A health expert has issued a warning that a common medication used to alleviate cold and flu symptoms could potentially increase your blood pressure. Carolina Goncalves, Superintendent Pharmacist at Pharmica, told the Mirror that both the flu and flu medication can affect your blood pressure.
“When you’re sick, your body is under stress as it fights off the infection, and that stress can cause a temporary increase in blood pressure. In particular, your immune system releases pro-inflammatory cytokines which promote inflammation and the release of stress hormones such as adrenaline,” the expert explained.
She continued: “This is especially something to watch out for if you already have high blood pressure (hypertension), as the added strain could push your blood pressure levels higher than normal. Another important factor to consider is fever. When you have a fever, your body’s metabolic rate increases as it works to fight off the infection.
“This heightened activity causes your heart to pump more vigorously to circulate blood faster, ensuring oxygen and immune cells reach affected tissues. This increase in cardiac output can elevate blood pressure by 10-20 points in some individuals, but everyone responds differently.”
Decongestants, which are commonly taken to lessen flu symptoms, also have the potential to increase blood pressure. Goncalves said: “If your blood pressure is within a healthy range and you have no heart-related concerns, short-term use of decongestants as directed is generally safe. However, for individuals with hypertension, heart disease or other cardiovascular risks, decongestants might not be advisable.”
The NHS says to consult a pharmacist or GP before taking decongestants if you have high blood pressure. The same guidance applies if you’re taking other medicines or you have diabetes, an enlarged prostate, increased pressure in the eye, an overactive thyroid gland or liver, kidney, heart or circulation problems.
While you should speak to your GP about any health concerns, you may wish to check your blood pressure at home if you have a digital monitor. Goncalves advised: “You can determine if your blood pressure is raised by checking the reading on a digital monitor.
“This measures blood pressure in millimetres of mercury (mmHg) and provides two numbers: the systolic pressure (the top number, indicating the pressure when your heart pumps blood) and the diastolic pressure (the bottom number, indicating the pressure when your heart rests between beats).
“A normal blood pressure reading is between 90/60mmHg and 120/80mmHg. Raised blood pressure is identified as 135/85mmHg or higher when measured at home, or 140/90mmHg or higher when taken at a GP surgery, pharmacy or clinic.”
“The NHS advises seeking medical advice if your blood pressure consistently exceeds these thresholds, as this may indicate hypertension. Additionally, if your systolic pressure reaches 180mmHg or higher, or your diastolic pressure is 120mmHg or higher, you should seek immediate medical attention, as this could signal a hypertensive crisis requiring urgent care.”
If you have the flu, it’s advised to rest and sleep, keep warm, and drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration. You may wish to take paracetamol or ibuprofen to lower your temperature and treat aches and pains. A pharmacist can recommend flu remedies and give treatment advice.