Some people sick with fever and viral infection may experience extreme fatigue followed by variations in blood pressure and heart rate. This is because infections can directly affect the heart muscle and reduce the heart’s ability to effectively pump, further increasing the chances of low blood pressure. Besides, dehydration tends to be common in those having an infection — and that can cause a dip in blood pressure, leading to symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue and fainting.
The immune system fighting against an infection can also play a role in blood pressure variation. Therefore, it is advisable to check a person’s blood pressure during the course of infection.
Low blood pressure’s link to viral infections
Dr Netto George Mundadan, assistant professor, department of infectious diseases, Government Medical College, Kottayam, Kerala, says that tropical infections and some viruses can cause myocarditis or reduced heart function. “The reduced cardiac output also leads to low blood pressure,” he adds.
Agreeing with him, Dr Varun Bansal, consultant, cardiology and cardio thoracic surgery at Apollo Indraprastha Hospital, New Delhi, says that dehydration from fluid loss through diarrhea, or vomiting can cause hypotension (low blood pressure). “When someone is sick, there is a chance that they aren’t eating or drinking properly — which can lead to dehydration from fluid loss through diarrhea and vomiting, causing electrolyte imbalance that increases the risk of hypotension.”
While mild infections usually do not affect blood pressure, it is seen when a person is suffering from moderate to severe infections that spread through the body, Dr Bansal says, adding that prolonged or chronic infections pose risks of damaging vital organs such as the kidneys, liver, lungs and brain if not addressed.
“Infections like sepsis can cause adrenal insufficiency, reducing its production of cortisol hormones that regulate blood pressure. This can lead to low BP,” says Dr Mundadan.
When does infection affect blood pressure?
Dr Rahul Chandola, founder-chairman and chief of cardiothoracic surgery, Institute of Heart Lungs Diseases Research Centre, Delhi, says, “Generally, when an infection is in its early stages, blood pressure will not fluctuate. However, when the infection progresses and enters the bloodstream, hemodynamic changes — such as an elevated heart rate — occur, which cause a drop in blood pressure.”
Dr Bansal adds that the functioning of the vascular system is responsible for the variations in blood pressure. “Whenever an infection spreads throughout the body, the inflammation markers act on the integrity of blood vessels. With that, the blood vessels start to lose their tone, the valves become leakier and the intravascular fluid inside the blood vessel starts going out,” he says. When the vascular system does not function properly, the BP tends to go down.
Not just that. If a person suffering from an infection is known to be living with comorbidities like hypertension, there are chances that the blood pressure may increase during the infection period.
Dr Chandola says that those who are already hypertensive should ensure they take their prescriptions correctly. “If they have any symptoms of high blood pressure — such as headache, drowsiness and palpitation — they should consult with their doctor,” he adds.
Ways to prevent low BP
According to experts, low BP caused by infection is a matter of concern but can be managed with treatment. “We see it often in those who are sick but once the infection is treated, the blood pressure will return to normal,” says Dr Chandola.
Experts suggest several ways to prevent low blood pressure:
- Prioritize hydration and ensure electrolyte balance in the body.
- If injured, make sure you seek medical attention at the earliest.
- Prevent exposure to infections.
- If diagnosed with blood, urine or lung infection, seek treatment and medical advice as soon as possible to prevent the infection from getting worse and spreading throughout the body.
- If diagnosed with an infection, any person already having high blood pressure must limit their salt intake to keep their BP and anxiety levels in check.
- Do not hide your comorbidities from your doctor, and adhere to the prescription given.
- Those who are unable to eat or drink during infection can seek medical intervention and replenish electrolytes with IV fluids to maintain their body fluid levels.
Takeaways
Mild infections usually do not affect blood pressure. But in cases of moderate-to-severe infections spreading through the body, BP levels dip because of the impact on the heart’s pumping ability and fluid levels. Maintaining adequate hydration can help prevent infection-related low blood pressure issues. Chronic infections can damage vital organs such as the kidneys, liver, lungs and brain if not addressed.
