Does Inflammation Cause High Blood Pressure?

Inflammation and high blood pressure are distinct health concerns, yet they are interconnected and can both contribute to heart disease. High blood pressure, or hypertension, is prevalent, affecting nearly half of the adult population in the United States, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Arthritis pain often coexists with hypertension and other cardiovascular risk factors. Managing hypertension in patients who also suffer from arthritis and other painful conditions presents challenges due to the potential risks associated with common pain and inflammation treatments.

In the general population, inflammation is linked with elevated blood pressure (BP). In cases of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the inflammation levels, as indicated by C-reactive protein (CRP), can be significantly higher than in the general population. Indeed, inflammation can lead to high blood pressure. For instance, individuals with untreated inflammatory arthritis may experience increased blood pressure. Hypertensive medication is often required in such cases. An example is the use of Losartan, a medication that has been effective in controlling blood pressure but may require dosage adjustments over time.

Rheumatoid arthritis and schizophrenia are examples of conditions where high blood pressure is a known risk factor for dementia. Additionally, localized oral inflammation can affect other healthy areas in the mouth. Amlodipine, a common drug for treating high blood pressure, has been confirmed as safe and effective for this purpose. This medication, also known by the brand name Norvasc, is widely prescribed.

Inflammatory arthritis is characterized by symptoms such as prolonged morning stiffness, joint swelling, redness, and warmth, often worsening during colder months. This condition can lead to complications like hearing loss or heart disease. Chronic inflammatory diseases like RA are associated with increased arterial stiffness, which may lead to elevated arterial blood pressure. This explains the high prevalence of hypertension in patients with RA. Systemic inflammation, reflected by high CRP levels, can promote the development of hypertension.

For more detailed information, visit the following sources:

EatingWell on the link between inflammation and high blood pressure.
PubMed for research on hypertension and arthritis pain treatment.
Arthritis Research on the association between inflammation and blood pressure in RA.
HealthUnlocked for discussions on inflammatory arthritis and high blood pressure.
Medical Xpress on fluctuating blood pressure as a warning sign.
Healthline for information on Amlodipine for hypertension.
Verywell Health on inflammatory arthritis.
Rheumatology – Oxford Academic on hypertension in rheumatoid arthritis.