Low blood pressure impacts your immune system
We hear about the dangers of high blood pressure.
But no one talks about how low blood pressure can impact immunity and autoimmunity, and be a sign of dysfunction.
Less blood flow impairs immune function by denying blood to vital organs, including lymphoid tissues (spleen, lymph nodes), where immune cells are produced and activated. This can impair the body’s ability to mount an effective immune response.
It also means decreased oxygen delivery to tissues, which can hinder immune cell function and increase vulnerability to infections.
What causes low blood pressure?
Endocrine disorders like adrenal insufficiency, hypothyroidism and chronic stress
Heart failure and bradycardia (low heart rate)
Severe infections
Blood loss and anaemia
Nutritional Deficiencies like B12 and folate
Some medications
Stress can be key. Chronic low blood pressure related to adrenal insufficiency, can lead to elevated cortisol (a stress hormone). While cortisol can have anti-inflammatory effects, excessive levels can suppress the immune system, increasing susceptibility to infections and potentially triggering autoimmune responses.
Low blood pressure can also affect the integrity of blood vessels. In autoimmune diseases, inflammation can damage blood vessel walls, potentially leading to compromised circulation and further exacerbating blood pressure issues.
All in all, low blood pressure can leave us at increased risk of infection, unable to regulate immune function due to a reduced ability to mount an immune response and necessary cytokines (inflammation).
If low blood pressure is persistent, it’s important to investigate and manage any underlying causes to support immune function!