It’s Medical Monday! - What does a Cold or Flu Do to Your Heart, Blood Pressure, and Aorta?

When you have a cold or the flu, your main goal is probably to get some rest and feel better. But if you live with an aortic condition, it's important to understand how illness can affect your heart, blood pressure, and aorta.

A little preparation can help you stay safer and know when to ask for help.

How Illness Affects Your Heart and Blood Pressure

When you have a fever, your heart usually beats faster as your body fights the infection. If you're not drinking enough fluids, or you're losing fluids through sweating, vomiting, or diarrhea, dehydration can cause your blood pressure to drop.

Some cold medicines can also raise blood pressure or heart rate. This is especially important for people with an aortic aneurysm or a history of aortic dissection, who may have specific blood pressure and heart rate goals.

The flu can also put extra stress on your heart. Research has found that the risk of a heart attack is about six times higher during the week after a confirmed flu infection. This is a reminder that the flu can be more serious than it first appears.

Make a Sick-Day Plan

The best time to plan for an illness is before you get sick. Here are a few things to discuss with your healthcare team:

• Know your medication plan. Ask which medications to continue or temporarily pause if you can't eat or drink normally. Dehydration can be especially important if you take diuretics, also known as water pills. Never stop a beta-blocker on your own.

• Know your numbers. Ask how often to check your blood pressure and heart rate when you're sick, and what readings should prompt a call.

• Be careful with cold medicines. Some decongestants can raise blood pressure. Ask your doctor or pharmacist which products are safe for you.

• Know when to call. If you can't keep fluids down, feel faint, or notice concerning changes in your symptoms, contact your healthcare team.

If you have been advised to limit fluids because of a heart condition, follow your doctor's guidance rather than trying to drink more than recommended.

Don't Wait to Ask for Help

If you think you have the flu, contact your healthcare professional early. Prescription antiviral medicines work best when started within 48 hours of the first symptoms, although treatment may still help later, especially for people at higher risk of complications.

Most importantly, don't dismiss sudden, severe chest, back, or abdominal pain as part of being sick. These can be warning signs of an aortic emergency. Call 911 if you experience sudden, severe pain, fainting, or other potentially life-threatening symptoms.

A Little Preparation Goes a Long Way

Having an aortic condition doesn't mean every cold or flu will cause a problem. It does mean that knowing your risks, following your treatment plan and healthcare provider’s recommendations regarding vaccinations, and seeking medical advice early are important.

We encourage you to talk with your healthcare team before you get sick. A simple sick-day plan can help you feel more prepared and confident when illness strikes.

Take care,

Anita Zahiri 

Brown Medical Student