Amphetamine is known to have powerful effects on BP and HR in normal subjects; indeed, a sympathetic surge resulting in hypertension is well recognized as a cause of stroke when recreational doses of the drug are taken.

Why does amphetamine increase blood pressure?

Amphetamine sends the part of the nervous system that functions to accelerate heart rate, constrict blood vessels, raise blood pressure, and produce the “fight or flight” hormone adrenaline, into overdrive.

What does amphetamine do to your blood?

Amphetamine caused an increase in blood pressure (34%) and heart rate (31%). There was a significant increase in averaged cerebral blood flow from 98 +/- 8 to 166 +/- 9 ml/min/100 g after amphetamine.