The impact of thyroid function on arterial stiffness and consequent elevation in blood pressure is a new finding helping to explain yet another adverse consequence of poor thyroid function on cardiovascular health.  Researchers showed that correcting sluggish thyroid function (subclinical hypothyroid) enabled a return of better blood pressure function.

Since thyroid hormone governs the rate at which cells use oxygen it appears that as this function becomes sluggish your heart tries to deliver more oxygen to cells by raising blood pressure – a natural form of compensation.  This may be a great “plan B” in times of need, but if this backup system becomes normal day to day operation then your circulatory system and heart will have to work harder and be susceptible to increased wear and tear.