Several factors can influence your blood pressure levels, including age, gender, family history of heart disease, certain medications, and your diet. But did you know that pain can also impact your blood pressure levels? Speaking with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Vipul Gupta, Chief of Neuro-Interventional Surgery and Co-Chief Stroke Unit, Artemis Hospital, Gurugram, explains the link and shares ways to manage blood pressure levels.
Can Pain Affect Blood Pressure Levels?
Pain, both acute and chronic, can interfere with your daily activities.
Acute pain is sudden and short-term, usually resulting from injury, surgery, or other medical conditions, whereas chronic pain is persistent and long-lasting, often lasting for weeks, months, or even years.
Also Read: Navigating Pain: Simple Strategies And Expert Guidance
When it comes to chronic pain, it may also cause long-term complications and concerns, including mental health struggles and sleeping issues.
A study published in the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management reported that people who live with persistent pain are four times more likely than those without pain to suffer from depression or anxiety, and more than twice as likely to have difficulty working.
A more temporary impact of pain can include high blood pressure, according to Dr Gupta.
He says, “The connection between pain and blood pressure is primarily related to the body's stress response,” explaining, “When you experience pain, whether it's acute or chronic, your body responds by releasing stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones prepare your body for a "fight or flight" response, which can lead to an increased heart rate and blood pressure. Blood arteries may narrow and the heart rate may rise as a result of stress chemicals released in response to pain.”
According to a 2013 study published in the Journal of Clinical Hypertension, while acute pain causes a temporary rise in blood pressure due to the body's stress response, chronic pain may contribute to high blood pressure through factors like inflammation and nervous system imbalance.
A Temporary Response But…
“Pain associated with high blood pressure is generally a temporary response to acute pain and is not always a cause for concern, especially if it resolves once the pain subsides,” says Dr Gupta.
However, persistent or chronic high blood pressure, even if it is associated with pain, can be concerning and may require medical attention,” he highlights.
Here are some circumstances where you should consider visiting a doctor:
- If your blood pressure remains elevated even after the pain has subsided
- If you have a chronic pain condition that frequently leads to elevated blood pressure
The doctor says, “It's crucial to remember that while pain can cause temporary spikes in blood pressure, persistent high blood pressure can increase the risk of serious health problems, including heart attack, stroke, and kidney damage.”
Also Read: Protein-Rich Foods That Help Reduce Your Risk Of High Blood Pressure or Hypertension
On Managing Pain And Blood Pressure
Managing pain effectively can help promote a healthy range of blood pressure and reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications. Some measures include:
Non-prescription pain relievers as guided by a doctor.
Physical therapy to reduce pain and improve mobility through targeted exercises, stretches, and manual therapies tailored to your specific needs.
Lifestyle modifications, such as engaging in regular physical activity, such as walking, swimming, or cycling.
Adopting a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
Conclusion
Pain can vary in people, and therefore, the effect it has on your blood pressure can also differ depending on the severity. While acute or short-term pain can lead to a temporary blood pressure, chronic pain may require long-term management as it can cause high blood pressure due to various mechanisms. Consult with your doctor if you have persistent pain followed by symptoms that resemble hypertension.