Hello. Thank you for your question and welcome to HCM. I carefully read your query.
I cannot confirm with highest certainty, but infection is an inflammatory state and, if prolonged, it can produce
high blood pressure figures and other changes. Inflammation is always accompanied with a hyperdynamic state of the organism, and more is "asked" from the heart, to cope with these increased organism needs.
Insomnia, or short hours of sleep, also is accompanied with high blood pressure sometimes, because of the changes in daily
hormonal peak and nadir levels. Of course, there are also non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that can slightly elevate the blood pressure, and it is logical to think that you might be using them, due to the inflammatory state.
With all this been said, we should also
stress that blood pressure is a very variable component of the human body. It fluctuates in various times in one day due to physiological reasons, such as psychological stress,
anxiety, physical activity and the hormonal changes mentioned above. Also, a one-time measurement of it, or some times within a short time frame, is not reliable to jump to conclusions. It should be measured after you have been on resting state for at least 15 minutes and 2-3 hours away from the last xanthyne-containing beverage you may have drunk (coffee, tea, energy drinks).
Last, but not least, in your age of 51-years old, diagnosis of
hypertension (high blood pressure) should not be ruled out. First, get better from the infection, and let the hyperdynamic state end, and then we will be more reasonable in "hunting" for hypertension.
I hope this was helpful.
Best regards,
Dr. Meriton