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Treatment and the treatment process

Leukemia + high blood pressure

High blood pressure is common and usually does not stand in the way of leukaemia treatment.

Last updated: ~1 min read
A blood pressure cuff
Figure 1.A blood pressure cuff.

01Short answer

Some treatments (for example steroids and some targeted medicines) can raise blood pressure, while fluid loss and infection can lower it. So blood pressure medicines are sometimes adjusted. If your team asks, measure it at home and write it down.

02Simple explanation

Tell both doctors. Your haematologist and your blood pressure doctor.

Medicine list. Bring it to every visit.

Your own medicines. Do not stop them unless told.

Symptoms. Report changes early.

03Scientific explanation

Steroids retain salt and fluid and can raise blood pressure.

Dehydration together with blood pressure medicines can cause dizziness.

04What happens in the body?

High blood pressure and leukaemia

People with high blood pressure can receive leukaemia treatment; the plan is simply adjusted.

What may change

Treatment and high blood pressure can affect each other, so check-ups may be more frequent.

Tension in a vessel wall
Figure 2.Tension in a vessel wall.

Two teams together

When your haematologist and blood pressure doctor share information, treatment is safer.

A home readings notebook
Figure 3.A home readings notebook.

05Treatment with high blood pressure

Four steps.

Tell — Both doctors.1TellBoth doctors.
List — Medicines.2ListMedicines.
Checks — As planned.3ChecksAs planned.
Symptoms — Report early.4SymptomsReport early.

06What to watch for

SignWhat it may beWhat to do
Severe headacheVery high pressureMeasure, call your team
Dizziness on standingLow pressureTell your team
Readings higher than usualTreatment effectShow them at your visit

07Key terms

Blood pressure
The force of blood on vessel walls.
Home reading
Measuring with a home monitor.
Haematologist
Doctor for blood diseases.
Medicine list
All medicines and supplements.

08Key points

  • Inform both doctors.
  • Keep your medicine list updated.
  • Do not stop your own medicines yourself.
  • Ask before any new medicine.
  • For food, see the general rules (“Handwashing: the simplest protection” and “Eggs and dairy: safe choices”).
  • Keep your check-ups.

09Frequently asked questions

Will my blood pressure medicine change?

It may; your doctor decides.

Is leukaemia treatment possible?

Often yes; the plan may be adjusted.

Should I keep my own medicines?

Yes, unless a doctor says otherwise.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Will my blood pressure medicine change?

  2. Is leukaemia treatment possible?

  3. Should I keep my own medicines?

My questions

12Sources

  1. MedlinePlus. High Blood Pressure
  2. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Side Effects of Cancer Treatment
  3. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Definition of comorbidity – NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms
  4. Canadian Cancer Society. Tumour lysis syndrome
  5. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. About Tumor Lysis Syndrome (TLS)
  6. MedlinePlus. Allopurinol
  7. MedlinePlus. Uric acid – blood
  8. MedlinePlus. Febuxostat
  9. Canadian Cancer Society. Kidney problems
  10. MedlinePlus. Acute kidney failure
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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