Does high blood pressure cause inflammation?

High blood pressure and inflammation are closely linked. Research shows they often influence each other, and both can play a role in long-term health. High blood pressure does not directly cause inflammation on its own, but it can contribute to inflammatory changes in the body over time, and ongoing inflammation can also make blood pressure harder to control.

Below we explain how the two are connected, the signs to look out for, how blood tests measure inflammation and when to consider a health check.

What is inflammation and why does it matter?

Inflammation is a natural response that helps the body heal and protect itself. When you have a cut or an infection, your immune system sends white blood cells to deal with the problem. This type of inflammation is usually short-term.

Inflammation becomes a concern when it carries on in the background. This is known as chronic inflammation. It can occur when the body stays in a low level state of alert for months or years. Long-term inflammation is linked to a higher risk of a range of conditions including heart disease, type 2 diabetes and some autoimmune conditions.

Chronic inflammation is often silent, which means many people do not know it is happening until they have a blood test or develop symptoms linked to the underlying cause.

How is high blood pressure connected to inflammation?

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, places extra strain on blood vessels. Over time this pressure can affect the lining of the arteries. This can trigger small inflammatory responses in the body.

Researchers now understand that inflammation and blood pressure can interact in several ways. For example:

• High blood pressure can damage blood vessel walls, which may stimulate inflammatory activity.

• Some inflammatory markers are higher in people with hypertension.

• Long-term inflammation can affect how blood vessels relax and contract, which may contribute to rising blood pressure.

This relationship works both ways. High blood pressure can encourage inflammatory processes, and inflammation can make it harder for the cardiovascular system to function normally.

Can inflammation raise blood pressure?

Chronic inflammation can influence several systems that help regulate blood pressure. For example:

Changes in blood vessels

Inflammation can affect the cells that line your blood vessels. When these cells do not work as well as they should, the vessels may become stiffer, which can raise blood pressure.

Overactive immune response

In some people the immune system becomes too active, even when there is no clear infection. This can lead to inflammatory signals circulating around the body. These signals can influence how the kidneys and blood vessels manage fluid balance and tension, which can increase blood pressure.

Impact on other conditions

Some factors that contribute to inflammation, including obesity and high blood sugar, are also linked to raised blood pressure. The same processes that trigger inflammation can therefore contribute to hypertension.

What causes inflammation in people with high blood pressure?

Not everyone with high blood pressure will have inflammation. However, there are several common factors that can affect both.

Lifestyle factors - Lack of physical activity, poor diet, smoking and regular heavy alcohol intake can play a part in both inflammation and blood pressure.

Stress - Long-term stress can increase cortisol levels. Over time this may contribute to inflammation and make blood pressure more difficult to manage.

Underlying health conditions - Conditions such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, sleep apnoea and some autoimmune disorders are associated with both raised inflammation levels and high blood pressure.

Ageing - As we age, the immune system naturally becomes less efficient. This can make chronic inflammation more likely, while also increasing the likelihood of developing hypertension.

What are the signs of inflammation linked to high blood pressure?

Many people experience no symptoms at all. Inflammation is often silent until it affects a particular system in the body. However, some people may notice:

• Ongoing fatigue

• Muscle or joint discomfort

• Digestive issues

• Unexplained aches

• Low mood or brain fog

These symptoms can appear for many reasons, so they are not a reliable way to diagnose inflammation. The most accurate way to check is through a blood test.

How do blood tests check for inflammation?

Several blood tests help assess inflammation levels. These tests do not diagnose high blood pressure itself. Instead, they help build a clearer picture of what may be happening in the body.

CRP (C-reactive protein) rises when there is inflammation in the body. Higher CRP levels are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular issues.

hs-CRP (high sensitivity CRP) detects much smaller changes in CRP. It is often used to monitor low level inflammation that may influence long-term health.

ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) measures how quickly red blood cells settle in a test tube. Faster rates can indicate inflammation.

A full blood count looks at the levels of different blood cells. It can help identify signs of infection or immune system activity.

Having these markers checked regularly can help build a picture of your overall health and track changes over time.

Does lowering inflammation help reduce blood pressure?

Supporting inflammation levels can play a helpful role alongside standard high blood pressure management. Lifestyle changes that reduce inflammation can also support cardiovascular health.

Healthy eating patterns - A diet rich in vegetables, fruit, wholegrains, lean protein and healthy fats can help support both inflammation levels and blood pressure. Foods high in antioxidants, such as berries and leafy greens, may be particularly helpful.

Regular physical activity - Movement supports circulation, helps manage weight and can help reduce inflammatory markers. Most adults benefit from at least 150 minutes of moderate activity each week.

Stress management - Relaxation techniques, breathing exercises and regular time outdoors can help calm the stress response, which may support inflammation levels.

Stopping smoking and reducing alcohol intake - Both can have a clear effect on inflammation and heart health.

Addressing underlying conditions - Managing conditions such as diabetes, high cholesterol or sleep apnoea can help support both inflammation and blood pressure control.

Can supplements help with inflammation linked to high blood pressure?

Some supplements may support inflammation levels if you are deficient in particular nutrients. For example, vitamin D deficiency is common and can affect immune function. Omega-3 fatty acids may also play a role. However, supplements should only be considered as part of a wider lifestyle approach.

It is important to speak to a healthcare professional before starting new supplements, especially if you take medication for high blood pressure.

Should you check inflammation if you have high blood pressure?

Inflammation testing can be useful if you want a broader view of your health. Blood pressure alone does not show how your body is responding internally. Inflammation markers help fill in those gaps and can support early lifestyle changes.

Testing may be helpful if:

• You have long-term high blood pressure

• You experience frequent fatigue or unexplained symptoms

• You have risk factors such as obesity, high stress or an inactive lifestyle

• You want to track your health over time

Many people include inflammation tests as part of a wider health assessment each year.

FAQs

Can high blood pressure cause inflammation in the body?

High blood pressure can contribute to small inflammatory responses in blood vessels over time. These changes are usually gradual and often occur without symptoms.

Is inflammation a sign of high blood pressure?

Not always. Inflammation can happen for many reasons. Blood tests help identify whether inflammation is present, but they cannot diagnose hypertension on their own.

Which blood tests show inflammation related to high blood pressure?

CRP, hs-CRP, ESR and full blood count are the most common tests. They help assess inflammation levels and may give insight into cardiovascular risk.

Can reducing inflammation improve blood pressure?

Healthy lifestyle changes that support inflammation levels can also support heart health. Diet, exercise, stress management and stopping smoking can all help.

How often should you check inflammation markers?

Many people check them yearly as part of a full health assessment. If you have long-term high blood pressure or ongoing symptoms, more regular checks may be useful.

Your next step toward better wellbeing

A health assessment can provide a clearer picture of how your heart, blood vessels and immune system are working together. Bluecrest's Full Body Health MOTs include inflammation markers such as CRP, as well as cardiovascular and metabolic insights to help you understand your overall health.

You can also enhance your package with optional add-ons, including our Inflammatory Profile, which measures key markers linked to inflammation in the body. If you'd like to include this in your chosen package, simply call our team when booking or add it when you book online.

You will receive a detailed results report with clear next steps plus 24 hour access to a GP helpline for 12 months. It is an accessible way to take control of your health and keep track of any changes through the year.

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Need help? Call free on 0800 652 2183 to speak to one of our team.