Hypertension is a condition where the force of blood against the artery walls is consistently too high, generally defined as readings at or above 130/80 mm Hg. The common cold is a mild viral infection causing temporary symptoms like congestion and sneezing. While a temporary rise in blood pressure can occur during an acute illness, a cold does not cause chronic hypertension. Both the body’s response to fighting the infection and the use of over-the-counter cold remedies can influence blood pressure readings. Understanding these temporary changes is important for individuals who already manage high blood pressure.
How a Viral Illness Affects Blood Pressure
The body’s natural response to a viral infection can lead to a temporary elevation in blood pressure through several internal mechanisms. When a virus is detected, the immune system initiates a systemic inflammatory response. This inflammation can affect the lining of the blood vessels, causing them to constrict or become less flexible, which contributes to increased pressure within the arteries.
The discomfort, fever, and stress of being sick trigger the release of stress hormones, such as cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones cause vasoconstriction, or the narrowing of blood vessels, which directly raises blood pressure. The fever that often accompanies an infection also forces the heart to work harder, increasing the heart rate and overall cardiac output.
Dehydration also plays a role, occurring easily due to fever or reduced fluid intake. When the body is dehydrated, the total volume of blood decreases. This change can lead to a compensatory increase in pressure as the body fights the virus. This temporary rise is an acute physiological reaction to illness, not the development of a long-term condition.
The Impact of Cold and Flu Medications
Many common over-the-counter cold and flu medications contain ingredients that can directly raise blood pressure, separate from the body’s natural response to the virus. Decongestants, such as pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine, are a major concern for people with existing hypertension. These drugs work by stimulating alpha-adrenergic receptors, causing blood vessels to constrict.
While this vasoconstriction shrinks swollen nasal passages to relieve congestion, the effect is systemic, causing arteries throughout the body to narrow. This narrowing increases resistance to blood flow, causing blood pressure to rise. For someone with controlled high blood pressure, this medication-induced spike can raise readings to dangerous levels and may counteract prescribed blood pressure medications.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like ibuprofen and naproxen, are often included in cold formulas to reduce fever and body aches. NSAIDs can cause the body to retain fluid and sodium, and they may also decrease kidney function. This fluid retention can elevate blood pressure and increase the risk of heart attack or stroke, particularly when taken for extended periods. Individuals with hypertension should consider acetaminophen as an alternative pain reliever when treating cold symptoms.
Managing Blood Pressure While Sick
Managing blood pressure while fighting a cold involves focusing on non-pharmacological methods and careful monitoring. Adequate rest is important, as sleep helps regulate stress hormones and allows the cardiovascular system to recover. Maintaining proper hydration is also beneficial, as drinking plenty of fluids helps prevent the dehydration that contributes to temporary blood pressure spikes.
Simple home remedies can help alleviate symptoms without affecting blood pressure. Using a saline rinse or nasal spray can help clear mucus, and a humidifier can moisten the air to ease congestion. These mechanical methods relieve symptoms without the systemic effects of oral decongestants. It is prudent to track blood pressure readings at home while sick.
If a blood pressure reading is severely elevated, immediate action is necessary. A hypertensive crisis is defined as a systolic reading of 180 mm Hg or higher, or a diastolic reading of 120 mm Hg or higher. If readings are consistently this high, or if they are accompanied by symptoms like chest pain, severe headache, shortness of breath, or numbness, emergency medical treatment should be sought. Always consult a healthcare provider before taking any new over-the-counter medication if high blood pressure is a pre-existing condition.