Can bronchitis cause high blood pressure?

Bronchitis, especially chronic bronchitis, can lead to high blood pressure, according to PDRhealth. Pulmonary hypertension results from chronic bronchitis, which causes the heart to work harder, contributing to various heart-related ailments.

Bronchitis limits a person's ability to efficiently take in oxygen to the blood; this is the connection between chronic bronchitis and heart problems, explains PDRhealth. In addition to high blood pressure, a person with bronchitis may get fatigued more quickly due to oxygen inefficiency. Chest pain, fatigue and passing out are also health risks associated with chronic bronchitis, reports WebMD. Swelling of the legs and ankles may also occur.