Why Your Blood Pressure Might Rise When You're Sick And How To Manage It

What Does Blood Pressure Measure?

Blood pressure is a key measure of heart health, indicating how hard your heart has to work to pump blood through your arteries. It's recorded with two numbers: systolic pressure, which is the force when your heart beats, and diastolic pressure, which is the force when your heart is at rest. For most adults, a normal reading is around 120/80 mmHg.

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is when readings consistently go above 140/90 mmHg. Blood pressure can change due to many factors, such as exercise, stress, diet, and health conditions. For seniors, keeping blood pressure in check is necessary to lower the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Several elements can affect blood pressure, including lifestyle habits like diet and exercise, genetic factors, and chronic conditions such as diabetes or kidney disease. Medications and temporary states like stress or illness can also cause fluctuations. Being aware of these influences can help in managing blood pressure effectively.

The Body's Response to Illness

When you're under the weather, your body kicks into high gear to fight off the infection. The immune system, your body's defense team, springs into action, often causing symptoms like fever, fatigue, and inflammation. These are signs that your body is working hard to heal.

During this battle, stress hormones like cortisol are released. This hormone can cause your blood vessels to tighten, potentially raising your blood pressure. Inflammation, another common response, can also narrow blood vessels, further affecting blood pressure. This is the body's way of ensuring that enough blood and immune cells reach the areas that need them most.

Symptoms such as dehydration from fever or vomiting can also play a role. While dehydration might initially lower blood pressure due to reduced blood volume, the body's natural response can lead to a subsequent increase. Seniors must take note of these responses, as they can impact blood pressure readings and overall health during illness.

Does Your Blood Pressure Go Up When You Are Sick?

For seniors managing cardiovascular health, it’s wise to learn precisely how illness affects blood pressure. When you're sick, your body experiences stress as it fights off infection, which can lead to higher blood pressure. Stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol are released, increasing heart rate and constricting blood vessels, which can further elevate blood pressure.

Inflammation, part of the immune response, also plays a part. It can narrow blood vessels, increasing resistance to blood flow and raising blood pressure. The body prioritizes blood supply to vital organs during illness, which can further elevate the pressure of your blood.

Seniors should be mindful of these changes, as they can complicate conditions like hypertension. Recognizing how illness impacts blood pressure helps in managing health effectively during sickness.

Common Illnesses and Their Impact on Blood Pressure

For seniors, certain illnesses can significantly affect blood pressure. Understanding these interactions is helpful for effective health management.

• ● Colds and Flu: These respiratory illnesses often trigger the release of stress hormones, which can elevate heart rate and blood pressure. Over-the-counter remedies, like decongestants, may also contribute to increased blood pressure.
• ● Infections: Conditions such as pneumonia or urinary tract infections can lead to inflammation and stress, raising blood pressure. The body's response to fight these infections can strain cardiovascular function.
• ● Chronic Conditions: Seniors with diabetes or kidney disease might notice more significant blood pressure changes during illness. These conditions can intensify stress responses and inflammation, resulting in higher readings.
• ● Dehydration: Illnesses causing vomiting or diarrhea can initially lower blood pressure due to reduced blood volume. However, as the body compensates, blood pressure may rise, posing risks for those with cardiovascular issues.

Recognizing how different illnesses impact blood pressure helps seniors manage their health during sickness. Monitoring symptoms and understanding potential changes can guide when to seek medical advice and adjust treatments.

The Impact of COVID-19 On Blood Pressure

COVID-19 has been found to impact blood pressure in ways similar to the flu, but often with more severe consequences. Both illnesses trigger an immune response that releases stress hormones, potentially raising blood pressure. However, COVID-19 has been linked to prolonged inflammation, increased clotting risks, and direct damage to blood vessels, which can lead to more significant and lasting blood pressure changes.

Compared to the flu, COVID-19 can cause:

• ● More severe inflammation: Prolonged immune response can lead to persistent high blood pressure.
• ● Greater risk Of blood clot formation: This can contribute to complications such as stroke or heart attack in those with hypertension.
• ● Direct vascular damage: COVID-19 can harm the endothelium (the lining of blood vessels), making it harder for the body to regulate blood pressure.

For seniors with existing hypertension, COVID-19 poses a heightened risk, making regular monitoring and medical consultation essential.

Monitoring Blood Pressure During Illness

Illness can cause fluctuations that might complicate existing conditions or create new health issues. Regular checks can help spot significant changes that need medical attention. It’s helpful to use a reliable digital blood pressure monitor at home. Measure your blood pressure at the same times each day, ideally in the morning and evening, to notice any variations. Sit comfortably with your arm at heart level, and avoid caffeine, exercise, or smoking for at least 30 minutes before taking a reading to ensure accuracy.

Seniors should recognize what constitutes a significant change in blood pressure. Consistent increases or decreases, especially if accompanied by dizziness, headaches, or chest pain, should prompt a visit to a healthcare provider. They can advise on whether medication or lifestyle adjustments are needed to manage blood pressure during illness effectively.

Being vigilant about monitoring blood pressure not only supports cardiovascular health but also provides essential information for healthcare providers. This vigilance helps seniors manage their health more effectively and reduces the risk of complications related to high blood pressure during illness.

Managing Blood Pressure When Sick

Managing blood pressure requires urgency during illness, especially for those already dealing with hypertension or cardiovascular issues. Here are some practical tips to help maintain stable blood pressure when you're not feeling well:

• 1. Stick To Your Medications: Keep taking your prescribed medications unless your doctor advises otherwise. Illness can sometimes alter how your body processes medication, so it's imperative that you follow your healthcare provider's guidance.
• 2. Consult Your Doctor: If you notice significant changes in your blood pressure while sick, reach out to your healthcare provider. They can adjust your treatment plan or suggest additional measures to help manage your condition.
• 3. Stay Hydrated: Drink enough fluids daily, particularly if you're experiencing fever, vomiting, or diarrhea. Dehydration can impact blood pressure, so aim to drink water or electrolyte drinks to stay hydrated.
• 4. Prioritize Rest: Allow your body the time it needs to recover by resting. Stress and physical activity can raise blood pressure, so focus on relaxation and avoid strenuous tasks.
• 5. Eat Well: A balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins supports your immune system and helps manage blood pressure. Be mindful of salt intake, as too much can increase blood pressure.
• 6. Monitor Symptoms: Pay attention to any new or worsening symptoms, like dizziness or chest pain, which might require medical attention.

By following these steps, seniors can better manage their blood pressure during illness, reducing the risk of complications and supporting overall health.

Conclusion

Understanding the impact of illness on blood pressure is critical for Canadian seniors focused on maintaining their health. Illness can trigger changes like increased stress and inflammation, leading to higher blood pressure. Recognizing these shifts and knowing how to manage them is key to preventing complications.

Regular blood pressure monitoring, sticking to medication plans, and consulting healthcare professionals when necessary are important strategies for managing health during illness. Staying informed and proactive helps seniors navigate the challenges of illness and maintain cardiovascular health. With the right knowledge and tools, managing blood pressure effectively can lead to better health outcomes and an improved quality of life.