would low thyroid cause elevated blood pressure?

orbin howard,

Thanks for your interesting question.

Low thyroid function (hypothyroidism) is associated with high blood pressure (hypertension), and one study states that it is responsible for 3 % of all cases of hypertension.  Many researchers feel this is due to excessive narrowing of blood vessels called vasoconstriction, as well as stiffness of major blood vessels like the aorta.  Others add that a slower pulse rate and the reduced pumping capacity of the heart also contribute to hypertension.

The good news is that the elevation in blood pressure is usually mild, and in almost all cases, the pressure returns to normal with treatment of the hypothyroidism.  The other good news is that hypothyroidism is easily treated.

To answer your question of who you should see, I would start with your primary care physician who will keep the big picture in mind when evaluating and treating you.  Primary doctors see a large number of patients with thyroid disease, as well as patients with hypertension, and are certainly qualified to handle this situation.

Best wishes.

Martin Cane, M.D.

Yes. A high TSH level suggests hypothyroidism, which is definitely linked to high blood pressure. The exact reason for this association is unclear, but it is related to altered neural control of blood vessels and to chemicals like norepinephrine, prolactin, and TSH. Hormone replacement therapy is the treatment for hypothyroidism and should typically reduce TSH and normalize blood pressure. Once your thyroid problem is under control you can have your blood pressure checked to see if remains elevated and needs treatment, or if it just goes back to normal.