Association of Hypertension and Hyperthyroidism in a Subspecialty Clinic and a National Database

The objective of this study was to examine the occurrence of high blood pressure in patients with hyperthyroidism. The authors present findings from a specialty clinic and a national sample which suggests that clinicians should consider the possibility of untreated hyperthyroidism in patients with hypertension, even if they have minimal symptoms that may be attributed to hyperthyroidism.

Target Audience

Southern Medical Journal (SMJ) is an interdisciplinary, multi-specialty Journal, and articles span the spectrum of medical topics, providing timely, up-to-date information for primary care physicians and specialists alike. The SMJ enables physicians to provide the best possible care to patients in this age of rapidly changing modern medicine. Therefore, the readers of the SMJ are an appropriate target for this article.

Learning Objectives

The objective of this study was to examine the occurrence of high blood pressure in patients with hyperthyroidism. The authors present findings from a specialty clinic and a national sample which suggests that clinicians should consider the possibility of untreated hyperthyroidism in patients with hypertension, even if they have minimal symptoms that may be attributed to hyperthyroidism.

Key Points:

  •   Patients referred for evaluation for hyperthyroidism often have hypertension.
  • The frequency of hypertension is relatively high in older patients with hyperthyroidism.
  • Older patients with hyperthyroidism and hypertension may have lower free thyroid hormone levels than younger patients.
  • Analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey database indicates that there is a significant positive correlation between free triiodothyronine levels and blood pressure.
  • Clinicians should consider the possibility of untreated hyperthyroidism in patients with hypertension, even if they have minimal symptoms that may be attributed to hyperthyroidism.

At the conclusion of the session, learners should be better prepared to:

  • Recognize an association between hyperthyroidism and coexisting hypertension and that treatment of hyperthyroidism will usually improve control of hypertension also.
  • Determine whether hypertension and hyperthyroidism coexist when assessing patients presenting with either condition.
  • Treat both conditions when they coexist.

Additional Information

Partner: 
Southern Medical Association
Course summary
Available credit: 
  • 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™
Course opens: 
12/02/2020
Course expires: 
12/02/2022
Rating: 
0

As an organization accredited by the ACCME, Southern Medical Association requires everyone who is in a position to control the content of an education activity to disclose all relevant financial relationships with any commercial interest. The ACCME defines “relevant financial relationships” as financial relationships in any amount, occurring within the past 12 months, including financial relationships of a spouse or life partner that could create a conflict of interest.

Southern Medical Association encourages Speakers/Authors to identify investigational products or off-label uses of products regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration, at first mention and where appropriate in the content.

The following individuals, unless otherwise noted, have no relevant financial relationships to disclose.

Manuscript Author(s):
Ana M. Rivas, MD
Jeff Dennis, PhD
Camilo Pena, MD
Jonathan Kopel, BS
Kenneth Nugent, MD

SMJ Editor-in-Chief:
Steven T. Baldwin, MD

Southern Medical Association/Southern Medical Journal Editorial Staff:
Jennifer S. Price, MA, Managing Editor
Anita McCabe, Copyeditor

Southern Medical Association is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Southern Medical Association designates this Journal-based CME activity for a maximum of 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

AAPA: AAPA accepts certificates of participation for educational activities certified for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ from organizations accredited by ACCME or a recognized state medical society.

AANPCP: The American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Program (AANPCP) accepts AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ from organizations accredited by the ACCME.

Healthcare Professionals
For information on applicability and acceptance of continuing education credit for this activity, please consult your professional licensing board.  All healthcare professionals who are not MDs or DOs will receive a certificate of participation.

Available Credit

  • 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™
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This activity is designed to be completed within the time designated; learners should claim only those credits that reflect the time actually spent in the activity. To successfully earn credit, participants must complete the activity online during the valid credit period noted, following these steps:

  • Read the goals and objectives, accreditation information, and author disclosures.
  • Login in below to access the article in order to study the educational content and references.
  • Online, choose the best answer to each test question. To receive a certificate, you must receive a passing score.
  • 'Complete the activity evaluation and attestation.'