Can High Blood Pressure Cause Fever?

High blood pressure itself typically does not cause a fever. Fever is generally a response by the body to infections, inflammation, or certain medical conditions, and it is characterized by an elevated body temperature above the normal range (usually around 98.6°F or 37°C).

High blood pressure (hypertension) is a condition characterized by increased pressure within the blood vessels. While hypertension itself doesn’t cause fever, certain underlying health issues that might accompany or contribute to high blood pressure could potentially lead to fever. For example:

  • Infections: Some infections, such as urinary tract infections, respiratory infections, or certain types of bacterial or viral infections, can cause both fever and high blood pressure as part of their symptoms.
  • Organ damage or dysfunction: In severe cases of hypertension that lead to complications affecting organs such as the kidneys or lungs, there might be underlying conditions causing fever, but these are due to the complications themselves, not the high blood pressure.

It’s important to note that fever usually indicates an underlying issue that requires attention. If you have high blood pressure and are experiencing fever along with other symptoms such as chills, body aches, or other concerning signs, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and diagnosis. Identifying the underlying cause of the fever is crucial for appropriate treatment and management.