It is common for individuals to wonder how everyday illnesses might affect their health, and a common cold is no exception. While typically a mild ailment, a cold can prompt temporary changes within the body that may influence blood pressure levels. Understanding these potential effects is important for managing your health, especially if you already monitor your blood pressure.
How Colds Affect Blood Pressure
When the body encounters a cold virus, it initiates a stress response. This involves the release of stress hormones, such as adrenaline and noradrenaline, from the adrenal glands. These hormones can temporarily constrict blood vessels throughout the body, increasing blood pressure. The body’s fight against infection can also trigger systemic inflammation, which may influence blood vessel function.
Inflammation can affect the flexibility and responsiveness of blood vessels, potentially contributing to a temporary rise in blood pressure. Cold symptoms like fever, congestion, and general malaise can lead to dehydration. Dehydration reduces blood volume, prompting the heart to work harder to circulate blood, which may also elevate blood pressure.
Fatigue from a cold can contribute to the body’s stress, indirectly impacting blood pressure. These physiological changes are transient; blood pressure typically returns to its usual levels once the cold resolves. However, for individuals with pre-existing hypertension, these temporary elevations can be more pronounced.
Common Cold Medications and Blood Pressure
Certain ingredients in over-the-counter (OTC) cold medications can directly affect blood pressure, requiring careful selection. Oral decongestants, such as pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine, constrict blood vessels in the nasal passages to reduce swelling and congestion. This vasoconstrictive action can also affect blood vessels throughout the body.
When blood vessels constrict, the space for blood flow narrows, which can increase overall blood pressure. This effect is particularly concerning for individuals who already have high blood pressure or are taking medications to manage it. Decongestants can counteract the effects of blood pressure-lowering drugs, making them less effective.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including ibuprofen and naproxen, are often in cold and flu remedies to alleviate pain, fever, and inflammation. NSAIDs can cause the body to retain sodium and water, which increases blood volume and can elevate blood pressure. Prolonged use of NSAIDs, even at OTC doses, can also interfere with certain blood pressure medications, potentially reducing their efficacy.
Managing Your Blood Pressure While Sick
If you are experiencing a cold and are concerned about your blood pressure, regular monitoring can provide information. Continue taking your prescribed blood pressure medications as directed by your healthcare provider. Ensuring adequate fluid intake and getting sufficient rest are important steps, as dehydration and fatigue can contribute to temporary blood pressure fluctuations.
When selecting cold remedies, consider options that do not contain decongestants or NSAIDs if you have high blood pressure. Saline nasal sprays can effectively relieve congestion without affecting blood pressure. Acetaminophen is a suitable choice for managing fever and body aches, as it has not been consistently linked to blood pressure elevation. Always check the active ingredients on medication labels to avoid those that could elevate your blood pressure.
Contact a healthcare provider if your blood pressure readings remain consistently high during a cold, or if you experience new symptoms such as chest pain or shortness of breath. Seek immediate medical attention if your blood pressure is 180/120 mmHg or higher and you have symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, numbness, weakness, vision changes, or difficulty speaking. Consulting a doctor or pharmacist is recommended to discuss appropriate medication choices, especially if you have chronic health conditions or are taking other medications.