Blood pressure measures the force of blood against the walls of your arteries as your heart circulates blood throughout your body. It is typically expressed as two numbers: systolic pressure (the top number, when the heart beats) and diastolic pressure (the bottom number, when the heart rests between beats). This measurement is a key indicator of cardiovascular health. Illnesses often lead to temporary changes in blood pressure readings.
How Illness Affects Blood Pressure
When the body encounters an illness, it initiates physiological responses that significantly affect blood pressure. The body’s stress response plays a considerable role, triggering the release of hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones cause the heart to beat faster and blood vessels to narrow, leading to a temporary increase in blood pressure.
Inflammation, a protective reaction to injury or infection, also influences blood pressure during illness. When the immune system is activated, it releases molecules that can cause blood vessels to widen, allowing immune cells to reach the affected areas. While acute inflammation is beneficial, chronic inflammation can damage blood vessels, contributing to arterial stiffness and higher blood pressure.
Fluid balance also plays a part in blood pressure regulation during sickness. Illnesses, especially those involving fever, vomiting, or diarrhea, can lead to dehydration. When the body is dehydrated, blood volume decreases, which can cause blood pressure to drop. However, the body compensates by releasing hormones like vasopressin, which cause blood vessels to constrict and help retain water, potentially leading to an increase in blood pressure.
When the body fights an illness, especially with a fever, the heart works harder to circulate blood. A fever increases the body’s metabolic rate, which elevates heart rate and can contribute to a temporary rise in blood pressure. For most individuals, these blood pressure changes are temporary and return to their usual levels once the illness resolves.
Common Conditions and Blood Pressure Changes
Common illnesses like the cold and flu can temporarily influence blood pressure. When someone has a cold or the flu, the body is under stress as it works to fight the virus, which can lead to an elevated heart rate and blood pressure. The discomfort and symptoms associated with these conditions, such as congestion, can also contribute to this temporary increase.
Fever, a common symptom of infections, consistently raises the heart rate and can cause a temporary increase in blood pressure. This is part of the body’s defense mechanism, as higher temperatures can inhibit pathogen growth. Infections, whether viral or bacterial, can also trigger an inflammatory response, further contributing to transient blood pressure changes.
Certain medications for cold and flu symptoms can also impact blood pressure. Decongestants, found in over-the-counter remedies, narrow blood vessels to relieve nasal congestion. This effect can increase blood pressure, which is particularly relevant for individuals who already manage high blood pressure. Be aware of the ingredients in these medications.
When to Seek Medical Advice
While temporary blood pressure fluctuations during illness are common, certain situations warrant prompt medical attention. If readings are persistently high or show a significant increase from your normal levels, consult a healthcare professional. This is especially important for those with a pre-existing history of high blood pressure, as illness can exacerbate the condition.
Immediate medical evaluation is necessary if very high blood pressure readings are accompanied by concerning symptoms. These include severe headache, chest pain, shortness of breath, vision changes, dizziness, or confusion. A reading of 180/120 mmHg or higher, even without noticeable symptoms, constitutes a hypertensive crisis and requires emergency medical care to prevent potential organ damage.
Monitoring blood pressure at home can provide valuable information, especially when feeling unwell. If readings remain elevated despite resting and retesting, or if any severe symptoms appear, seeking professional advice is crucial. A healthcare provider can assess the situation, determine the cause of blood pressure changes, and provide guidance for appropriate management.