Experiencing both high blood pressure and symptoms like fever and chills can be concerning, prompting questions about their connection. While both are significant indicators of one’s health, high blood pressure itself does not directly cause fever or chills. Instead, their simultaneous occurrence typically points to underlying conditions or bodily responses that affect both systems.
High Blood Pressure Basics
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a common condition where the force of blood against artery walls is consistently too high. A blood pressure reading is generally considered high when it is 130/80 mm Hg or higher.
Many individuals with high blood pressure experience no noticeable symptoms, which is why it is often referred to as a “silent killer.” In more severe cases, symptoms can include headaches, dizziness, or nosebleeds. These symptoms are distinct from fever and chills and typically emerge when blood pressure reaches dangerously high levels.
Fever and Chills Basics
Fever is an increase in the body’s core temperature beyond its normal range, typically considered above 100.4°F (38°C) when measured orally. This elevated temperature is a natural part of the body’s immune response, signaling it is actively fighting off an infection or inflammation.
Chills often accompany a fever and are the body’s attempt to generate heat to reach this new, higher temperature set point. This sensation of coldness, accompanied by shivering, occurs as muscles rapidly contract and relax. Chills can also occur without a fever, sometimes due to exposure to a cold environment or as a response to various illnesses.
Is There a Direct Link?
High blood pressure does not directly cause fever or chills. These are distinct physiological responses: high blood pressure relates to cardiovascular function, while fever and chills typically indicate an immune system response to infection or inflammation. While they may occur simultaneously, this is generally due to separate or underlying health issues, not a direct cause-and-effect relationship.
The feeling of being hot or flushed that can occur during a sudden, severe spike in blood pressure, known as a hypertensive crisis, is not a true fever. This sensation results from the body’s stress response to extreme blood pressure elevation, not an infection or inflammatory process triggering a change in core body temperature.
Conditions That Can Cause Both
Several medical conditions or situations can lead to the simultaneous appearance of elevated blood pressure, fever, and chills. Infections are a common cause, as the body’s immune response often triggers fever and chills. During an infection, blood pressure may also temporarily rise due to increased heart rate, systemic inflammation, and overall stress on the cardiovascular system. Examples include respiratory infections like influenza, pneumonia, or COVID-19, and urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Inflammatory conditions can also contribute to both symptoms. When widespread inflammation occurs, it can affect blood vessel walls, potentially leading to constriction and increased blood pressure. The inflammatory process can also induce a fever. Kidney infections, specifically pyelonephritis, are a notable example where fever, chills, and temporary blood pressure elevation are common.
Stress and anxiety can also create a perception of fever or contribute to temporary blood pressure spikes. The body’s “fight or flight” response, triggered by anxiety, releases stress hormones that can increase heart rate and constrict blood vessels, leading to elevated blood pressure. While not a true fever, this can make an individual feel hot or flushed, and in rare instances, severe anxiety can even lead to a psychogenic fever, a psychologically induced rise in body temperature.
Certain medications can have side effects that include both blood pressure changes and fever or chills. Rare conditions like pheochromocytoma, a tumor of the adrenal gland, can cause episodic high blood pressure alongside symptoms such as excessive sweating, rapid heartbeat, and sometimes fever-like sensations due to hormone release.
When to Consult a Doctor
If you experience fever and chills along with high blood pressure, it is advisable to consult a doctor. This is particularly important if the fever is high or persistent, the chills are severe, or if you notice sudden or significant changes in your blood pressure. Medical attention is also warranted if these symptoms are accompanied by other concerning signs, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, severe headache, confusion, or visual changes. Seeking professional medical advice ensures an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment for any underlying conditions.