Is Your Thyroid Causing Your High Blood Pressure
For most, high blood pressure, or hypertension is can be attributed to family history or lifestyle. For some, however, high blood pressure is the result of either an overactive or underactive thyroid.
An overactive thyroid, known as hyperthyroidism, is a condition where the thyroid gland produces too much of the thyroid hormone. When too much of this hormone is produced, the heart is forced to work harder than usual, which increases heart rate and raises blood pressure. Hyperthyroidism is the more common thyroid disorder that can cause hypertension.
Conversely, hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland is underactive and does not produce enough hormones. Hypothyroidism can weaken the heart muscle and heart rate, reducing the hearts pumping capacity and increase the stiffening of blood-vessel walls. The combination of these changes can lead to hypertension.
If a thyroid disorder is the reason for high blood pressure, adjustments in diet and lifestyle wont resolve the problem and medications may not be effective. If a patients blood pressure does not respond to conventional treatment, a doctor can perform tests to see if the thyroid is the cause.
In cases where hypertension due to a thyroid disorder is diagnosed, medications or supplemental hormones can be prescribed to control the thyroid gland and better control blood pressure.
Taking Blood Pressure Medications
It’s also entirely possible that you may suffer from high blood pressure from an unrelated cause!
The people I am talking to in this article are those who have normal blood pressure before they start taking thyroid medication and then suddenly experience high blood pressure.
If you have high blood pressure at baseline and then it stays high after taking thyroid medication then you probably just have high blood pressure from some other cause.
What’s important here is that some blood pressure medications can interfere with your thyroid function.
Medications like beta-blockers can slow down thyroid peripheral conversion which may make your thyroid medication slightly less efficient.
This can be a good and a bad thing.
If you find that you are incredibly sensitive to heart palpitations from your thyroid medication then using beta blockers may be the only way you can use thyroid medication without experiencing heart palpitations.
But, on the other hand, taking a beta-blocker for blood pressure can negatively impact your thyroid function and potentially make you feel worse.
The moral of the story is to try and AVOID taking blood pressure medications if you have thyroid disease on any type.
This means you will need to focus on the underlying cause of your elevated blood pressure instead of trying to cover it up with anti-hypertensives.
One of the major causes of high blood pressure is insulin resistance and obesity .
Avoid Gluten In Your Diet
Gluten is a type of protein commonly found in barley, rye, or wheat. It triggers the cells in the gut to release zonulin, a protein that can damage the tight junctions responsible for holding the intestines.
If the junctions break, leaky gut occurs. Avoiding gluten in your diet for high blood pressure and thyroid can help keep your gut in good shape, preventing the interruption of hormonal activities in the body.
Upon doing groceries, check the labels for gluten.
Also Check: Claritan And High Blood Pressure
How Are Thyroid Conditions Treated During Pregnancy And While Breastfeeding
Many medicines used to treat thyroid conditions during pregnancy are safe for your baby. Thyroid medicines can help keep the right level of thyroid hormones in your body. Your provider gives you blood tests during pregnancy to check your TSH and T4 levels to make sure your medicine is at the right amount . T4 is a hormone made by your thyroid.
If youre taking medicine for a thyroid condition before pregnancy, talk to your provider before you get pregnant. Your provider may want to adjust or change your medicine to make sure its safe for your baby. If youre already taking thyroid medicine when you get pregnant, keep taking it and talk to your provider about it as soon as possible.
Treating hyperthyroidism. If you have mild hyperthyroidism, you may not need treatment. If its more severe, you may need to take an antithyroid medicine. This medicine causes your thyroid to make less thyroid hormone.
Providers sometimes use radioactive iodine to treat hyperthyroidism. Pregnant women shouldnt take this medicine because it can cause thyroid problems in the baby.
Antithyroid medicines are safe to take at low doses while youre breastfeeding.
If you had hypothyroidism before getting pregnant, you most likely need to increase the amount of medicine you take during pregnancy. Talk to your health care provider about your medicine as soon as you find out youre pregnant. Your provider can check to make sure youre taking the right dose by checking your TSH levels during pregnancy.
Changes In Menstrual Cycle Or Sexual Performance
Hormonal changes are closely linked to sexual function. If you find that your period is becoming irregular, heavier, or more painful than before, or if you are experiencing stronger emotional symptoms tied to PMS, your thyroid might be the cause.
You might also experience difficulty with sexual performance or enjoyment. If you are having difficulty with libido or achieving orgasm or if you cannot maintain an erection, you could also be struggling with a thyroid-related symptom.
While these are uncomfortable issues to talk about, they should absolutely be addressed with us to rule out not only thyroid trouble but also anything else that might quietly be causing these issues.
Read Also: Claritin D Blood Pressure
Study Selection And Characteristics
Figure 1 shows the flowchart of study selection . Literature search of online databases identified a total of 5,836 records. Further screening titles and abstracts found 187 potentially relevant articles. Full-text evaluation excluded 158 articles. Thus, 29 articles were included in the final meta-analysis . Among them, 10 studies were RCTs including 1,637 participants and the other 19 studies were prospective follow-up studies including 571 participants .
Figure 1. Flowchart of study selection in the meta-analysis.
Table 1. Characteristics of 10 included randomized controlled trials.
Table 2. Characteristics of 19 prospective follow-up studies evaluating blood pressure levels before and after LT4 treatment in SCH patients.
About Dr Josh Redd Chiropractic Physician Utah Arizona New Mexico Functional Medicine
Dr. Joshua J. Redd, DC, MS, DABFM, DAAIM, author of The Truth About Low Thyroid: Stories of Hope and Healing for Those Suffering With Hashimotos Low Thyroid Disease, is a chiropractic physician and the founder of RedRiver Health and Wellness Center with practices in Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico. He sees patients from around the world who suffer from challenging thyroid disorders, Hashimotos disease, and other autoimmune conditions. In addition to his chiropractic degree, Dr. Redd has a BS in Health and Wellness, a BS in Anatomy, and a MS in Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine. He speaks across the nation, teaching physicians about functional blood chemistry, low thyroid, Hashimotos, and autoimmunity. You can join his Facebook page here.
You May Like: What Are Early Warning Signs Of Thyroid Cancer
Also Check: Reduce Blood Pressure Medication
Can Hyperthyroidism Cause High Blood Pressure
Most cases of hypertension are essential hypertension which typically closely associated with diet and lifestyles. But there is also another type of hypertension medically called secondary hypertension. Unlike in essential type, secondary type is much more associated with certain certain health problem . Kidneys disease ranks at the top cause in secondary type. Other causes include thyroid problem , sleep apnea, adrenal gland problems, tumors, abusing alcohol, pregnancy, and certain types of birth control pills.
What is thyroid?
You can find it just below the Adams apple . It is not more than an ounce.
Though thyroid is very small in size but it is vital and very important to help regulate your metabolism.
Almost all aspects of the metabolism in your body are influenced by this bow-shaped gland. Even the hormones released by thyroid can affect each cell of your body. So overall, its very important for your body to have a healthy thyroid because it has a significant impact on your health.
In general, there are two major hormones produced by thyroid. They are T-3 and T-4 . The following are some crucial functions of these hormones:
Effects Of Thyroid Hormone On Your Heart Rate
I’m mentioning heart rate here because both high blood pressure and heart palpitations tend to occur hand-in-hand.
Why?
Because thyroid medication is stimulating to both the FORCE and CONTRACTION of the heart.
If you increase the force with which your heart beats then you will naturally be increasing your blood pressure.
If you increase the contraction rate of the heart, along with the force with which it beats, then that is a recipe for a symptom known as heart palpitations.
This sensation can be uncomfortable for people and some people even describe it as painful.
But this condition needs to be differentiated from a rapid heart rate which is known as tachycardia .
It is certainly possible to have both heart palpitations AND tachycardia but they don’t always go together.
In fact, most people with heart palpitations do not have tachycardia, they just feel their own heart beating.
I find that most people are often surprised when I check their actual heart rate and find the rate to be in the 70’s .
People with heart palpitations feel like their heart rate must be racing, but that is usually not the case.
The way to deal with heart palpitations is very similar to the way to deal with blood pressure .
Recommended Reading: Apple Watch 2 Blood Pressure
Genetic Background Of Thyroid Function Affecting Blood Pressure
While a normal TSH and consequently fT4 and fT3 within the physiological range are essential in growth, differentiation and maintenance of adequate function of all human organs, several genetic defects have been evaluated and described in the route of thyroid hormone signaling during the past decade, including those with mutations in thyroid hormone transporters and receptors . According to novel studies, even minor changes in the thyroid hormone levels can affect bone mineral density , mental status , and can also lead to impaired metabolism , and increased cardiovascular risk . While the levels of the serum thyroid hormones show marked inter-individual variability, there is no significant intra-individual variability, as TSH values change very little during time . Based on these results a conclusion can be made that each individual has a unique thyroid set-point, defined by genetic and environmental factors such as iodine intake and smoking .
Thyroid Hormone: How It Affects Your Heart
|
Image: Thinkstock The thyoid gland, which wraps around the windpipe, releases hormones that have wideranging effects on the body. |
Too little or too much of this crucial hormone can contribute to heart problems.
Located at the base your throat, the butterfly-shaped thyroid gland releases hormones that affect every organ in your bodyespecially your heart. Thyroid hormone influences the force and speed of your heartbeat, your blood pressure, and your cholesterol level. As a result, a malfunctioning thyroid gland can cause problems that masquerade as heart disease or make existing heart disease worse.
An estimated 6% of people in the United States have thyroid disease. Most of themabout 80% have an underactive thyroid, or hypothyroidism. When thyroid levels drop, all the systems in the body slow down, triggering a range of symptoms that include fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, constipation, and dry skin. But these symptoms are very common in people as they grow older, including those with normal thyroid levels.
Don’t Miss: Can Spicy Food Cause High Blood Pressure
Thyroid Hormone Effect On Hypertension Aortic Stiffness
Am Fam Physician. 2002 Sep 1 66:851-852.
Hypertension, most commonly diastolic, is increased in patients with hypothyroidism because of increased peripheral vascular resistance. Hypertension is caused by hypothyroidism in 3 percent of patients with high blood pressure. Hypercholesterolemia and an increase in fatty acids are also associated with low thyroid function, thus increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Thyroid hormone supplementation does not always lower blood pressure. This failure of treatment may be related to impaired aortic elasticity and stiffness. Dernellis and Panaretou examined the effect of thyroid hormone supplementation in patients with hypothyroidism and hypertension. They also investigated the effect of treatment on aortic stiffness in these patients and the relationship between this factor and the blood pressure response.
The authors conclude that hypothyroidism causes aortic stiffness and hypertension . Thyroid hormone therapy decreases aortic stiffness, promoting decreased blood pressure in about 50 percent of these patients. Antihypertensive treatment further improves aortic elasticity and can decrease blood pressure among patients with hypertension and hypothyroidism whose blood pressure does not drop as thyroid function is normalized.
Read the full article.
- Get immediate access, anytime, anywhere.
- Choose a single article, issue, or full-access subscription.
- Earn up to 6 CME credits per issue.
Hypothyroidism And Hyperthyroidism Relationship To Blood Pressure
- note:
This article was written by a Medical Doctor and reviewed by the thyroid health experts at ThyroMate.
ThyroMate articles uses only proven, accurate, credible sources in order to provide accurate, fact-checked information about thyroid health that is helpful and objective. All references are linked throughout the article and sources for each are cited at the end. Visit these links to learn more about the research studies and conclusions drawn from the research methods.
Information contained on this website is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always consult your physician for questions related to your health.
The thyroid has always played a big part in the growth and development of the human body. Without the regulation of the thyroid gland, the body would be out of sync, and the results would be detrimental to someones health and wellbeing. Even though the thyroid gland is very small, located just below the Adams Apple around the throat, it has a big responsibility. Its functionality helps secrete hormones that influence the temperature of the body, developmental growth, metabolism, and blood pressure.
Between the thyroid and blood pressure, they both share connections with one another that may show warning signs to a patient and their doctor.
Read Also: Claritin And Blood Pressure Meds
Does Thyroid Affect Blood Pressure
- Date : 07 Dec 2021
Hypothyroidism can have an effect on the heart and circulatory system in some of ways. Insufficient thyroid hormone slows your heart rate. Because it additionally makes the arteries much less elastic, blood strain rises that allows you to flow into blood across the body. Elevated cholesterol levels, which make contributions to narrowed, hardened arteries, are some other feasible effect of low thyroid levels.
To get relief from thyroid by the Ayurvedic treatment do consult Dr. Inderjeet Singh Gautam.
Article related to below searches:
hypothyroidism low blood pressure and dizziness, diet for high blood pressure and thyroid, thyroid hypertension symptoms, treatment of hypertension in hyperthyroidism, can levothyroxine lower blood pressure, best blood pressure medication for hypothyroidism, can levothyroxine cause high blood pressure, can thyroid medication cause high blood pressure,
Muscle Aches And Trouble Swallowing
Muscle aches throughout the body are sometimes associated with abnormal thyroid levels. If your muscle aches have recently onset without any other obvious causes, a thyroid disorder is one likely cause. Rarely, muscle breakdown can also occur. If you find that you are unable to build toned muscle, reach out to your physician.
On a similar vein, because the thyroid is located in the neck, the neck muscles are usually the first to experience these symptoms. This includes the muscles associated with swallowing. If you are struggling to swallow, this could be another signs of thyroid problems.
Also Check: Can Soy Milk Affect Your Thyroid
Read Also: Does Claritin D Cause High Blood Pressure
Hypertension And Increased Cardiovascular Risk In Subclinical Hyperthyroidism
Subclinical hyperthyroidism is defined as a subnormal serum TSH value accompanied by T4 and T3 within the normal reference range. The change in thyroid function needs to be evaluated and confirmed by a second laboratory measurement after 36 months . The prevalence of subclinical hyperthyroidism can be detected more frequently in iodine depleted areas and increases with advancing age . According to the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 0.7% of 16,533 people were reported to have subclinical hyperthyroidism these subjects were not taking thyroid medication . Subclinical hyperthyroidism can be classified into two categories: Grade 1, with a mild decrease of serum TSH , and Grade 2, with a more marked TSH decrease .
The long exposure of the heart to subclinical hyperthyroidism leads to an altered cardiac morphology and function. As a consequence, left ventricular function changes: systolic function is enhanced, while diastolic function becomes impaired, a slowed myocardial relaxation is present resulting in an increase of left ventricular mass as well as increased heart rate and arrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation .
Although lipid profile is not affected unfavorably in subclinical hyperthyroidism, endothelial dysfunction and increased thrombogenicity is present .
How Is Graves Disease In A Newborn Treated
With treatment right away, babies usually recover fully within a few weeks. But Graves disease may recur during the first 6 months to 1 year of life. The goal of treatment is to restore the thyroid gland to normal function so it makes normal levels of thyroid hormone.
Treatment may include:
- Fast growth that slows and then stops early, leading to short height
Recommended Reading: Does Claritin Cause High Blood Pressure