Yes, blood pressure can be higher when sick. This elevation is often a temporary response as your body works to fight off an illness. Various physiological adjustments occur during sickness that can lead to this transient increase in blood pressure.
Illnesses and Blood Pressure Changes
When the body encounters an illness, it initiates a defense mechanism that can influence blood pressure. Inflammation, a natural part of the immune response, can cause blood vessels to narrow and become less flexible. This vascular constriction can increase the resistance to blood flow, leading to a rise in blood pressure.
Fever, a common symptom of many illnesses, also contributes to elevated blood pressure. As body temperature rises, the heart rate increases to help distribute immune cells and proteins throughout the body. This heightened cardiac output, combined with potential dehydration from fever, sweating, vomiting, or diarrhea, can reduce overall blood volume, prompting the heart to work harder to maintain circulation and blood pressure.
The body’s stress response to illness impacts blood pressure. Stressors like a cold or flu trigger the release of hormones, such as adrenaline, which can cause the heart to beat faster and blood vessels to constrict. This combined effect of increased heart rate and narrowed blood vessels can result in a temporary increase in blood pressure readings.
Medications and Blood Pressure
Certain over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications for sickness can also influence blood pressure. Decongestants, often found in cold and flu remedies, narrow blood vessels in the nasal passages to reduce swelling and congestion. This vasoconstrictive effect is not limited to the nose and can cause widespread narrowing of blood vessels throughout the body, leading to an increase in blood pressure.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen, taken for pain and fever, can interfere with kidney function and fluid balance. This may lead to fluid retention, which in turn can elevate blood pressure. Some cough and cold medications can stimulate the cardiovascular system, potentially raising heart rate and blood pressure. Individuals with pre-existing hypertension should consult a healthcare provider before taking these medications.
When to Consult a Doctor
A temporary rise in blood pressure during illness is often normal, but certain situations warrant medical attention. If your blood pressure readings are consistently very high (e.g., systolic 180 mmHg or higher, or diastolic 110 mmHg or higher), seek immediate medical evaluation. If high readings persist after you have recovered from your illness, consult a healthcare provider.
Accompanying severe symptoms, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, sudden weakness, vision changes, or severe headache, alongside elevated blood pressure, require urgent medical care. Individuals with pre-existing conditions like hypertension, heart disease, or kidney disease should be vigilant. A healthcare provider can assess whether the blood pressure elevation is a temporary response to illness or a more serious underlying issue.