Hypertension, Thyroid & Preventive Heart-Kidney Care

High blood pressure control

A single high reading does not always establish hypertension, but repeated high readings should not be ignored.

• Use the correct cuff, sit quietly and record readings at consistent times.
• Do not take extra tablets or stop treatment after one reading.
• Kidney disease, sleep apnoea, medicines and hormones can contribute to resistant BP.
• Treatment targets depend on age, frailty, pregnancy and co-existing disease.

Very high BP with chest pain, severe breathlessness, weakness on one side, confusion, seizure or vision loss needs emergency care.

Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism

Symptoms such as fatigue, weight change, hair fall or palpitations are non-specific. Diagnosis depends on thyroid tests interpreted in context.

• TSH is central but pregnancy, acute illness and medicines can alter interpretation.
• Thyroxine timing and interactions with iron, calcium and food matter.
• Anti-TPO may identify autoimmune thyroid disease but is not repeated routinely for dose adjustment.
• Hyperthyroidism needs cause-specific treatment and monitoring.

Thyroid care in pregnancy

Thyroid requirements and target ranges can change before conception and during pregnancy.

• Inform the treating doctor early when pregnancy is planned or confirmed.
• Do not stop levothyroxine after a positive pregnancy test.
• Testing intervals and targets are pregnancy-specific.
• Severe vomiting, medication interactions and adherence should be reviewed.

Cholesterol and triglycerides

Cardiovascular risk depends on more than the total cholesterol number.

• LDL, triglycerides, diabetes, BP, smoking, kidney disease and prior cardiovascular disease influence treatment.
• Statins are selected by expected benefit and safety, not by internet fear.
• Muscle symptoms or liver concerns should be assessed rather than stopping treatment silently.
• Lifestyle remains important even when medicine is needed.