Can Hypothyroidism Cause High Blood Pressure? The Potential Link Between Thyroid Function and Heart Health
If you have hypothyroidism and recently noticed higher blood pressure readings, it makes sense to wonder whether the two are connected. Thyroid hormones influence your heart, blood vessels, circulation, and metabolism, so changes in thyroid function can affect more than your energy levels.
o, does hypothyroidism cause high blood pressure? In some people, yes. An underactive thyroid may increase resistance within the blood vessels and contribute to higher blood pressure, particularly diastolic pressure. However, hypothyroidism is only one possible factor, and high blood pressure can have several causes.
Below, we’ll explain the connection between hypothyroidism and high blood pressure, what may cause blood pressure changes, which symptoms to watch for, and how medical care, nutrition, and lifestyle habits can support your health.
Table of Contents
Can Hypothyroidism Affect Blood Pressure?
Yes. Hypothyroidism can affect blood pressure because thyroid hormones play an important role in cardiovascular function and circulation.
About 10% of high blood pressure cases are considered secondary hypertension, meaning elevated BP is caused by another identifiable condition. Endocrine disorders are among the possible causes. Although hypothyroidism is not considered the main cause of secondary hypertension, thyroid dysfunction can still contribute to elevated blood pressure in some people.
Research also suggests that other lifestyle and nutrition factors can drastically improve hypertension levels, making the broader picture important when managing hypothyroidism and high blood pressure.
Because several factors can influence both thyroid function and blood pressure, and research is still developing around the exact relationship between the two, professional guidance can be especially valuable when deciding what changes may be appropriate for you.
At HealthierU, Dr. Donna Sergi can help you explore personalized nutrition and lifestyle strategies that complement your medical care. Request a nutrition consultation today to get started.
Why Does Hypothyroidism Cause High Blood Pressure?
The connection between thyroid function and blood pressure is complex. Low thyroid hormone levels can influence several processes involved in cardiovascular health. Rather than one single mechanism explaining hypothyroidism and high blood pressure, several changes may contribute.
These include:
- Increased resistance within the blood vessels
- Changes in arterial flexibility
- Changes in cholesterol levels
- Fluid retention
- Changes in heart function
Not everyone with hypothyroidism develops hypertension, and high blood pressure may have additional causes. However, understanding these connections can help explain why blood pressure monitoring may be important for someone who has an underactive thyroid.
#1: Increased Resistance in the Blood Vessels
One possible answer to the connection between hypothyroidism and high blood pressure involves increased peripheral vascular resistance.
When resistance within the blood vessels increases, the heart must move blood against greater pressure. The increased resistance, combined with lower cardiac output, is one potential link between hypothyroidism and diastolic hypertension.
This helps explain why hypothyroidism can influence blood pressure even though an underactive thyroid may also slow heart rate. The connection can vary from person to person, so elevated blood pressure should always be evaluated in the context of other cardiovascular and health factors.
#2: Increased Arterial Stiffness
Healthy arteries need to expand and contract as blood moves through them. Hypothyroidism has been associated with increased arterial stiffness. When arteries become less flexible, the cardiovascular system may have a harder time adapting to changes in blood flow and pressure.
#3: Changes in Cholesterol and Cardiovascular Health
Thyroid hormones also play a role in cholesterol metabolism and cardiovascular function.
Hypothyroidism may contribute to increased cholesterol levels along with changes in blood vessels and circulation. These effects may add to a person’s overall cardiovascular risk, particularly when other risk factors are already present.
This does not mean every person with hypothyroidism will experience cardiovascular problems. Instead, thyroid function should be considered as one part of a broader picture that may also include blood pressure, cholesterol, nutrition, activity levels, family history, and other health conditions.
Symptoms of Hypothyroidism and High Blood Pressure
One challenge with high blood pressure is that it may not cause noticeable symptoms, making routine blood pressure checks important.
Hypothyroidism, however, may cause symptoms including:
- Fatigue
- Feeling unusually cold
- Dry skin
- Constipation
- Weight gain
- Difficulty concentrating
- Muscle aches or weakness
- Depression or low mood
- Heavy or irregular menstrual periods
Hypothyroidism is especially common among women, and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is a common cause of an underactive thyroid.
If you experience several possible thyroid symptoms along with consistently elevated blood pressure readings, talk with your healthcare provider about whether thyroid testing may be appropriate.
Managing Blood Pressure with Hypothyroidism
Testing
If your doctor suspects that you may have a thyroid imbalance, they will likely order a panel of blood tests to discover your T3, T4, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels, and thyroid antibodies.
Doctors may order the TSH test first and then order the T3 and T4 tests if TSH levels come back low. The
assessment of TSH is an incredibly useful test that can provide valuable insight into thyroid function for many patients. Luckily, most insurance plans typically cover these tests.
Treating the Underlying Hypothyroidism
The standard medical treatment for clinical hypothyroidism is thyroid hormone replacement, most commonly levothyroxine. Treatment aims to restore thyroid hormone levels to an appropriate range.
Correcting thyroid hormone levels may also improve some cardiovascular effects associated with hypothyroidism. Research has found that thyroid hormone replacement can reduce arterial stiffness and may improve blood pressure in some people.
So, will hypothyroidism cause high blood pressure that automatically disappears after thyroid treatment? Not necessarily. Some people may still require separate treatment or lifestyle changes to manage hypertension.
Adding Personalized Nutrition and Lifestyle Support
Nutrition cannot replace necessary medical treatment for hypothyroidism or hypertension, but healthy eating and lifestyle habits can complement your care.
A personalized approach may consider:
- Your typical eating habits
- Nutrient intake
- Physical activity
- Sleep
- Stress
- Weight-management goals
- Other health concerns
This can be particularly helpful because there is no single diet that works for every woman with hypothyroidism or Hashimoto’s disease.
At
HealthierU, Dr. Donna Sergi takes a holistic approach to nutrition, helping women explore sustainable dietary and lifestyle changes based on their individual needs rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all plan.
6 Lifestyle Changes to Get Your Thyroid and Blood Pressure Under Control
#1: Eat a Heart-Healthy Diet
Eat a balanced, nutritious diet that prioritizes whole foods. This is key to improving overall health, regulating thyroid hormone levels, and lowering blood pressure levels. Speak with a holistic nutritionist at HealthierU to learn what foods may lead to substantial improvements in your overall health, especially as they relate to thyroid dysregulation and hypertension.
Here are some whole foods that you should consider incorporating into your diet if you have thyroid issues:
- Seaweed
- Fish
- Eggs
- Brazil nuts
- Leafy greens
- Berries
- Beef and lamb
#2: Exercise Regularly
Getting regular moderate to intense exercise is important for heart health. The
American Heart Association recommends that you get at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes per week of vigorous aerobic activity.
#3: Quit or Avoid Smoking
Smoking exacerbates high blood pressure and can negatively impact thyroid function, potentially increasing the risk of Graves' hyperthyroidism.
If you are already diagnosed with hyperthyroidism and/or hypertension and undergoing treatment, smoking may render the treatment less effective. We recommend quitting smoking if it is a habit you currently have.
#4: Manage Stress Levels
High stress levels can exacerbate thyroid level imbalances and high blood pressure. Chronic stress, in particular, is dangerous.
Try to find ways to manage your stress levels, such as:
- Meditation
- Therapy
- Journaling
- Investing time in hobbies
- Movement
- Sunlight
- Fresh air
#5: Improve Sleep
Getting enough sleep and getting quality sleep is good for overall health in so many ways.
Try the following tips to improve your sleep:
- Sleep in a dark room.
- Do not use electronic devices for at least one hour before bedtime.
- Develop a bedtime routine.
- Stick to a regular sleep schedule.
- Get exercise every day, but not too close to bedtime.
#6: Take Supplements
Natriuretic peptides are hormones secreted by the heart that play a crucial role in regulating blood volume, blood pressure, and sodium and water balance.
The following nutrients can influence natriuretic peptide levels and improve heart health:
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- Vitamin D
- Melatonin
Speak with a holistic health care practitioner today to learn what supplements can help restore thyroid health and lower blood pressure.
Naturally Restore Your Thyroid Function and Blood Pressure with HealthierU
Learning to implement natural lifestyle changes into your daily routines can help restore your thyroid function and improve your blood pressure so you can feel better while having control of your thyroid symptoms.
Dr. Sergi at HealthierU will walk you through testing, natural treatment options, lifestyle shifts, diet changes, and supplement additions that can change your health for the better when it comes to hyperthyroidism and high blood pressure. By combining her backgrounds in holistic nutrition and chiropractic care, Dr. Sergi is uniquely qualified to dive deep into what’s going on with you.
Finding the right
natural treatment for hypothyroidism with HealthierU can provide the solutions you seek. Contact us today to get started.
