Does Body Temperature Affect Blood Pressure?

We know that the normal body temperature is 37 degrees Celsius (or 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit). Having a normal body temperature is one of the signs that a person is healthy and does not suffer from any disorder. Now, on the other hand, the normal blood pressure is 120/80 mmHg. Those unaware should note that blood pressure is the pressure exerted by blood on the walls of the blood vessels. Having a normal blood pressure is also one of the signs that help to know that the person is healthy. Therefore, both, the body temperature and the blood pressure are helpful signs that help in diagnosis of several underlying conditions. Are the two related to each other? Do changes in one affect the other? Here we will find answers to these queries.

Body Temperature and Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is a condition that develops when the systolic blood pressure rises to 140 and above, and the diastolic rises to 90 and above. Therefore, the blood pressure 140/90 mmHg and above is a sign of hypertension. Hypertension is one of the causes of heart diseases and also of death in people all over the world. Therefore, it is essential to get rid of all the factors that increase one's blood pressure. Obesity or being overweight, stress, use of certain drugs and medications, and hormonal changes are some of the factors that contribute in increasing the blood pressure. Similarly, fluctuation in body temperature is also one of the factors that cause high blood pressure. So, how exactly does body temperature affect blood pressure? Let us know how.

When a person is exposed to heat or high temperature, he sweats profusely, leading to dehydration. Dehydration reduces the volume of blood, which also results in falling of the blood pressure. Secondly, people suffering from any illness where fever is one of the symptoms, experience rise in blood pressure, i.e., fever increases the blood pressure. Why does this happen? During fever, the body temperature increases considerably, which in turn increases the heart rate. As the heart rate increases, the blood pressure also rises. Therefore, people suffering from fever experience rise in blood pressure.

On the other hand, it has been observed that blood pressure increases in cold climates, i.e., winter and decreases in warmer climate or summer. In winter, the blood vessels get constricted in order to retain the body heat and maintain a proper body temperature. However, when the blood vessels get constricted, pressure is exerted on the heart. The heart need to pump harder in order to force the blood in all the arteries and veins. This increases the blood pressure.

These fluctuations in the blood pressure are usually observed in case of high fever, i.e., very high body temperature, or in case of severe dehydration. Those already suffering from high blood pressure may see a drastic rise in the blood pressure. On the other hand, it should be noted that if high blood pressure is observed in case of normal body temperature, then the cause of the high blood pressure is not the body temperature; but stress, some underlying disorder or any other cause mentioned above.

One should take precautionary measures to lower high blood pressure like reducing stress, taking blood pressure medications regularly, etc. It is also essential to let the doctor monitor your blood pressure regularly. Lastly, remember that any health condition like fever, dehydration or other illnesses should be treated as soon as possible in order to avoid complications resulting from the same.