How does anxiety affect blood pressure. What are the physiological mechanisms linking anxiety and hypertension. Can high blood pressure cause anxiety symptoms. How can managing anxiety help control blood pressure.

The Physiological Link Between Anxiety and Blood Pressure

Anxiety and blood pressure share a complex, bidirectional relationship that can significantly impact an individual’s overall health. Understanding this connection is crucial for effective management of both conditions.

When a person experiences anxiety, their body releases stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones trigger several physiological responses:

• Increased heart rate
• Narrowing of blood vessels
• Shallow breathing

These changes collectively contribute to a temporary spike in blood pressure. While this acute elevation is usually harmless, chronic anxiety can lead to more persistent blood pressure issues.

White Coat Hypertension: A Prime Example

One of the most notable examples of anxiety-induced blood pressure elevation is white coat hypertension. This phenomenon occurs when individuals consistently exhibit higher blood pressure readings in clinical settings compared to their home measurements. The anxiety associated with medical visits is believed to be the primary cause of this discrepancy.

Long-Term Effects of Anxiety on Cardiovascular Health

While occasional bouts of anxiety may not pose significant health risks, chronic anxiety can have detrimental effects on the cardiovascular system. Prolonged exposure to elevated stress hormones can damage:

• Heart
• Kidneys
• Blood vessels

These effects mirror those observed in individuals with long-term hypertension, highlighting the importance of managing anxiety for overall cardiovascular health.

Anxiety as a Risk Factor for Hypertension

Research suggests that individuals with intense anxiety are at a higher risk of developing hypertension compared to those with lower anxiety levels. A comprehensive review of existing studies in 2015 emphasized the importance of early detection and treatment of anxiety, particularly in individuals already diagnosed with hypertension.

Lifestyle Factors: The Anxiety-Hypertension Connection

Anxiety disorders can indirectly contribute to hypertension by promoting unhealthy lifestyle choices. People with chronic anxiety may be more likely to engage in behaviors that increase blood pressure, such as:

1. Excessive alcohol consumption
2. Sedentary lifestyle
3. Poor dietary habits
4. Tobacco use

A study examining the link between anxiety and cardiovascular disease risk factors found a strong association between anxiety and these unhealthy behaviors. Given that hypertension is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease, addressing these lifestyle factors becomes crucial in managing both anxiety and blood pressure.

The Reverse Effect: Can High Blood Pressure Cause Anxiety?

While anxiety can lead to increased blood pressure, the reverse is also true. Individuals diagnosed with hypertension may experience heightened anxiety due to concerns about their health and future. The physical symptoms of high blood pressure, such as headaches, blurred vision, and shortness of breath, can also trigger anxiety or panic in some people.

The Paradoxical Effect: Anxiety-Induced Hypotension

Interestingly, anxiety can sometimes have the opposite effect on blood pressure, causing it to decrease. This phenomenon, known as anxiety-induced hypotension, occurs when individuals take very shallow breaths during periods of intense anxiety, leading to vasodilation and a subsequent drop in blood pressure.

A 2011 study identified an association between anxiety and depression symptoms and decreased blood pressure, particularly in individuals who had experienced high levels of anxiety symptoms over several decades.

Differentiating Between Anxiety and Blood Pressure Symptoms

Distinguishing between symptoms of anxiety and blood pressure fluctuations can be challenging, as they often overlap. It’s important to note that hypertension typically doesn’t cause noticeable symptoms unless it reaches dangerously high levels, requiring immediate medical attention.

Low blood pressure, on the other hand, is more likely to cause symptoms that closely resemble those of anxiety, including:

• Blurred vision
• Dizziness
• Fainting
• Nausea
• Lightheadedness

If you’re experiencing severe or recurrent symptoms, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.

Treatment Approaches for Anxiety and Hypertension

Managing anxiety and hypertension often requires a multifaceted approach. Treatment options may include a combination of medication, lifestyle changes, and therapeutic interventions.

Medications for Anxiety

Several medications can help alleviate anxiety symptoms. The most common options include:

• Buspirone: An anti-anxiety medication
• Antidepressants: Particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
• Benzodiazepines: A class of sedative medications (used cautiously due to potential for dependence)

It’s important to note that some anxiety medications may affect blood pressure, so close monitoring by a healthcare provider is essential.

Lifestyle Modifications

Adopting healthy lifestyle habits can significantly impact both anxiety and blood pressure levels. Key modifications include:

1. Regular exercise
2. Balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
3. Stress reduction techniques (e.g., meditation, deep breathing exercises)
4. Adequate sleep
5. Limiting alcohol and caffeine intake

The Role of Psychotherapy in Managing Anxiety and Blood Pressure

Psychotherapy, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), can be highly effective in managing anxiety and its related effects on blood pressure. CBT helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to anxiety, potentially leading to improved blood pressure control.

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)

MBSR is another therapeutic approach that has shown promise in managing both anxiety and hypertension. This technique combines meditation, body awareness, and yoga to help individuals develop a greater understanding of their stress reactions and learn to respond more effectively.

Monitoring and Self-Care: Key to Managing Anxiety and Blood Pressure

Regular monitoring of both anxiety symptoms and blood pressure is crucial for effective management. Home blood pressure monitors can provide valuable insights into how anxiety affects your blood pressure over time.

The Importance of Self-Care

Implementing self-care strategies can significantly impact both anxiety levels and blood pressure. Some effective self-care practices include:

• Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule
• Engaging in enjoyable activities
• Setting realistic goals and boundaries
• Practicing gratitude
• Staying connected with supportive friends and family

By prioritizing self-care, individuals can better manage their anxiety and potentially improve their blood pressure control.

The Future of Anxiety and Blood Pressure Research

As our understanding of the relationship between anxiety and blood pressure continues to evolve, researchers are exploring new avenues for treatment and prevention. Some promising areas of investigation include:

1. Personalized medicine approaches based on genetic and environmental factors
2. Novel anti-anxiety medications with fewer side effects on blood pressure
3. Advanced monitoring technologies for real-time anxiety and blood pressure tracking
4. Integration of mental health care into primary care settings for better management of both conditions

These advancements hold the potential to significantly improve outcomes for individuals dealing with both anxiety and blood pressure issues.

The Importance of Holistic Care

As research progresses, it’s becoming increasingly clear that a holistic approach to health care is essential for effectively managing the complex relationship between anxiety and blood pressure. This approach considers not only the physical symptoms but also the emotional, psychological, and social factors that contribute to overall well-being.

By addressing anxiety and blood pressure as interconnected aspects of health, healthcare providers can develop more comprehensive and effective treatment plans. This may involve collaboration between mental health professionals, cardiologists, and primary care physicians to ensure that all aspects of a patient’s health are considered and addressed.

Empowering Patients: Education and Self-Management

Education plays a crucial role in empowering patients to take an active role in managing their anxiety and blood pressure. Understanding the connection between these two conditions can motivate individuals to make necessary lifestyle changes and adhere to treatment plans more effectively.

Tools for Self-Management

Various tools and resources are available to help individuals manage their anxiety and blood pressure:

• Smartphone apps for mood tracking and relaxation exercises
• Online support groups and forums
• Educational materials provided by healthcare professionals
• Wearable devices for monitoring heart rate and blood pressure

By utilizing these resources, patients can gain greater insight into their condition and take proactive steps to improve their health.

The Role of Social Support in Managing Anxiety and Blood Pressure

Social support plays a significant role in managing both anxiety and hypertension. Strong social connections can help reduce stress, promote healthy behaviors, and provide emotional support during challenging times.

Building a Support Network

Individuals dealing with anxiety and blood pressure issues can benefit from building a strong support network. This may include:

1. Family members
2. Friends
3. Support groups
4. Mental health professionals
5. Healthcare providers

Having a reliable support system can make it easier to navigate the challenges associated with managing these interconnected health conditions.

Conclusion: A Comprehensive Approach to Anxiety and Blood Pressure Management

The relationship between anxiety and blood pressure is complex and multifaceted. By understanding this connection and adopting a comprehensive approach to management, individuals can improve their overall health and well-being.

Key takeaways for effectively managing anxiety and blood pressure include:

• Recognizing the bidirectional relationship between anxiety and blood pressure
• Implementing lifestyle modifications to support both mental and cardiovascular health
• Seeking professional help when needed, including medication and therapy
• Utilizing self-monitoring tools and resources
• Building a strong support network
• Staying informed about the latest research and treatment options

By addressing both anxiety and blood pressure as interconnected aspects of health, individuals can work towards achieving better overall well-being and quality of life. Remember, it’s essential to work closely with healthcare providers to develop a personalized management plan that addresses your unique needs and circumstances.

What is the link between anxiety and high blood pressure?

IBCCES is the global leader in training and certification for healthcare professionals, educators and corporate partners who work with individuals with autism and other cognitive disorders. Our reach extends to more than 2 million people in all 50 states and over 70 countries around the globe. IBCCES Member Learning Community is provided as a free service to all IBCCES members who have completed one or more of our training and certification programs.

December 5, 2019

This post was originally published on this site

Anxiety and high blood pressure can sometimes go hand in hand. Anxiety may lead to high blood pressure, and high blood pressure may trigger feelings of anxiety.

Doctors characterize anxiety as feelings of intense worry or fear. It causes many physical symptoms, including increased heart rate and shallow breathing. Periods of anxiety may also temporarily increase blood pressure.

Meanwhile, having long-term high blood pressure — which doctors refer to as hypertension — can cause people to feel anxious about their health and future.

Keep reading to learn more about the link between anxiety and high blood pressure, as well as how to treat both conditions.

Anxiety causes the release of stress hormones in the body. These hormones trigger an increase in the heart rate and a narrowing of the blood vessels. Both of these changes cause blood pressure to rise, sometimes dramatically.

Doctors believe that anxiety is the reason behind white coat hypertension — a phenomenon in which some individuals consistently have higher blood pressure readings at the doctor’s office than at home.

Anxiety-induced increases in blood pressure are temporary and will subside once the anxiety lessens. Regularly having high levels of anxiety, however, can cause damage to the heart, kidneys, and blood vessels, in the same way that long-term hypertension can.

A 2015 review of existing research indicates that people who have intense anxiety are more at risk of hypertension than those with lower levels of anxiety. As a result, the researchers conclude that the early detection and treatment of anxiety are particularly important in people with hypertension.

Living with an anxiety disorder, whereby anxiety occurs every day and interferes with daily life, can also increase the likelihood of behaviors that contribute to hypertension. Examples include:

• alcohol use
• lack of exercise
• poor diet
• tobacco use

One study reports a link between anxiety and unhealthful lifestyle behaviors — including physical inactivity, smoking, and poor diet — in people at risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Hypertension is one of the most significant risk factors for CVD.

Additionally, some medications for anxiety can increase blood pressure.

Having high blood pressure can trigger feelings of anxiety in some people. Those whom doctors diagnose with hypertension may worry about their health and their future.

Sometimes, the symptoms of hypertension, which include headaches, blurred vision, and shortness of breath, can be enough to cause panic or anxiety.

Occasionally, anxiety works in the opposite way, causing a reduction in blood pressure.

This drop may occur because, during periods of intense anxiety, some people take very shallow breaths. The blood vessels then become wider, reducing blood pressure.

A 2011 study identified an association between the symptoms of anxiety and depression and a decrease in blood pressure, especially in people who have experienced a high level of anxiety symptoms over a prolonged period of decades.

This relationship also seems to work in both directions as low blood pressure, or hypotension, may sometimes cause anxiety and panic. Its symptoms can be similar to those of anxiety and include:

• blurred vision
• dizziness
• fainting
• nausea
• lightheadedness

Learn more about fluctuating blood pressure here.

When symptoms occur, it can be difficult to distinguish between anxiety and changes in blood pressure.

Individuals should keep in mind that hypertension does not typically cause symptoms unless it is exceptionally high. If this is the case, emergency treatment is necessary.

Low blood pressure is more likely to cause symptoms, and these are often quite similar to the symptoms of anxiety.

People who are experiencing severe or recurrent symptoms should see their doctor. A doctor will be able to diagnose the underlying cause of the symptoms and can prescribe treatments for both anxiety and hypertension, if necessary.

There are several treatment options for anxiety. Most people require a combination of treatments.

Medication

Several medicines can relieve the symptoms of anxiety. Different types of medication will work for different people. Options include:

• buspirone, an anti-anxiety drug
• certain antidepressants
• benzodiazepines, which are a type of sedative medication for short-term anxiety relief
• beta-blockers, which doctors use to treat hypertension

Psychotherapy

Working with a psychotherapist can often help people manage their anxiety symptoms.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one method that a psychotherapist is likely to try. CBT teaches people to change their thinking patterns to help them reduce anxious thoughts and worries.

Once individuals have learned techniques to manage their anxiety, they gradually expose themselves to situations that trigger the anxiety. In this manner, they become less fearful about these situations.

Lifestyle changes

Making simple changes can go a long way toward reducing the symptoms of anxiety. Examples include:

• practicing deep breathing techniques or progressive muscle relaxation
• meditating
• exercising regularly
• getting enough sleep
• eating a healthful diet and limiting caffeine intake
• avoiding alcohol, tobacco, and recreational drugs
• reducing stressors at home, work, and school, where possible
• facing up to problems rather than avoiding them
• replacing negative thoughts with more positive or realistic ones

Read about natural remedies for anxiety here.

Most people with hypertension will benefit from making lifestyle changes. Some people will also need medication.

Lifestyle changes

Doctors often recommend one or more of the following:

• eating a healthful diet and limiting salt intake
• avoiding tobacco and recreational drugs
• limiting alcohol intake
• exercising regularly
• achieving or maintaining a healthy body mass index (BMI)

Learn about 15 natural ways to lower blood pressure here.

Medication

There are several types of medication for treating high blood pressure. These include:

• diuretics (water pills)
• calcium channel blockers
• angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
• angiotensin II receptor blockers
• aldosterone antagonists
• renin inhibitors
• vasodilators
• alpha-blockers
• alpha-beta-blockers
• beta-blockers

The type of medication that a person needs will depend on several factors, including their general health and the severity of their hypertension. Some people may need more than one type of medication to keep their blood pressure under control.

Individuals who think that they may have anxiety, hypertension, or both should speak to a doctor. Those who have severe symptoms should seek immediate care as the symptoms could indicate a medical emergency.

Symptoms to look out for include:

Both hypertension and anxiety are highly treatable conditions. A person with anxiety will not necessarily develop hypertension.

However, seeking help as early as possible can improve the outcome for people with either condition and reduce the risk of complications.

There is a link between anxiety and high blood pressure. Sometimes, a person with anxiety will develop hypertension, especially if they regularly experience intense anxiety.

Other people may develop anxiety as a result of having high blood pressure.

Treatment for one condition can often improve the other. Individuals who suspect that they have one or both conditions should see their doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

The Link Between Anxiety and High Blood Pressure

Print 🖨 PDF 📄 eBook 📱

We’ve all experienced anxiety from time to time. Our heart rate increases and we feel tense, on edge or even fearful. Many people are able to cope appropriately to reduce their anxiety. However, some people experience anxiety on a daily basis. This can have serious health consequences because anxiety can affect your blood pressure.

How Stress and Anxiety Can Build Over Time

Constant, chronic stress can lead to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. Long-term stress may increase cortisol production, which can raise both your blood pressure and body weight, two factors that influence a person’s risk of heart disease. According to the American Heart Association, chronic stress can also cause chronic anxiety and depression.

Understanding Anxiety

Anxiety affects many of us. In fact, an estimated 31% of American adults will have an anxiety disorder at some point in their lives, according to the National Institutes of Health. You may feel anxious when making a big decision, leading up to a deadline or even visiting your doctor if you are worried about a health condition. However, if feelings of anxiety are intense and linger, you may be one of 25 million Americans who live with an anxiety disorder.

Symptoms of anxiety can include restlessness, muscle tension, difficulty controlling feelings, irrational worries, trembling and shaking.

People who live with untreated anxiety may feel trapped, isolated or paralyzed with fear. Anxiety can limit your ability to interact with others, complete day-to-day tasks and face your fears.

Similarly, people with anxiety disorders are at an elevated risk of cardiovascular disease. Thankfully, with treatment, you can gain control of your anxiety. If you’re concerned about anxiety, talk with your primary care provider, who can recommend strategies that might include:

• Psychotherapy or talk therapy. Certain types of therapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy and cognitive therapy, can teach individuals how to change their thinking or identify unhelpful ways of thinking. A psychotherapist or licensed clinical social worker may guide patients through exposure therapy to face their fears.
• Certain medications include beta blockers, antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications. These treatments may help control anxiety and its related symptoms, but medications alone cannot cure anxiety-related disorders.

In addition to psychotherapy and medication, some people find relief from anxiety with lifestyle changes that include exercise. Even a short walk outside can give you a sense of control and a change of scenery. Exercise can improve your mood by releasing endorphins, distract you from concerns or worries, and reduce tension in your muscles. For some, exercise can work as well as medication to reduce symptoms of anxiety or depression, according to the Anxiety & Depression Association of America. Exercise can also help your brain better cope with stress, which has the potential to improve your mental health.

Understanding High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is when blood pushes against the artery walls at a higher rate than normal. Long term, high blood pressure greatly increases the chance of experiencing a serious cardiac event, such as a heart attack and/or stroke. High blood pressure is one of the most common diseases worldwide and may affect as many as half of the adults in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Unlike other chronic conditions, high blood pressure doesn’t cause noticeable symptoms or warning signs. High blood pressure can only be uncovered through a blood pressure measurement done at your doctor’s office, a clinic, pharmacy or at home. If you or a loved one are at risk for high blood pressure, learn how to do an at-home blood pressure check. Talk with your physician about how often and when to do these checks.

High Blood Pressure and Anxiety: How Are They Related?

When you experience anxiety, it can lead to brief periods of high blood pressure. Some studies show an overlap between people with anxiety and people who have high blood pressure. People with chronic anxiety may have an increased risk of high blood pressure when compared to people without anxiety, and people with high blood pressure have a higher risk of anxiety than people without high blood pressure.

It’s vital for people with high blood pressure to discuss stress and anxiety with their health care provider. While the association between anxiety and hypertension isn’t explicitly clear, both conditions have similar treatment approaches. In other words, taking steps to reduce high blood pressure can also help reduce anxiety.

Both high blood pressure and anxiety require regular follow-up and monitoring individually and under the care of your health care provider. Both high blood pressure and anxiety may be treated with medications appropriate for each condition.

Tackling Your Risk of Anxiety and High Blood Pressure

By proactively taking control of your blood pressure, you can lower your risk of heart attack or stroke. You may also be able to reduce your stress and treat anxiety in the following ways:

• Reduce stress. Does your day include time for self-care or doing something that is solely beneficial for you? Reducing stress can look different for everyone, but it may include spending time around people who love and support you, moving your body to improve your mood, reading or meditating.
• Address anxiety. If you live with anxious thoughts and feelings, find a psychologist or therapist to address stress, anxiety and depression. These specialists help an individual reframe their thoughts and help develop coping strategies to manage day-to-day life circumstances that cause anxiety or depression.
• Exercise. Engaging in physical activity can improve your mood, prevent weight gain, manage high blood pressure and more. Plan to exercise most days of the week for the most benefits. Exercise can be as simple as a daily 15- to 30-minute walk, following an at-home aerobics video, participating in an exercise or dance class, biking, jogging, or simple calisthenics. Still not sure how to fit it in? Consider multitasking—doing laundry, cleaning, gardening or raking—as your movement.
• Quit smoking. Smoking increases your risk of heart attack and stroke and can raise your blood pressure.
• Sleep. Did you know sleep helps keep blood vessels healthy? Not getting enough sleep can lead to an increased risk of heart disease, high blood pressure and stroke. A lack of sleep also can contribute to depression and feelings of frustration or stress.
• Eat a healthy diet. The foods we eat impact high blood pressure. Consider the DASH eating plan, or Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension. This diet includes choosing vegetables, fruits, and whole grains; low-fat dairy and lean poultry and fish; and limiting foods high in saturated fats, oils and sugar-sweetened beverages and foods.

If you live with stress and anxiety, talk with your primary care provider about the impact of anxiety on your overall health and high blood pressure.

More to Read

• How Exercise Can Boost Your Mood
• Expert Tips on How to Sleep Better
• Break the Cycle of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
• Managing Stress When You Have Heart Disease

Do you live with stress and anxiety or high blood pressure?

The University of Maryland Medical System has experts who can help. Talk to a primary care provider near you.

Find a Provider

Medically reviewed by Nika Bitsko, CRNP.

• Category:
  Health Awareness, Heart Conditions, Stress Management, Vascular Disease
• Tag:
  Concerning Symptoms, Health Awareness, Heart Conditions, Heart Disease

The role of anxiety disorders in hypertension and the possibility of their correction | #03/07

In recent years, more and more evidence has been accumulating that anxiety and some other psychopathological conditions are independent risk factors for the development of arterial hypertension (AH) and should be considered in conjunction with recognized risk factors [7]. These pathologies increase morbidity and mortality from hypertension and coronary heart disease (CHD) [2]. Anxiety disorder should be detected and treated in a timely manner, as it worsens the prognosis of somatic pathology [1]. The importance of anxiety disorder in cardiology is confirmed by the results of a prospective 32-year study conducted in the United States by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [7], which showed that with increased anxiety, the probability of fatal myocardial infarction increases by 1.9times, sudden death – 4.5 times. At the same time, social epidemiological studies using objective methods conducted at the State Research Center for Preventive Medicine showed that the population experienced an increase in the level of psychological stress. It was found that about 70% of the country’s population lives in conditions of chronic high- and medium-level psychosocial stress [3].

In this regard, special attention is paid to the study of the role of anxiety in the development of hypertension, one of the main risk factors for coronary artery disease. It is known that hypertension is one of the most common cardiovascular diseases affecting, in particular, 25–35% of the Russian population. Assumptions that affective disorders, most often anxiety and depression, occupy an important place in the development and course of hypertension, were expressed at the beginning of the last century. Currently, work on the study of the relationship between hypertension and affective disorders is carried out in two directions.

On the one hand, the results of large studies have been published demonstrating the relationship between symptoms of anxiety or depression and the development of hypertension, on the other hand, hypertension is considered as a psychosomatic disease, in the treatment of which psychotropic drugs play a very important role [4].

According to the literature, the prevalence of neurotic and somatoform disorders with anxiety symptoms in patients with hypertension can reach 51.3% [2, 5]. However, the number of studies is limited, and there are no clear recommendations for the management of these patients. It is known that comorbid anxiety-depressive disorders, like hypertension, in themselves lead to a significant decrease in working capacity, while they aggravate the course of a somatic disease, contribute to the formation of a hypochondriacal type of internal disease [7]. In this regard, it seems very interesting and important to determine the possibility of the effect of complex therapy with antihypertensive drugs and a “daytime” anxiolytic on the course of hypertension in patients with anxiety.

Anxiolytic therapy significantly improves the quality of life of patients with cardiovascular diseases, contributes to their better compensation in the process of somatotropic therapy, and further adaptation to the disease. Tranquilizers are the most adequate, effective and safe drugs for the relief of adaptation disorders in cardiac patients [2, 3]. However, patients often avoid taking benzodiazepines, fearing the development of addiction symptoms, unpleasant side effects in the form of lethargy, muscle weakness, and impaired attention. Elderly patients often fear the development of coordination disorders in them due to the fear of falling, the appearance of instability.

Taking into account the noted problems, in recent years there has been an increasing need for drugs with a tranquilizing effect of the non-benzodiazepine series. These drugs include Tenoten.

The drug Tenoten is an ultra-low dose (ULD) to the brain-specific protein S100. The mechanisms of action of anti-S100 SMD in anxiety states are probably associated with a modification of the functional activity of the endogenous S100 protein and its ligands. As a result, its GABA-mimetic effect is realized, restoration of GABAergic neurotransmission. The clinical effect in this case is manifested by facilitating falling asleep, reducing behavioral manifestations of anxiety, improving memory, and reducing asthenia.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of combined treatment with antihypertensive drugs and the anti-anxiety drug Tenoten in patients with hypertension. The duration of the study is 4 weeks.

The study involved 60 patients with hypertension aged 61.41 ± 6.91 years (from 38 to 77 years). Patients were divided randomly into two groups (main and control) of 30 people. There were 18 men and 12 women in the main group, 19 in the comparison group.men and 11 women.

AH in the main group with a moderate course (II degree) was observed in 60% of patients, with a severe course (III degree) – in 40%; in the comparison group, there were 66.6% of patients with a moderate course, and 33.4% with a severe course. The average duration of AH disease was 10.61 ± 4.1 years (from 3 to 20 years).

Of great importance in the course of hypertension is a family history, lifestyle, risk factors and comorbidities.

Persons with symptomatic hypertension and complicated forms of hypertension were excluded from the study.

In the comparison group, patients received only antihypertensive therapy – ACE inhibitors, β-blockers, diuretics (Enap, Hypothiazid, Acridilol, Arifon). Patients of the main group received combined treatment with antihypertensive drugs in combination with Tenoten, which was prescribed according to the scheme: 6 tablets per day for the first 2 weeks, and then 1 tablet 3 times a day.

Treatment was prescribed for a month. Monitoring in dynamics was carried out at the beginning of the study, after 2 and 4 weeks of therapy.

The personal anxiety scale (J. Teylor) was used to assess the mental status, which is designed to measure the level of anxiety (adapted by T. A. Nemchininov).

The questionnaire consists of 50 statements. Evaluation of the results of the study is carried out by counting the number of responses of the subject, indicating anxiety; the total score is:

40-50 points – an indicator of a very high level of anxiety;

20-40 points – high level of anxiety;

15-20 points – average level of anxiety with a tendency to high;

5-15 points – average level of anxiety with a tendency to low;

0-5 points – low level of anxiety.

A study of the mental status of patients in both groups revealed anxiety symptoms of varying severity in a significant proportion of patients. The number of patients with an initial high level of anxiety was 40% in the main group and 43% in the comparison group. The number of patients with an initial average level of anxiety with a tendency to high was 60% in the main group and 56.6% in the comparison group.

Research results

By the end of the study, the high level of anxiety decreased in the main group by 39.39% and reached the average level of anxiety with a tendency to low, and in the comparison group, the level of anxiety decreased only by 3.6%.

In patients of the main group who took Tenoten, a clear decrease in the level of anxiety was noted already after 2 weeks and by the end of the month it reached significance in comparison with the group of patients who received standard antihypertensive therapy. The relief of affective disorders was accompanied by a decrease in complaints of anxiety, feelings of helplessness, self-doubt, a sense of threatening danger, poor sleep ( tab. 1 ).

The demonstrated differences in the dynamics of anxiety indicators in the studied groups of patients confirmed the possibility of effective correction of these disorders in patients with AH with Tenoten. However, it was extremely interesting to assess whether this therapy and the severity of associated anxiety disorders affect the effectiveness of antihypertensive therapy in general.

A decrease in the values ​​of maximum systolic and diastolic pressure occurred in both studied groups. By the end of the month of treatment, the decrease in blood pressure (BP) reached a statistically significant significance. In the main group of patients who additionally took Tenoten, systolic blood pressure (BP) decreased by 24.28% – almost to the age norm, in the comparison group there was a decrease by 16.48%, i.e. there was some excess of normal values. The decrease in diastolic pressure by the end of the 4th week in the main group (by 17.7%) and in the comparison group (by 5. 9%) was also significant ( tab. 2 , 3 ).

The addition of Tenoten to the complex therapy in patients with high and moderate levels of anxiety made it possible to achieve a much more pronounced improvement in blood pressure. Against the background of therapy with Tenoten, a more rapid effect of antihypertensive drugs is observed – after 2 weeks of combined administration of the drug in patients of the main group, blood pressure decreased to the target level, in contrast to the comparison group, where it remained above the target.

Conclusion

The results of our study show that all patients with hypertension have anxiety symptoms of varying severity, which aggravate the course of the disease, contributing to higher levels of both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The inclusion of the modern “daytime” anxiolytic Tenoten in the complex therapy of patients with hypertension increases the effectiveness of the treatment, reduces the level of anxiety, which contributes to a more rapid onset of the hypotensive effect. Tenoten is well tolerated by patients, does not cause orthostatic hypotension and any other undesirable side effects.

Literature

1. Avedisova AS Anxiety disorders // Yu. A. Alexandrovsky. Mental disorders in general medical practice and their treatment. M.: GEOTAR-MED, 2004. S. 66–73.
2. Kopina OS, Suslova SF, Zaikin ER Population studies of psychosocial stress as a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases// Cardiology. 1996. No. 36 (3). pp. 53–56.
3. Sudakov KV Emotional stress and arterial hypertension. M.: VNIIMI, 1976.
4. Chazov EI Ischemic heart disease and the possibility of improving the effectiveness of its treatment// Clinical trials of drugs in Russia. 2001. No. 1. S. 2–4.
5. Kawachi I., Sparrow D., Vokonas P. S., Wess S. T. Symptoms of anxiety and risk of coronary heart disease. The Normative Aging Study. circulation. 1994; 90, 5: 2225–2229.
6. Lavie C., Milani R. Prevalence of anxiety in coronary patients with improvement following cardiac rehabilitation and exercise training. Am J Cardiol. 2004; 93:336–339.
7. Sonas B. S., Franks P., Ingram D. D. Are symptoms of anxiety and depression risk factor for hyprtension? Longitudinal evidence from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey I Epidemiologic Follow-up Study. Arch. fam. Vtd. 1997; 6:43–9.

I. N. Nikolskaya , doctor of medical sciences, professor
I. A. Guseva , candidate of medical sciences, associate professor
E. V. Bliznevskaya , Ph.D.
NSMU, Medical Unit No. 25, Novosibirsk

Anxiety and hypertension. Vicious circle

Author:
S.N. Enikolopov, PhD, Mental Health Research Center of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, Moscow

03/27/2015

An alarm condition occurs when a certain stimulus
perceived as carrying elements of danger, threat, harm. Experience
Anxiety is inherent in any person in appropriate situations.

For more than a decade, psychotherapists and cardiologists have been discussing
the problem of increased levels of anxiety in patients suffering from hypertension
disease. Negative emotional state affects the course
hypertension, the effectiveness of its treatment, the quality of life of patients.
The causes of anxiety are diverse and can lie in any area.
vital activity. Among the objective causes of concern, one can single out
extreme conditions that place high demands on the human psyche, and
as well as situations associated with the uncertainty of their outcome. Anxiety disorders
are detected in 45-80% of patients with an established diagnosis of hypertension.
Despite the fact that anxiety is often viewed as an unfavorable
state associated with experiencing stress, it plays a positive role and how
an indicator of trouble in the external environment and the inner world of a person, and how
a factor that mobilizes the reserves of the psyche and prepares the body for action.
Anxiety disorders are manifested by mental and somatic symptoms.
The most characteristic mental manifestations are anxiety, restlessness
little things, a feeling of tension and stiffness. somatic disorders (that
there are manifestations from the internal organs) are primarily due to
increased activity of the sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system
(heart palpitations and, as a result, an increase in blood pressure (BP),
sensation of a “coma” in the throat, a feeling of lack of air, the appearance of pain in the chest and
stomach, nausea, diarrhea). A combination of mental and physical symptoms
by chance – when there is a potential threat or the body is already in danger,
prepares to fight or flee.
Unjustified concern for one’s health prevails. Patients present
complaints of a variety of unpleasant sensations in the body, constantly overestimate
the severity of their condition, do not trust medical opinions and recommendations.
There is a clear discrepancy between the number of complaints and the true deterioration
health, as well as excessive attention to their health. Patient without
if necessary, re-measures blood pressure, seeks to examine the state of blood vessels
brain, fundus, often turns to doctors of various specialties and
healers. At the same time, patients with depression often interpret negatively
doctor’s recommendations.
Depression is the second most common mental disorder in hypertension.
syndrome. At the same time, the feeling of anxiety is aggravated, sleep is disturbed. Developing
vicious circle: prolonged anxiety and depression provoke a persistent increase in blood pressure,
and the presence of this symptom, in turn, exacerbates the anxiety disorder.
The combination of anxiety and depression is observed in 70% of patients. These two states
common neurochemical roots – a violation of serotonin metabolism.
Numerous studies show that the normalization of psychological
conditions in people with hypertension, to a large extent
reduces the response of the cardiovascular system to stressful situations.
Timely detection and correction of these disorders can achieve faster results.
therapeutic effect in patients suffering from rises in blood pressure.
Given the high prevalence of anxiety disorders in patients with hypertension,
successful treatment of this disease includes not only lowering blood pressure, but also
normalization of the mental state. In recent years, in the treatment of anxiety
disorders are increasingly used antidepressants. As shown by numerous
studies, the use of classical antidepressants (amitriptyline,
imipramine, clomipramine) has a pronounced and prolonged clinical
Effect. However, such treatment is associated with great difficulties. Necessity
taking the drug for a long period (from six months to
longer) can lead to such undesirable consequences as weakening
concentration and slow reaction times. This has a negative effect
in the social and professional spheres of human life and determines the high
the risk of non-compliance by patients with the prescribed treatment regimen up to refusal
taking medications. As a result, antidepressants are used either deliberately
ineffective doses, or short courses, which invariably leads to low
therapeutic effect and the likelihood of recurrence of anxiety
disorders.
At present, drugs of the selective group are very often used.
serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Most preferred for
applications are drugs of balanced action, which include
paroxetine. Many years of experience with this drug has shown
its high anti-anxiety activity even in cases of frequent and intense
panic attacks. It has been clinically proven that long-term use of paroxetine
does not lead to a significant change in the social activity of patients and does not
requires professional restrictions. Paroxetine can be combined with
the use of antihypertensive, vascular, cardiological, antidiabetic and
other means, often necessary for patients for health reasons. Wherein
it has not been shown to cause addiction or dependence.
Thus, effective treatment of hypertension does not involve
only a decrease in blood pressure to target levels, but in some cases, therapy
anxiety disorders and depression, which are often associated with
hypertension.

Article published in the magazine “Easy Heart”, July – September, 2006.

• Number:
• No. 22 November – General therapeutic number

07/07/2023

Endocrinology Susceptibility of patients with diabetes mellitus to metformin reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease: a population cohort of studies

Cardiovascular disease, stroke, myocardial infarction (IM) and ischemic heart disease (IXC), є partial complications of circulatory diabetes (CD) type 2. Metformin recommendations by expert associations as first-line therapy for type 2 CD due to mucosal suppression effect, accessibility and safety. Metformin reduces the level of glucose in the blood by facilitating gluconeogenesis in the liver and increasing the sensitivity of peripheral tissues to insulin, without causing severe hypoglycemia [1]. …

07/07/2023

Therapy and family medicine One plant can be repaired

Near the Tyrolean town of Kundl, the rest of the plant from the production of penicillin is left in Western Europe. Itself here and lie, if we again have plenty of antibiotics ….

07/06/2023

Surgery, orthopedics and anesthesiology0003

In the wake of the past fate, the V interdisciplinary scientific congress with international participation “Actual nutrition of intensive care and anesthetic care in obstetrics, gynecology and perinatology” was held. In addition, the presentation of the peculiarities of carrying out a severe disease in case of caesarean section on the butt of the doctor-anaesthetist in Israel.