Does Fever Cause High Blood Pressure? the Connection - Cardiology

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Fever can indeed have an impact on blood pressure, and understanding this connection is crucial, especially for individuals with pre-existing conditions such as hypertension. When the body experiences a fever, it is typically responding to an infection or illness, which can lead to various physiological changes.
Firstly, fever is a part of the body's immune response. When the body temperature rises, it often results in increased metabolic activity. This heightened state can lead to an increase in heart rate and, consequently, blood pressure. The body is working harder to fight off the infection, which can cause the cardiovascular system to respond by elevating blood pressure. In your mother's case, the urinary tract infection could be the underlying cause of her fever, which in turn may have contributed to the rise in her blood pressure to 165/85.

Moreover, several factors can influence blood pressure during a fever. Pain and discomfort associated with the illness can lead to stress responses in the body, which may further elevate blood pressure. Additionally, if your mother is on antihypertensive medications, any changes in her medication regimen or adherence during her hospital stay could also affect her blood pressure readings. It’s essential to consider whether her medications were adjusted or if she missed doses due to her hospitalization.

In patients with chronic conditions like hypertension, the body may react differently to stressors such as fever. The sympathetic nervous system, which is activated during stress, can lead to vasoconstriction (narrowing of blood vessels) and increased heart rate, both of which contribute to higher blood pressure.
It’s also important to note that while fever can lead to temporary increases in blood pressure, persistent hypertension should be evaluated further. If your mother’s blood pressure remains elevated after the fever resolves, it may indicate a need for adjustments in her hypertension management.
In summary, fever can indeed cause an increase in blood pressure due to the body's heightened metabolic state and stress responses. For individuals with pre-existing hypertension, it is crucial to monitor blood pressure closely during episodes of fever and to communicate any significant changes to healthcare providers. If your mother continues to experience elevated blood pressure after her fever subsides, it would be advisable to consult her physician for further evaluation and potential adjustments to her treatment plan.