HomeAnswersCardiologytotal thyroidectomyI am 56 years old, underwent total thyroidectomy, and am on Levothyroxine 150 mg. My blood pressure is fluctuating. Why?

Can Levothyroxine cause fluctuation in blood pressure?

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Published At October 30, 2023
Reviewed AtOctober 30, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am a 56-year-old female. I am 30 lbs overweight. I had a total thyroidectomy two years ago and I take levothyroxine 150 mg daily. Other than that I am healthy, active, and jog three miles three times a week. For the past two weeks, I have been off. I have felt severe headaches, dizziness, and blurred vision. I went to urgent care twice this week and ER two nights ago. ER gave me something for migraines, EKG and CT came back fine and blood pressure was 155/90 mm/Hg. After IV and medication, I returned home better. Yesterday my headache and all symptoms returned strong. My blood pressure (I bought a machine) was 160/98 mm/Hg for a few hours so I finally went back to urgent care blood pressure was still 167/95 mm/Hg so MD prescribed blood pressure meds lisinopril so I took that at 10 pm and by midnight my pressure finally down to 137/ 80 mm/Hg. It has remained at 137/80 mm/Hg and of course, I still have a slight headache because my normal bp has always been 120/80 mm/Hg. I am scared to take my levothyroxine this morning because it makes my heart beat faster, and makes me anxious. So I am scared my BP will jump up again. Should I skip it for today or possibly take only half of my levothyroxine? I still have no clue what caused my BP to jump so high for a full week now but do not want to end up in the ER later today.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com

I read your query and understand your concern. Blood pressure is a dynamic entity that keeps on changing from time to time and from activity to activity. It rises when we are stressed or were unable to sleep adequately last night. In such conditions, routine antihypertensive medicines need to be adjusted for a few days till acute insult resolves. Levothyroxine will not worsen blood pressure. You should continue the same dose if your thyroid status is fine on that dose. Yes, you should also continue Lisinopril 10 mg and keep your blood pressure in check. Check daily blood pressure and make a chart for three to four weeks to see average blood pressure. If the average blood pressure is 130/80 mm/Hg or less then no need to increase the dose. Do regular exercise, have a thyroid profile done, and adjust levothyroxine according to that. I hope I have cleared all your doubts.

Thank you.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Muhammad Zohaib Siddiq
Dr. Muhammad Zohaib Siddiq

Cardiology

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