percent, and is even higher in selected groups. In the United Kingdom, 1–2% of the adult population is found to have thyroid dysfunction. It is interesting to note that thyroxin is the sixth most commonly dispensed drug in Scotland. Virtually all studies report higher prevalence rates for hypothyroidism in women and with advancing age.

Abnormal thyroid functions have important public health consequences. Suppressed TSH levels have been associated with decreased bone density and with an increased risk of atrial fibrillation and premature atrial beat. It has been known for decades that overt hypothyroidism contributes to elevated serum cholesterol levels and cardiovascular risk and recent studies suggest this may also be true with subclinical hypothyroidism.

About the Author

Dr Syed Khalid Imam is an Assistant Professor of Medicine and Consultant Endocrinologist. He acquired Fellowship in Internal Medicine from College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan (CPSP) and Fellowship in Endocrinology from American College of Endocrinology (FACE). He was trained as a Clinical Fellow in Endocrinology at Liaquat National Hospital and Medical College, Karachi-Pakistan, one of the biggest tertiary care hospitals of the country running in to a private sector.

He was affiliated with the above mentioned institute for more than fifteen years and accomplished post graduate training, professional and career growth from this renowned health care industry. He fulfilled his responsibilities for several years as Head Department of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, program Director of Internal Medicine Residency Training, Chairman Research and Ethics Committee. He is also a supervisor of Endocrinology Fellowship of CPSP.

He is amember of American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, Member Pakistan Chapter of American Association of Clinical Endocrinologist and an executive member of Pakistan Endocrine Society and served as the General Secretary of the society as well. He also serves as a member of an executive advisory panel of International Foundation for Mother and Child Health (IFMCH).

He had several publications and review articles at national and international journals and participated in many conferences as i

nvited speaker. Obesity and diabetes are his areas of special interest and research.

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