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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Does Hypothyroidism (underactive Thyroid Gland) Cause High Blood Pressure?

I have recently been diagnosed with severe hypothyroidism. I also have been diagnosed with sever high blood pressure which was always boarderline but never high. I am on medication for both now but still feel terrible, any comments on this would be much appreciated!
posted on Thu, 17 Dec 2009
Twitter Tue, 6 Jul 2010 Answered on
Twitter Sun, 18 Jul 2010 Last reviewed on
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  User's Response
's  Response
When I had half of my thyroid removed my blood pressure went from low/normal to very high. All my life I'd had stable blood pressure but the surgery changed things. I exercise, eat lots of fresh organics, sleep 8 hrs, and am not overweight. Lately I am dosing my medication based on my blood pressure and heart rate. By the way, when my blood pressure is high my heart rate is low and vice versa. I have found that timing of the doses makes a big difference. I take half of my medication sublingually in the AM on an empty stomach and the other half in the early afternoon. If I take my 2nd dose at 11:00am before lunch my heart rate is high and blood pressure is low. If I take my 2nd dose in the early afternoon after lunch then my heart rate is lower and my blood pressure is higher. There are times when I need more than my normal daily dose for example if I am going to run 6 miles. Other times I may need less if I am going to be napping in the afternoon. Doctors determine dosages based on resting fasting tests which aren't always indicative of active young adults who are running marathons or dancing the night away. I can eat right and exercise but that still doesn't change this. From this experience I can tell you that the thyroid and blood pressure are closely related. You will also find out that your cholesterol, calcium (heel spurs, carpal tunnel, receding gums), hair loss, and heart (murmurs) are all factors related to the thyroid. Good luck with your search for knowledge.
  User's Response
shigemi's  Response
It seems to me that you have two separate problems which are not related to each other. Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland) causes a lowering of the circulating thyroid hormone which in turn causes less activation of the sympathetic nervous system in the body which may result in a decrease in blood pressure; however u say that u've always had a borderline blood pressure, which was diagnosed to be high this time. I feel that you must be having a problem of high blood pressure for a long time and also the problem of hypothyroidism. The co existing hypothyroidism kept the high B.P. under control (because of its B.P. lowering effect). But the medication for hypothyroidism removed this effect and so your B.P. was found to be high this time. My advise to you is to continue with the medications for both the ailments and watch your diet as well as exercise regularly to keep your weight under control (as it might increase due to hypothyroidism, and aggravate the problem of high B.P.) and these would improve the quality of your life considerably. I hope this helps and if there's anything else i can help you with, i'd be glad to do so. Take Care. God Bless You!
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Does Hypothyroidism (underactive Thyroid Gland) Cause High Blood Pressure?

When I had half of my thyroid removed my blood pressure went from low/normal to very high. All my life I'd had stable blood pressure but the surgery changed things. I exercise, eat lots of fresh organics, sleep 8 hrs, and am not overweight. Lately I am dosing my medication based on my blood pressure and heart rate. By the way, when my blood pressure is high my heart rate is low and vice versa. I have found that timing of the doses makes a big difference. I take half of my medication sublingually in the AM on an empty stomach and the other half in the early afternoon. If I take my 2nd dose at 11:00am before lunch my heart rate is high and blood pressure is low. If I take my 2nd dose in the early afternoon after lunch then my heart rate is lower and my blood pressure is higher. There are times when I need more than my normal daily dose for example if I am going to run 6 miles. Other times I may need less if I am going to be napping in the afternoon. Doctors determine dosages based on resting fasting tests which aren't always indicative of active young adults who are running marathons or dancing the night away. I can eat right and exercise but that still doesn't change this. From this experience I can tell you that the thyroid and blood pressure are closely related. You will also find out that your cholesterol, calcium (heel spurs, carpal tunnel, receding gums), hair loss, and heart (murmurs) are all factors related to the thyroid. Good luck with your search for knowledge.