Can HypoT and/or Synthroid Increase Blood Pressure?
My Mom recently underwent RAI treatment for hyperthyroid due to Graves. She has since gone very Hypo and started 125mg of Synthroid 6 days ago. Yesterday and today she has had very elevated blood pressure and beginning the Synthroid is the only thing she has done differently. She is not overly impressed with her Endo at this point and feeling frustrated. He did tell her that high BP is not a side effect of Synthroid. Has anyone had a similar experience with blood pressure issues and thyroid problems? Thanks in advance for your response.
Re: Can HypoT and/or Synthroid Increase Blood Pressure?
My blood pressure goes up when I don't get the right level of thyroid in my body. When I have the proper levels, my bp goes down. Of course the doctors don't believe me.
Re: Can HypoT and/or Synthroid Increase Blood Pressure?
Being hypo can increase blood pressure, but I'm a bit concerned that the dr started her out on such a high dose, unless its done differently after RAI, generally you start low and increase slowly.
Also, keep in mind that many people have reactions to synthroid and cannot tolerate it. If she continues to have a problem I think I'd consult another dr.
Re: Can HypoT and/or Synthroid Increase Blood Pressure?
What your mother can be experiencing is a little thyroid storm associated with her thyroid cells dying off from the RAI. She might be intermittantly hyper until the entire thyroid finally dies....can take months sometimes from what I've heard. Does she have a rapid heart rate as well? She needs to get her levels checked again and probably a dose adjustment...112 synthroid is pretty high coming right out of RAI I think.
Re: Can HypoT and/or Synthroid Increase Blood Pressure?
Quote:
Originally Posted by dea4
Being hypo can increase blood pressure, but I'm a bit concerned that the dr started her out on such a high dose, unless its done differently after RAI, generally you start low and increase slowly.
Also, keep in mind that many people have reactions to synthroid and cannot tolerate it. If she continues to have a problem I think I'd consult another dr.
After I underwent RAI, I was prescribed 112 micrograms of synthroid to start with and have progressed in 2+ years to 150... I don't think it's unusual at all for the first dose after RAI to be 125, especially if the person is larger than your average person.
Re: Can HypoT and/or Synthroid Increase Blood Pressure?
I had been taking BP medication for HBP and palpitations for over a year when they finally realized I was severely hypoT (even though I was already on a low dose of Levoxyl - but they had only been checking my tsh levels).
Since getting my t3, t4, ft3, ft4 checked, they have slowly adjusted my meds up. As my thyroid came into check, my BP went down. Now I am BP med-free with a regular and consistent 120/70 and almost no palpitations anymore.
So - I think thyroid does play a BIG role in BP. But just coming out of RAI could be the reason - she was probably thrown into severe HypoT. Give it a couple of weeks for the medicine to help (a few days dose isn't really in the system yet). If she continues to have BP issues - consult a cardiologist - they typically understand the significance of the thyroid on your heart and BP.
Just my 2 cents - hope it helps.
hrtofluv
Re: Can HypoT and/or Synthroid Increase Blood Pressure?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cabbage
After I underwent RAI, I was prescribed 112 micrograms of synthroid to start with and have progressed in 2+ years to 150... I don't think it's unusual at all for the first dose after RAI to be 125, especially if the person is larger than your average person.
Thanks for that input, I don't have a lot of experience with RAI but I know that when one is hypo you must start low, but thought it may be different with RAI.
Re: Can HypoT and/or Synthroid Increase Blood Pressure?
CCW:
There could be a couple things going on. Did you say BP? Or were you referring to pulse. Pulse is different from BP. Both are VERY much related to thryoid meds.
Before your mom...gets too far with that Synthroid, I'd suggest her dose is a bit high to start with ( a slow increase is your best bet) and that she should be given some Armour too. Your poor mom...
The heart thing is usually a transitory issue for folks taking t-meds...and it will happen on whichever med the doc gives her. Every time there is an increase, this will happen. Its a an enzyme thing happening in the heart...and it can masquerade as hyper or a heart problem.
The doc should have been smart enough to outline this for her properly. Its a scarey thing for people. SHHESH!
