Hypertension and hyperthyroidism: what to know

An overactive thyroid releases excess thyroid hormone, which can make the heart beat faster and increase the force of each beat. This may contribute to a higher top blood-pressure reading and symptoms such as palpitations, sweating, heat intolerance, anxiety, difficulty sleeping or diarrhoea.

These symptoms overlap with stress, medicines and other illnesses. They do not show that a person has hyperthyroidism. Blood tests that assess thyroid function, alongside a blood-pressure review and examination, help a clinician decide what is happening.

Arrange a medical review if raised readings occur with a racing or irregular heartbeat, tremor, unexplained weight change or persistent heat intolerance. Bring a list of medicines, supplements and energy products; some contain stimulants or thyroid-related ingredients.

Use a validated home monitor only as instructed, rest quietly before a reading, and record symptoms with the result. Take prescribed treatment consistently. Do not alter thyroid or blood-pressure medicine because a single reading looks better or worse.

Seek emergency care for chest pain, severe breathlessness, fainting, marked confusion, or a very fast heartbeat accompanied by weakness or feeling seriously unwell. Contact a clinician promptly for persistent palpitations, worsening sweating, or repeated high readings with symptoms.

Ask which thyroid tests are needed, whether your symptoms could be caused by an overactive thyroid, and how treatment may change your blood-pressure plan. Check when to repeat readings and which heartbeat symptoms require immediate action.