Would you get high blood pressure temporarily if you had an infection your body was trying to fight off?

Question

Like a severe case of strep throat? Or could it be from taking pain meds and/or cold/flu medicines???

Answer 1

In 90 percent to 95 percent of high blood pressure cases, the American Heart Association says there's no identifiable cause. This type of high blood pressure, called essential hypertension or primary hypertension, tends to develop gradually over many years.

The other 5 percent to 10 percent of high blood pressure cases are caused by an underlying condition. This type of high blood pressure, called secondary hypertension, tends to appear suddenly and cause higher blood pressure than does primary hypertension. Various conditions can lead to secondary hypertension, including kidney abnormalities, tumors of the adrenal gland or certain congenital heart defects.

Certain medications — including birth control pills, cold remedies, decongestants, over-the-counter pain relievers and some prescription drugs — also may cause secondary hypertension. In a 2005 study, women who took an average of 500 milligrams or more of acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) daily over several years were more likely to develop high blood pressure than were women who didn't take any acetaminophen. It's not known if the same holds true for men.

Various illicit drugs, including cocaine and amphetamines, also can increase blood pressure.

The following can also raise the blood pressure: sleep deprivation, caffeine, anxiety, fibromuscular dysplasia; ; pulmonary hypertension, NSAID's and herbal supplements.

Answer 2

Blood pressure is affected by SO many things! Stress, anxiety, illness, sleep, weight, medications, pain meds(especially opiates) general health, circulation,etc. If you're worried about your high blood pressure, (anything 140/90) you should check with your doctor to resolve any issues not being addressed by your diet and exercise. Good luck!

Answer 3

Several things can cause your blood pressure to increase temporarily including illness or injury. If it does not go back down once the illness or injury is better check with your doctor to make sure that it is not something else, you may need medication to control it.