Have been diagnosed with MS a couple of years. Since diagnosis my blood pressure has increased. Is there a link?
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Not something that is normally attributed to MS but it could depend on where the damage is.
If as a result of the MS is you are less active and have gained weight this will impact your blood pressure. Also tends to rise with age and increased stress.
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Hi @janie . I’m no medic and cant say whether there is a direct link or not. However, over time ( many years since I was diagnosed) my BP has increased and is now borderline high and might need BP tablets. I tend to think that this increase could well be the result of my relatively and increasingly sedentary life style - like everyone with MS I find it an increasing challenge to do much in the way of aerobic or strength increasing exercise.
My GP has asked me to keep a daily record of my BP ( two readings a day) and all this is certainly prompting me to do more exercise. Every bit of exercise helps and to be honest I should have been doing more than I have this last year.
The MS Society has various videos on exercises for people with MS ( under Living with MS- physical and mental health)
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Best get checked out by your GP, if it is an area of concern.
I have also wondered this, as someone who historically had quite low blood pressure, within a year of diagnosis mine went high (the bottom number more so than the top). Mine cant be put down to slowing down, as I have actively worked on the “use it or lose it”. I did ask one of the MS nurses about it, but she basically said you can search for explanations but really it was less important than treating it and dealing with it.
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Yes and No.
MS doesn’t directly cause hypertension but it is likely to increase during the deconditioning which is typical as a result of less exercise and impaired mobility.
My BP has been relatively stable for years but is managed with meds. Worth keeping an eye on your pulse rate too. Mine has edged up from mid-50’s when super-fit and sporty to mid-high 60’s as a deconditioned blob!
Get yourself a health watch - as distinct from a sports watch. e.g. Audar E2 with BP, pulse, O2 plus SOS & fall-detection. Got one for my Dad and my sister and I can log in any time to check his vitals 
Graeme
Definitely one for your GP.
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As a newbie to all of this, it’s really helpful to read all these answers. Counting down to my first appointment ever with Oxford Neurology on Thursday and finding all the discussion on this forum very useful. Thanks guys 
Hi again @janie I was thinking a bit more about your question and looked up Disease Modifying Drugs and blood pressure. It seems that some drugs can raise blood pressure. Might be worth checking the side effects of whatever Drug you are on?
Hi @janie So I have SPMS, been like this 19yrs and like others struggle with my weight and doing any form of exercise, I had to go on BP meds last year, I was given a monitor to wear for 24hrs + kept a 5 day diary, so if I were you I’d contact my GP, best to be safe than sorry.
Jean x
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