Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsThyroid Cancer and HypertensionImpact of Cancer TreatmentTreating HypertensionPrognosis
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Thyroid Cancer and Hypertension
Impact of Cancer Treatment
Treating Hypertension
Prognosis
Hypertension (high blood pressure)is one of the common effects ofthyroid cancer.If you have or have had thyroid cancer, there is a lasting risk of developing hypertension even after the cancer is fully treated.The long-term effects of high blood pressure produce a number of health problems over time, including increased strokes, heart attacks, kidney disease, and dementia.Thyroid Cancer and HypertensionAll thyroid cancers can increase or decrease the production of your thyroid hormones. Cancer can be associated with symptoms or the development ofhyperthyroidism(overactivity of thyroid hormones) more than withhypothyroidism(under activity of thyroid hormones).Hyperthyroidism results in increased metabolism and usually causes increased blood pressure. In contrast, hypothyroidism is usually associated with normal blood pressure, but it can cause low blood pressure or high blood pressure.The reasons are complicated: Thyroid hormones act directly on blood vessels throughout the body to reduce contractility (make them less flexible), which increases blood pressure. However, blood vessels can develop increased or decreasedsensitivityto thyroid hormones, making the response to altered thyroid hormone levels somewhat variable.Keep in mind, a majority of patients diagnosed with thyroid cancer have neither hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism.Often, a nodule, growth, orgoitercan be the first sign of thyroid cancer. Other symptoms include weight changes, fatigue, or agitation. Rarely, however, it’s unexplained hypertension, that prompts a thyroid function evaluation and may lead to a diagnosis of thyroid cancer.This is especially true if high blood pressure begins at an unusually young age or is not easily managed with medication.The Impact of Thyroid Cancer TreatmentThere are a number of treatment strategies used for thyroid cancer, including chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, and thyroid replacement medications after treatment. These approaches, while necessary, can independently induce hypertension.ChemotherapySeveral of the chemotherapeutic medications used for thyroid cancer have been shown to cause high blood pressure. Pazopanib, cabozantinib, and vandetanib are all classified as tyrosine kinase inhibitors, a common type of chemotherapy, and they have all been linked to hypertension when used for the treatment of thyroid cancer. The exact mechanism of this effect is not known.SurgerySurgical treatment for thyroid cancer has also been associated with hypertension. There are several known reasons for this reaction. Removal of the thyroid gland stimulates an increase inthyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), which can cause overproduction of thyroid hormones from the remaining thyroid gland. In some instances, a condition called thyroid storm can occur, which is a severe rise in thyroid hormones that can cause a sudden increase in metabolism and blood pressure.Thyroid Replacement MedicationsAfter recovery from thyroid cancer, you may need to take thyroid hormone replacement medications, especially if you have had surgery or radiation. Generally, thyroid hormone replacement is aimed at achieving optimal thyroid function. However, excess thyroid hormone replacement can induce hypertension, while inadequate levels of thyroid hormone replacement can cause your body to overcompensate, possibly producing hormones (such as adrenal hormones) that trigger hypertension.Verywell / Emily RobertsOver time, your thyroid replacement medication can be adjusted so that you can get just the right amount of thyroid hormone.After recovering from thyroid cancer, there is an increased risk of hypertension among survivors. The cause of this association is not clear, and it can happen even if you have normal thyroid hormone levels.Recognizing and Treating HypertensionHypertensiondoes not usually cause any symptomsunless there is a hypertensive crisis, which is rare.Given this, it’s unlikely you’ll notice any warning signs. Many, in fact, are surprised to learn of the diagnosis after their healthcare provider uses a blood pressure cuff during a physical examination as a matter of routine.Your healthcare provider may also recommend that you monitor yourself at home, especially if you have otherhypertension risk factors. You can purchase a blood pressure cuff for self-checks or visit a local pharmacy or community center, which may have one available for you to use.If you are diagnosed with hypertension, there are effectiveprescription medicationsthat can control your blood pressure.Because thyroid disease, thyroid treatment, and thyroid replacement medications can all interfere with your blood pressure, you may need the dose of your blood pressure medication adjusted as your thyroid function changes during your cancer treatment and after your recovery.Tracking your blood pressure and strategically timing your hypertension medication are helpfulstrategies for ensuring you stay in your goal blood pressure range.Symptoms of Thyroid CancerPrognosisIf you have thyroid cancer, you are at an increased risk of developing hypertension even after you’ve been successfully treated. People who were 40 or older when diagnosed with thyroid cancer, for example, are about 46% more likely to develop hypertension.Uncontrolled hypertension can put you at greater risk for serious conditions like coronary artery disease, stroke, heart failure, and dementia. This is why it’s important to make sure you have your blood pressure checked regularly. If you do have high blood pressure, make sure to work with your healthcare provider to control it.A Word From VerywellHypertension is very common, but if you have or have had thyroid cancer, you have an even greater chance of developing the condition.If you are recovering from thyroid cancer, it is a good idea to familiarize yourself with the most updated recommendations for your target blood pressure so that you can let your healthcare provider know right away if your blood pressure changes.Thyroid Cancer Doctor Discussion GuideGet our printable guide for your next doctor’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.Download PDFEmail AddressSign UpThank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up.There was an error. Please try again.
Hypertension (high blood pressure)is one of the common effects ofthyroid cancer.If you have or have had thyroid cancer, there is a lasting risk of developing hypertension even after the cancer is fully treated.
The long-term effects of high blood pressure produce a number of health problems over time, including increased strokes, heart attacks, kidney disease, and dementia.
All thyroid cancers can increase or decrease the production of your thyroid hormones. Cancer can be associated with symptoms or the development ofhyperthyroidism(overactivity of thyroid hormones) more than withhypothyroidism(under activity of thyroid hormones).
Hyperthyroidism results in increased metabolism and usually causes increased blood pressure. In contrast, hypothyroidism is usually associated with normal blood pressure, but it can cause low blood pressure or high blood pressure.
The reasons are complicated: Thyroid hormones act directly on blood vessels throughout the body to reduce contractility (make them less flexible), which increases blood pressure. However, blood vessels can develop increased or decreasedsensitivityto thyroid hormones, making the response to altered thyroid hormone levels somewhat variable.
Keep in mind, a majority of patients diagnosed with thyroid cancer have neither hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism.
Often, a nodule, growth, orgoitercan be the first sign of thyroid cancer. Other symptoms include weight changes, fatigue, or agitation. Rarely, however, it’s unexplained hypertension, that prompts a thyroid function evaluation and may lead to a diagnosis of thyroid cancer.This is especially true if high blood pressure begins at an unusually young age or is not easily managed with medication.
The Impact of Thyroid Cancer Treatment
There are a number of treatment strategies used for thyroid cancer, including chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, and thyroid replacement medications after treatment. These approaches, while necessary, can independently induce hypertension.
Chemotherapy
Several of the chemotherapeutic medications used for thyroid cancer have been shown to cause high blood pressure. Pazopanib, cabozantinib, and vandetanib are all classified as tyrosine kinase inhibitors, a common type of chemotherapy, and they have all been linked to hypertension when used for the treatment of thyroid cancer. The exact mechanism of this effect is not known.
Surgery
Surgical treatment for thyroid cancer has also been associated with hypertension. There are several known reasons for this reaction. Removal of the thyroid gland stimulates an increase inthyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), which can cause overproduction of thyroid hormones from the remaining thyroid gland. In some instances, a condition called thyroid storm can occur, which is a severe rise in thyroid hormones that can cause a sudden increase in metabolism and blood pressure.
Thyroid Replacement Medications
After recovery from thyroid cancer, you may need to take thyroid hormone replacement medications, especially if you have had surgery or radiation. Generally, thyroid hormone replacement is aimed at achieving optimal thyroid function. However, excess thyroid hormone replacement can induce hypertension, while inadequate levels of thyroid hormone replacement can cause your body to overcompensate, possibly producing hormones (such as adrenal hormones) that trigger hypertension.
Verywell / Emily Roberts
Over time, your thyroid replacement medication can be adjusted so that you can get just the right amount of thyroid hormone.
After recovering from thyroid cancer, there is an increased risk of hypertension among survivors. The cause of this association is not clear, and it can happen even if you have normal thyroid hormone levels.
Recognizing and Treating Hypertension
Hypertensiondoes not usually cause any symptomsunless there is a hypertensive crisis, which is rare.Given this, it’s unlikely you’ll notice any warning signs. Many, in fact, are surprised to learn of the diagnosis after their healthcare provider uses a blood pressure cuff during a physical examination as a matter of routine.
Your healthcare provider may also recommend that you monitor yourself at home, especially if you have otherhypertension risk factors. You can purchase a blood pressure cuff for self-checks or visit a local pharmacy or community center, which may have one available for you to use.
If you are diagnosed with hypertension, there are effectiveprescription medicationsthat can control your blood pressure.
Because thyroid disease, thyroid treatment, and thyroid replacement medications can all interfere with your blood pressure, you may need the dose of your blood pressure medication adjusted as your thyroid function changes during your cancer treatment and after your recovery.
Tracking your blood pressure and strategically timing your hypertension medication are helpfulstrategies for ensuring you stay in your goal blood pressure range.
Symptoms of Thyroid Cancer
If you have thyroid cancer, you are at an increased risk of developing hypertension even after you’ve been successfully treated. People who were 40 or older when diagnosed with thyroid cancer, for example, are about 46% more likely to develop hypertension.
Uncontrolled hypertension can put you at greater risk for serious conditions like coronary artery disease, stroke, heart failure, and dementia. This is why it’s important to make sure you have your blood pressure checked regularly. If you do have high blood pressure, make sure to work with your healthcare provider to control it.
A Word From Verywell
Hypertension is very common, but if you have or have had thyroid cancer, you have an even greater chance of developing the condition.
If you are recovering from thyroid cancer, it is a good idea to familiarize yourself with the most updated recommendations for your target blood pressure so that you can let your healthcare provider know right away if your blood pressure changes.
Thyroid Cancer Doctor Discussion GuideGet our printable guide for your next doctor’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.Download PDFEmail AddressSign UpThank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up.There was an error. Please try again.
Get our printable guide for your next doctor’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
Download PDF
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8 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Berta E, Lengyel I, Halmi S, et al.Hypertension in Thyroid Disorders.Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2019;10:482. doi:10.3389/fendo.2019.00482
Blackburn BE, Ganz PA, Rowe K, et al.Aging-Related Disease Risks among Young Thyroid Cancer Survivors.Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev.2017;26(12):1695-1704. doi:10.1158/1055-9965.EPI-17-0623
American Cancer Society.Signs and Symptoms of Thyroid Cancer.
Margolick J, Chen W, Wiseman SM.Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Unplanned Reoperations, Emergency Department Visits and Hospital Readmission After Thyroidectomy.Thyroid.2018;28(5):624-638. doi:10.1089/thy.2017.0543
Milling RV, Grimm D, Krüger M, et al.Pazopanib, Cabozantinib, and Vandetanib in the Treatment of Progressive Medullary Thyroid Cancer with a Special Focus on the Adverse Effects on Hypertension.Int J Mol Sci.2018;19(10) doi:10.3390/ijms19103258
American Heart Association.What are the Symptoms of High Blood Pressure?
Cardiology Advisor.Hypertension, arrhythmias more likely in thyroid cancer survivors.
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