Can Inflammation Cause High Blood Pressure

Crp And Bp Measurements

In the NHANES cohort, CRP was measured using a high-sensitivity assay with latex-enhanced nephelometry . Three consecutive BP measurements were obtained by certified examiners using a sphygmomanometer after participants had rested quietly while sitting for 5 min . For the analysis, we only included subjects with valid BP readings for all three attempts. In the outpatient population, CRP was measured using the high-sensitivity CRP assay, performed in the clinical laboratories at Partners Healthcare using standardized methods . BP is a required measurement at all outpatient visits at Partners Healthcare, obtained by trained healthcare providers, and entered as structured data into the EMR. BP values are recorded as systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure .

What Can You Do To Limit Inflammation

While it may seem like inflammation is everywhere, there are steps that you can take to limit it.

Changes in your diet are among the easiest ways to decrease inflammation. Avoid refined carbohydrates, sugary beverages, and other foods that cause spikes in your blood glucose levels. Instead, increase your consumption of fiber, fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and other low-glycemic-index foods, all of which may help lower your risks of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. The plant chemicals called polyphenols in green and black teas have been shown to lower levels of inflammatory markers, like CRP. Curcumin, present in turmeric, has been shown to help with inflammation in animal studies.

You already know that exercise, especially moderate intensity exercise, can help with weight lossbut it may also decrease the levels of proinflammatory chemicals in your body, regardless of how much weight you lose. And exercise decreases your risk of heart disease, diabetes, obesity and other medical problems, so its an all-around winner when it comes to improving your health.

Smoking and stress are two other factors that can increase inflammation. Similarly, people with sleep disorders, or who simply dont get enough sleep on a regular basis, are at higher risk of having chronic inflammation.

Related video:

What Should I Expect If I Have Coronary Artery Disease Can It Be Cured

Technically coronary artery disease cant be cured. If youve been diagnosed with coronary artery disease, follow your healthcare providers treatment plan to help prevent your condition from getting worse. Your treatment plan may include procedures and surgery to increase the blood supply to your heart, lifestyle changes to target your risk factors and medications.

If your coronary artery disease has led to a heart attack, your healthcare provider can recommend a cardiac rehabilitation program to reduce your risk of future heart problems, regain strength and improve the quality of your life.

It is important to keep all follow-up appointments and have all tests ordered by your healthcare provider. These are needed to keep track of your condition, monitor how well your treatment plan is working and make adjustments if needed.

Don’t Miss: Do Smart Watches Check Blood Pressure

Can Pain And Inflammation Cause High Blood Pressure

Exercise is known to lower blood pressure. It also helps with stress management and mood stability. Just as we need to work on our lifestyle in order for it to be healthy for our high blood pressure.

High blood pressure can be especially harmful to women who have high levels of C-reactive protein, an inflammation marker. According to a new study, having high blood pressure and CRP levels increases the risk of heart attack and stroke by up to eight times. The findings, according to the researchers, support accumulating evidence that inflammation plays a key role in the development of heart disease. C-reactive protein is a blood marker for inflammation.

Chronic pain

Painkillers for reduction

How to maintain blood pressure?

Eat a balanced diet: Having a good diet will lower the risk of blood pressure, it can also help to return to your normal blood pressure.

Break the salt addiction: The typical American eats up to 3400 milligrams of salt per day, although your body only needs 500 milligrams per day, according to the American Heart Association. This is one of the most prevalent main risk factors.

Interaction Of Oxidative Stress And Inflammation In The Development Of Hypertension

Because inflammation and oxidative stress are frequently coupled, such an interaction would be an attractive mechanism to explain changes that drive the stage for the development of hypertension. Reactive oxygen species produced in large amounts would overwhelm the neutralizing capacity of the antioxidative systems and may influence protein activity and cell function.

Chabrashvili et al. studied the expression of the NADPH oxidase system as a mechanism for increased oxidative stress in SHRs. The kidneys of SHRs showed the increased expression of genes for the main components of phagocyte NADPH oxidase. This increased mRNA preceded the development of hypertension in the model and was notable in the nephron segments of the vasculature, macula densa and distal nephron, which preceded the development of hypertension. The SHR kidney has an exaggerated tubuloglomerular feedback response, which may be due to the diminished availability of NO. The results of this experimental study support the hypothesis that superoxide generation mediated by the NADPH oxidase system in the aforementioned parts of the nephron may be the principle driving force for the development of hypertension.

Clinical studies confirmed that in patients with essential hypertension, blood pressure levels are positively correlated with markers of oxidative stress., In addition, population-based observational studies demonstrated an inverse correlation between plasma antioxidant levels and blood pressure levels.

Also Check: What Happens If I Accidentally Take 2 Blood Pressure Pills

The Vagus Nerves Stop The Sympathetic Nervous System From Over Racing Of The Heart

The parasympathetic nervous system releases the hormone acetylcholine to slow the heart rate.

• The sympathetic nervous system releases hormones from the adrenal glands and norepinephrine) to accelerate the heart rate. This occurs during times of stress, exercise, physical exertion, etc. When the exercise, stress, or physical exertion is over, the parasympathetic nervous system releases the hormone acetylcholine to slow the heart rate.
• The vagus nerves are a major part of the parasympathetic nervous system, the slowing down process.
• If these hormone levels are left unchecked or unregulated by the vagus nerves involvement in the parasympathetic nervous system, the heart can beat like a runaway train with nothing to stop it except in most cases medications.
• Many people report a history of arrhythmias, atrial fibrillation, atrial tachycardia, paroxysmal atrial tachycardia, and ventricular arrhythmias. Some will report atrial ectopic heartbeat. An extra heartbeat comes from the ventricles and disrupts the normal beat pace. This can be the result of the vagus nerves inability to slow down the heart rate.

Managing Ra And High Blood Pressure

RA and high blood pressure can be treated at the same time. RA is treated through different medications, lifestyle changes, and surgical means that all work to manage symptoms. High blood pressure, however, does not always need to be treated, though it does need to be monitored. Hypertension is considered modifiable because blood pressure can be reduced through lifestyle changes. These include:

• Quitting smoking
• Reducing sodium or cholesterol in your diet
• Getting more physical activity
• Losing weight if you are overweight
• Limiting alcohol
• Managing stress

In some cases, a doctor may prescribe medication to control high blood pressure, but some of those medicines may interact with RA medications. Because symptoms of RA and high blood pressure may affect each other, its important to manage both conditions to minimize discomfort and improve quality of life.

Recommended Reading: How To Get Blood Pressure Back Up

Role Of Inflammation In High Blood Pressure

The buildup of the cholesterol and other kinds of substances that occur in your arteries can create an inflammatory response too. Inflammation is indeed useful for short-term conditions. However, thats not the case if the inflammation is recurrent or long-term .

Sustained low levels of inflammation can irritate your blood vessels. Inflammation can even promote plaques and trigger blood clots. It can surely become the primary cause of strokes and heart attacks too.

When an artery to the heart gets blocked by the blood clot, the person then suffers a heart attack.

If the blocking of an artery to the brain gets blocked by the blood clot, the result is then a stroke.

However, the positive development is that any person can control the inflammation with the help by avoiding factors that cause an activation of the inflammatory response of the body. The same lifestyle options can cause a decrease in bad cholesterol, blood pressure can even get low, and the reduction in high blood sugar can also take place.

Remember, some chronic inflammations do not even produce symptoms. The blood test has immense importance in this regard. Mostly, people with such circumstances are not also screened regularly for inflammation.

Tip: Did you know Garlic, Coconut Oil and Krill Oil can help you to prevent and lower high blood pressure?

How Is Inflammation Treated

Inflammation does not always require treatment. For acute inflammation, rest, ice and good wound care often relieve the discomfort in a few days.

If you have chronic inflammation, your healthcare provider may recommend:

• Supplements: Certain vitamins and supplements may reduce inflammation and enhance repair. For example, your healthcare provider may prescribe a fish oil supplement or vitamin. Or you may use spices with anti-inflammatory properties, such as turmeric, ginger or garlic.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs : These over-the-counter medicines lower inflammation. Your healthcare provider may recommend ibuprofen , aspirin or naproxen .
• Steroid injections: Corticosteroid shots decrease inflammation at a specific joint or muscle. For example, if you have rheumatoid arthritis that affects your back, your healthcare provider may give a steroid shot in your spine. You should not have more than three to four steroid injections in the same body part per year.

Also Check: What Foods Cause High Blood Pressure

A Final Caution: Stroke Symptoms

Since high blood pressure can lead to a stroke, make sure that your family members and caregivers also know the signs of stroke. They should take immediate action if you suddenly experience:

• Numbness or weakness on one side of the face or body
• Confusion or difficulty speaking
• Trouble walking, or lack of balance or coordination
• Severe headache
• Stay aware and seek high blood pressure treatment

Some people may have a tendency to ignore or deny hypertension symptoms because they dont want to go to the doctor or the emergency room, they dont want to admit the possibility of being ill, or they dont understand the seriousness.A key part of healthy aging is communicating health concerns to your doctor or nurse. That includes getting immediate attention to and treatment for potential symptoms of a high blood pressure crisis.Dont disregard professional medical advice, or delay seeking it, because of what you read here. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional consultation, diagnosis or treatment it is provided as is without any representations or warranties, express or implied. Always consult a healthcare provider if you have specific questions about any medical matter, and seek professional attention immediately if you think you or someone in your care may be suffering from a health condition.

–

111 Lawrence Street, Framingham, MA 01702

4 Claim is based on the number of subscribers.

Managing Pain And Blood Pressure Without Medication

The following lifestyle changes may manage pain and blood pressure:

• Eat a healthy diet:Eat more vegetables, fruits, whole grains, low-fat dairy, fish, poultry, beans, nuts, and vegetable oils. Reduce sodium, sugar, saturated, and trans fats in your diet.
• Limit or avoid alcohol:Even just one or two drinks a day can increase blood pressure. Talk to your doctor about how much alcohol you can safely consume.
• Get daily exercise and physical activity:Regular daily exercise and physical activity can lower and control blood pressure levels. Ask your doctor what types of activities are right for you.
• Maintain a healthy weight: Maintaining a healthy weight may regulate blood pressure. Losing even just 3%5% of body weight can decrease blood pressure in people who are overweight or obese.
• Quit smoking: Smoking constricts blood vessels and increases blood pressure.
• Manage stress: Manage mental and physical stress with meditation, exercise, and self-care.
• Get enough sleep: Get between 7 and 9 hours of sleep a night. Improve sleep habits by having a calming bedtime ritual, keeping a cool dark bedroom, and going to bed and getting up at regular times.
• Acupuncture:Acupuncture is a Chinese medicine practice in which tiny needles are strategically placed throughout your body. It may improve blood pressure. A small study found 15 sessions of acupuncture over the period of one month significantly improved blood pressure in people with hypertension.

Also Check: How To Take My Blood Pressure At Home

Hairdresser And Chiropractor Cautions

You can also hyperextend your neck while tipping your head back to have your hair washed at a salon sink. Even though there are only a dozen or so such cases described in the medical literature, theres a name for this phenomenon: beauty parlor stroke syndrome. To play it safe, do as Dr. Rost does. Ask your hairdresser for a neck extension, which is a little cushion that props up your head so you dont feel any strain on your neck, she advises.

Not surprisingly, whiplash sustained during a car accident can also cause a cervical artery dissection. And in rare cases, so can the quick, thrusting neck movements some chiropractors and other health care professionals use to treat neck pain, known as cervical manipulative therapy or adjustment. However, its not clear whether the neck therapy itself causes the tear, or whether the pain from an existing tear might prompt people to seek out such treatment.

You May Like: What Is The Proper Blood Pressure

The Role Of Inflammasomes In Hypertension

The nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain -like receptor containing pyrin domain 3 inflammasome is the most characterized member of the nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeats family of pattern recognition receptors . Activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome signifies cleavage and activation of a subclass of inflammatory caspases that are responsible for the maturation of inactive pro-inflammatory cytokine precursors like pro-IL-1β or pro-IL-18. NLRP3 inflammasome formation controls the innate immune system activation in response to a wide range of danger signals including pathogen-associated molecular patterns and DAMPs derived from disease and infection.

Don’t Miss: Can Kidney Problems Cause High Blood Pressure

How Is It Treated

To treat a hypertensive emergency, doctors and nurses will carefully monitor your blood pressure and give you medicine intravenously . The immediate goal is to lower your blood pressure enough so that your organs are no longer in immediate danger. But it must be lowered slowly so that your body has enough time to adjust to the change in blood pressure. If blood pressure is lowered too quickly, your body may have a hard time getting blood to your brain.

The other goal of treatment is to treat organ complications. For example, your doctor may give you a diuretic if you have fluid buildup in your lungs. Or your doctor may give a beta-blocker and nitrates if you have myocardial ischemia . After your doctor has lowered your blood pressure to a safe level and treated your complications, he or she will try to identify the cause of the acute episode. Your doctor will then work with you to create a treatment regimen that can help prevent future attacks.

Managing Pain And Blood Pressure With Medication

Your doctor may also prescribe medications to lower blood pressure. They will often take into account any other existing health conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or kidney issues. Medications that manage blood pressure include the following:

• Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors:Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors help prevent the narrowing of blood vessels.
• Angiotensin II receptor blockers :These drugs relax blood vessels and lower blood pressure by blocking angiotensin II. This compound restricts blood flow and narrows arteries and veins.
• Calcium channel blockers: This medication prevents excessive calcium from constricting blood flow and increasing pressure.
• Diuretics:Diuretics remove extra water and sodium from the body.
• Beta-blockers:Beta-blockers lower blood pressure by lowering your heartbeat.

Read Also: What Should A Man’s Blood Pressure Be

Talk To Others Who Understand

When managing RA and high blood pressure, joining a support group and talking about your experiences may be helpful. On myRAteam, the social network for people with RA, more than 191,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with RA.

Do you have RA and high blood pressure? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.

High Blood Pressure Symptoms

If you are struggling with chronic back pain and believe it is affecting your cardiovascular health and causing high blood pressure, then it is essential that you recognize hypertensions signs and symptoms. Unfortunately, high blood pressure isnt always accompanied by symptoms. However, some signs to look out for include:

• Chest pain

Read Also: What Gives You High Blood Pressure

Read Also: When To See A Cardiologist For High Blood Pressure

How Are Clogged Arteries Or Arterial Plaque Treated

There are a variety of prevention and treatment options for clogged arteries. What your doctor prescribes to reduce arterial plaque and prevent clogged arteries will depend on the severity of your condition and your medical history. Your doctor may prescribe one or more of the following:

1. Lifestyle changes. A healthy lifestyle is essential for the management of arterial plaque and treatment of clogged arteries. This includes:

• Eating a diet low in saturated fats and cholesterol, with less sugars and simple carbohydrates, and rich in fruits and vegetables
• Maintaining a healthy body weight
• Not smoking
• Keeping blood pressure and cholesterol down
• Maintaining low blood sugars

2. Surgical or interventional procedures. In some instances, surgery may be necessary to treat clogged arteries and prevent additional arterial plaque accumulation. These procedures may include:

3. Medications. A number of medications may help control some of the factors that contribute to the accumulation of arterial plaque. These include:

• Cholesterol-lowering drugs
• Aspirin and other blood-thinning drugs, which reduce the likelihood of dangerous blood clot formation

Show Sources