Feeling sick is stressful enough. But when you check your blood pressure and notice it's higher than usual, it can be downright alarming. What's behind this sudden spike? The answer often lies in how your body responds to illness. In many cases, infections may raise blood pressure due to inflammation, stress, and internal changes that come with being unwell.
In this blog, we'll break down the connection between illness and blood pressure. We'll look at common symptoms, causes, and how you can manage your blood pressure when you're under the weather.
What Happens to Your Body When You're Sick?
When you're sick, your immune system kicks into high gear. It starts fighting off viruses or bacteria, creating a series of reactions in your body. These changes often affect more than just the site of infection.
- Your body temperature rises.
- Your heart rate increases.
- You may feel weak or dizzy.
These symptoms can place additional strain on your cardiovascular system.
Why does this matter for your blood pressure?
The more your body fights, the more it demands from your organs. Your blood vessels tighten, and your heart works harder. This naturally raises your blood pressure.
Moreover, if you're dehydrated or not eating well while sick, your body can't regulate pressure as efficiently. It's not just the illness—it's how your body reacts to it.
Can a Fever Raise Blood Pressure?
Yes, it absolutely can. Fever is your body's way of fighting an infection. However, it also speeds up your metabolism and heart rate. As your temperature climbs, so does the pressure on your blood vessels.
Additionally, fever can lead to sweating and fluid loss. That means less fluid in your bloodstream, making it harder for your heart to circulate blood. Your body may react by narrowing blood vessels to maintain pressure, which increases your overall blood pressure.
Here's what to keep in mind:
- Stay hydrated to support circulation.
- Rest as much as possible.
- Monitor blood pressure if you feel dizzy, short of breath, or have a fast heartbeat.
How Stress and Pain Impact Blood Pressure
Being sick doesn't just affect your body—it also affects your mind. Worrying about your health, dealing with discomfort, or losing sleep all add up. This emotional and physical stress can make your blood pressure higher.
Pain plays a role too. When you're in pain, your body releases stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones tighten your blood vessels and increase heart rate.
- Stress hormones raise blood pressure.
- Pain, even a headache or sore throat, can trigger this effect.
- Breathing exercises or calming activities may help during illness.
Can Cold and Flu Medications Affect Blood Pressure?
Many people don't realize this, but over-the-counter cold and flu medications can impact your blood pressure. Decongestants are known for raising it.
Medications like pseudoephedrine work by narrowing blood vessels to relieve nasal swelling. But that same action raises pressure in your arteries.
What should you do?
- Always check labels if you have high blood pressure.
- Ask your pharmacist for safe alternatives.
- Stick to natural remedies when possible.
When Should You Be Concerned?
While a slight rise in blood pressure during illness is often normal, there are times when it's best to seek medical attention.
Look out for the following warning signs:
- Blood pressure higher than 180/120 mm Hg
- Chest pain or tightness
- Difficulty breathing
- Sudden changes in vision or confusion
These could signal a hypertensive crisis or another emergency.
Moreover, if you already have hypertension, you should monitor your readings more closely when sick.
How to Manage Your Blood Pressure When You're Sick?
Getting better is your top priority, but don't ignore your cardiovascular health in the process. Managing your blood pressure during illness takes a bit of extra care.
Here are a few helpful tips:
- Hydrate regularly – Water supports blood flow and helps reduce pressure.
- Rest well – Sleep helps regulate hormones and lowers stress.
- Monitor symptoms – Keep a log of blood pressure changes.
- Take medication on time – Don't skip your prescribed blood pressure meds.
- Avoid decongestants – Choose alternatives that don't impact your heart.
If something doesn't feel right—get it checked. Trust your body. It gives you warning signs for a reason.
Does This Mean Everyone Gets High Blood Pressure When Sick?
Not necessarily. Some people don't experience any change in blood pressure at all. Others may even see their pressure drop if they're dehydrated or not eating.
However, if you have:
- A history of hypertension
- An underlying heart condition
- A severe infection like pneumonia or COVID-19
Then your risk of a spike is higher. So, it's not about panic—it's about awareness.
What About Children or the Elderly?
Children and elderly adults may also see changes in blood pressure during illness, but the reasons can vary.
- Children often have faster heart rates and may spike during a fever.
- Elderly adults might already be on medications that affect blood pressure, and dehydration is a big risk.
Keep a close eye on both age groups. If they show signs of dizziness, fatigue, or shortness of breath—get medical advice.
Conclusion
Illness can cause temporary spikes in blood pressure due to fever, dehydration, stress, and medications. While these changes are often short-term, they can be more serious for those with existing heart conditions or hypertension. That's why it's important to monitor symptoms, stay hydrated, and avoid certain over-the-counter drugs when you're sick.
Monitoring your blood pressure when you're unwell isn't just for peace of mind—it's an important part of taking care of your overall health. Being mindful of what you're taking, staying hydrated, and listening to your body's signals can help you avoid unnecessary complications.
Ongoing research, like the blood pressure treatment trials in Central Illinois, continues to shed light on better ways to understand and manage hypertension during different health conditions. These trials emphasize the importance of personalized care, even when you're battling something as common as a cold or flu. The more informed we are, the better prepared we can be to take action when it matters most.
