Blood Pressure and Thyroid
A specific cause of high blood pressure can be found in only about 1015 percent of all hypertension cases. These are referred to as secondary hypertension. In these cases, the high blood pressure is seen as a consequence of an underlying condition.
The thyroid is a hormone-producing gland. It sits in the lower neck like a butterfly – just below the voice box. Its main function is to produce the thyroid hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) and the peptide hormone calcitonin, and to store iodine, which the thyroid needs to make these hormones.
Besides an overactive thyroid, an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) can also raise blood pressure in the long term. This is not due to a direct effect on the heart, but rather to effects on the blood vessels. An underactive thyroid releases fewer thyroid hormones into the blood. Over time, the lack of these hormones makes the blood vessels stiffer, that is, less flexible, and thus increases the resistance they offer. This particularly affects the diastolic, lower blood pressure value, causing it to rise. However, hypothyroidism can also lead to low blood pressure because cardiac output may decrease.
When treating secondary hypertension, treating the underlying disease is essential. In this case, the focus will be on treating the thyroid dysfunction. If blood pressure does not drop sufficiently as a result, blood pressure medications tailored to the situation can be used in addition.
Sources:
- https://www.aponet.de/service/nai/2011/8b/schilddruese-setzt-blutgefaesse-unter-druck.html
- https://www.deutsches-schilddruesenzentrum.de/wissenswertes/schilddruesenerkrankungen/schilddruesenueberfunktion/
- https://www.springermedizin.de/schilddruese-und-blutdruck/8040652
- https://www.kup.at/kup/pdf/4314.pdf
- https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schilddrüse
This article comes from BloodPressureDB – the leading app since 2011 that helps hundreds of thousands monitor their blood pressure every day.
Our content is based on carefully researched, evidence-based data and is continuously updated (as of 04/2024).
Author Sabine Croci is a qualified medical assistant with many years of experience in internal medicine and cardiology practices as well as in outpatient care, and has led BloodPressureDB's specialist editorial team since 2015. Thanks to her extensive additional qualifications as a paramedic, first responder and in various therapy and emergency areas, she provides solid, practical and reliably reviewed information.
Author Sabine Croci is a qualified medical assistant with many years of experience in internal medicine and cardiology practices as well as in outpatient care, and has led BloodPressureDB's specialist editorial team since 2015. Thanks to her extensive additional qualifications as a paramedic, first responder and in various therapy and emergency areas, she provides solid, practical and reliably reviewed information.
