Parathyroid disorders may increase cardiovascular risk

Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) and chronic hypoparathyroidism (HypoPT) increase cardiovascular risk by promoting oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, and heightened platelet aggregation, with PHPT showing the most severe effects, according to a study.

The cross-sectional study examined 120 individuals, including 40 patients with PHPT, 40 patients with HypoPT, and 40 matched controls. Researchers found that both parathyroid disorders were linked to elevated oxidative stress markers. Patients with PHPT exhibited the most significant impairments, with reduced nitric oxide levels, diminished flow-mediated vasodilation, and increased carotid intimal-media thickness.

Platelet aggregation was also heightened in both groups, with patients with PHPT showing the most pronounced increase. Elevated levels of soluble P-selectin and thromboxane B2 further suggested a pro-thrombotic state.

Reference
Naciu AM, Nusca A, Palermo A, et al. Platelet function and markers of atherothrombotic risk in subjects with parathyroid disorders: a cross-sectional study. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2025;dgaf138. doi: 10.1210/clinem/dgaf138. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40037625.