Blood Pressure and Thyroid

A specific trigger for hypertension can only be found in about 10-15 percent of all hypertension cases. These are referred to as secondary hypertension. Here, high blood pressure is seen as a consequence of an underlying condition.

Such an underlying condition can be a thyroid dysfunction. The thyroid is a hormone-producing gland. It is shaped like a butterfly and located in the lower neck area just below the larynx. Its main function is the production of the thyroid hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) and the peptide hormone calcitonin, as well as the storage of iodine, which the thyroid ultimately needs for hormone production.

In cases of hyperthyroidism, more thyroid hormones are released into the blood, which have effects on the heart and the vascular system. The influence of the hormones causes the heart to beat faster. The blood volume is also increased as a result. This, in turn, particularly affects the systolic (upper) blood pressure value: this also rises. The increase in blood pressure is usually moderate, as the increased blood volume is countered by another effect of the excess thyroid hormones. They also cause the blood vessels to dilate.

In addition to hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism can also increase blood pressure in the long term. Here, there is no direct effect on the heart, but rather an effect on the vascular system. A thyroid underfunction results in fewer thyroid hormones being released into the blood. The lack of hormones causes the blood vessels to become stiffer, meaning less flexible over time, thus increasing the resistance they offer. This particularly affects the diastolic (lower) blood pressure value, which rises as a result. However, in cases of hypothyroidism, low blood pressure can also occur, as the cardiac output decreases.

When treating secondary hypertension, addressing the underlying condition is essential. Therefore, the treatment of thyroid dysfunction will be the focus here. If blood pressure cannot be sufficiently lowered as a result, tailored blood pressure medications may be used in addition.

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By Sabine Croci. This article is medically reviewed. Last updated (04/2024).
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Blood Pressure and Thyroid

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