High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a condition that often goes unnoticed due to its lack of overt symptoms. However, it can have subtle effects on the body, including muscle and joint pain. Can high blood pressure cause joint and muscle pain?
Medication Side Effects
Certain medications prescribed to manage high blood pressure can lead to muscle and joint pain. For instance, statins, used to lower cholesterol, have been associated with muscle pain in some individuals. A study found that about 6% of people using carvedilol, a beta-blocker, experienced joint aches and back pain.
Diuretics, commonly known as water pills, can cause electrolyte imbalances, leading to muscle cramps. Calcium channel blockers, another class of antihypertensive drugs, have been linked to muscle stiffness and weakness.
Inflammatory Conditions
Chronic inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis often coexist with hypertension. The inflammation associated with these conditions can contribute to joint pain and stiffness. Moreover, the medications used to treat these inflammatory conditions, such as corticosteroids, can elevate blood pressure.
Reduced Physical Activity
Pain in muscles and joints can lead to decreased physical activity. A sedentary lifestyle is a known risk factor for developing high blood pressure. Regular exercise helps maintain healthy blood pressure levels and joint mobility. Therefore, pain-induced inactivity can indirectly contribute to hypertension.
Stress and Pain
Chronic pain can lead to increased stress levels. Stress activates the body’s fight-or-flight response, releasing hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, which can raise blood pressure. Persistent stress and elevated blood pressure can create a vicious cycle, exacerbating both conditions.
Sources
Mid West Pain Clinic: Can Pain Cause High Blood Pressure: Tips to Manage Hypertension
New You Health: 14 Medications That Could Be Causing Your Pain
Drugs.com: Is weakness and stiff muscles a side effect of Amlodipine?
