Can anxiety cause high blood pressure?

Anxiety and high blood pressure can be symptoms of each other. Anxiety may lead to high blood pressure, and high blood pressure can trigger feelings of anxiety.

The American Psychological Association (APA) defines anxiety as feelings of worry or tension. It can cause certain physical symptoms, including increased heart rate and sweating. The APA also notes that anxiety may increase a person’s blood pressure.

Additionally, having long-term high blood pressure, or hypertension, can cause people to feel anxious about their health and future. Severe hypertension can also cause a person to experience anxiety.

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

Anxiety is the body’s natural response to stress. A person may feel anxious before a test or when waiting for important news.

It occurs when the body releases stress hormones. These hormones trigger an increase in heart rate and a narrowing of the blood vessels. Both of these changes can cause a person’s blood pressure to rise.

A 2015 review indicates that people with intense anxiety have a higher risk of hypertension than those with lower levels of anxiety. Researchers conclude that early detection and treatment of anxiety are particularly important in people with hypertension.

Anxiety-induced increases in blood pressure are usually temporary and 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.

In the long term, anxiety-related hormone changes may cause increased fat deposits, particularly around the abdomen. Anxiety can also prompt behavior changes in people, such as stress eating, which may indirectly contribute to hypertension.

Additionally, some medications for anxiety can increase blood pressure. Research from 2017 found that serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), which people use to treat anxiety disorders, can increase blood pressure.

Anxiety is a response to stress. Stress causes the release of hormones, such as epinephrine and cortisol. These hormones induce the “fight-or-flight” response, which prepares the body to flee or confront the perceived threat.

Fight-or-flight hormones can cause a person to experience an increase in:

• heart rate
• blood pressure
• muscular strength

Once a person has dealt with their stress, their body systems should return to normal. However, a person who has long-term stress can develop health problems, such as:

• diarrhea
• stomach pain
• weight gain
• weakened immune system
• depression
• lack of sleep
• fatigue
• inability to make decisions
• memory issues
• increase in fats in the blood

Having high blood pressure may trigger feelings of anxiety in some people. A person with hypertension may worry about their health and their future.

Additionally, the symptoms of hypertension can cause panic or anxiety. Symptoms of hypertension include:

• vision changes
• headaches
• irregular heart rhythm
• buzzing in the ears

Severe hypertension can also cause a person to experience anxiety. If a person experiences extreme anxiety alongside symptoms such as headache or shortness of breath, they should seek medical attention immediately.

It can be difficult to distinguish between anxiety and changes in blood pressure. Hypertension does not usually cause symptoms. This means it is important for a person to have a doctor check their blood pressure regularly.

There is currently no evidence to suggest that anxiety lowers a person’s blood pressure. However, having low blood pressure may cause a person to become anxious or worried.

Symptoms of low blood pressure can be similar to those of anxiety. Symptoms of both low blood pressure and anxiety include:

• dizziness
• lightheadedness
• nausea
• fainting
• difficulty concentrating

Learn more about fluctuating blood pressure here.

A person with low blood pressure may experience symptoms similar to those of anxiety. If a person is unsure whether their symptoms are due to anxiety or low blood pressure, they should speak with a doctor.

Additionally, people who have severe or recurrent symptoms of either should see their doctor. A doctor will be able to diagnose the underlying cause of the symptoms and can prescribe any necessary treatments.

There are several treatment options for anxiety. A person may require a combination of these 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 help a person’s heart beat more slowly and gently

Psychotherapy

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

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective forms of psychotherapy for anxiety. CBT teaches people to change their thinking patterns to help them reduce anxious thoughts and worries.

During CBT, a person learns techniques to manage their anxiety and gradually expose themselves to situations that trigger it. This helps the person become less fearful and anxious in these situations.

Lifestyle changes

A person can make lifestyle changes to help reduce feelings of anxiety. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) suggests the following to help with anxiety:

• exercising regularly
• practicing mindfulness
• eating a balanced diet
• avoiding alcohol and drugs
• getting consistent, high-quality sleep
• learning a new skill
• trying to reduce negative thoughts, countering them with positive ones
• setting goals and rewards
• creating or maintaining a support system

Read about natural remedies for anxiety here.

A person who has hypertension may be given a treatment plan by their doctor. This can involve lifestyle changes, medications, or both.

Lifestyle changes

A person can make various lifestyle changes to lower their blood pressure, including:

• avoiding or limiting alcohol
• reducing salt intake
• eating a heart-healthy diet that is rich in fruit, vegetables, and whole grains
• exercising regularly
• quitting smoking, if appropriate
• maintaining a moderate weight
• managing stress
• getting good-quality sleep

Learn about 15 natural ways to lower blood pressure here.

Medication

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

• angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, which prevent blood vessels from narrowing as much
• angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) to stop blood vessels from narrowing
• calcium channel blockers, which allow blood vessels to relax
• diuretics, which remove excess water and sodium from the body
• 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.

People who think they may have anxiety, hypertension, or both, should speak with a doctor. Those who have severe symptoms should seek immediate care, as this can indicate a medical emergency.

Symptoms to look out for include:

• fatigue
• nausea
• vomiting
• confusion
• chest pain
• muscle tremors
• shortness of breath
• back pain
• numbness or weakness
• difficulty speaking

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. A person with anxiety may develop hypertension, especially if they regularly experience intense anxiety.

Other people may develop anxiety as a result of high blood pressure. Treatment for one condition can often improve the other.

A person who suspects they have one or both conditions should see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

Can anxiety cause high blood pressure?

Anxiety and high blood pressure can be symptoms of each other. Anxiety may lead to high blood pressure, and high blood pressure can trigger feelings of anxiety.

The American Psychological Association (APA) defines anxiety as feelings of worry or tension. It can cause certain physical symptoms, including increased heart rate and sweating. The APA also notes that anxiety may increase a person’s blood pressure.

Additionally, having long-term high blood pressure, or hypertension, can cause people to feel anxious about their health and future. Severe hypertension can also cause a person to experience anxiety.

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

Anxiety is the body’s natural response to stress. A person may feel anxious before a test or when waiting for important news.

It occurs when the body releases stress hormones. These hormones trigger an increase in heart rate and a narrowing of the blood vessels. Both of these changes can cause a person’s blood pressure to rise.

A 2015 review indicates that people with intense anxiety have a higher risk of hypertension than those with lower levels of anxiety. Researchers conclude that early detection and treatment of anxiety are particularly important in people with hypertension.

Anxiety-induced increases in blood pressure are usually temporary and 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.

In the long term, anxiety-related hormone changes may cause increased fat deposits, particularly around the abdomen. Anxiety can also prompt behavior changes in people, such as stress eating, which may indirectly contribute to hypertension.

Additionally, some medications for anxiety can increase blood pressure. Research from 2017 found that serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), which people use to treat anxiety disorders, can increase blood pressure.

Anxiety is a response to stress. Stress causes the release of hormones, such as epinephrine and cortisol. These hormones induce the “fight-or-flight” response, which prepares the body to flee or confront the perceived threat.

Fight-or-flight hormones can cause a person to experience an increase in:

• heart rate
• blood pressure
• muscular strength

Once a person has dealt with their stress, their body systems should return to normal. However, a person who has long-term stress can develop health problems, such as:

• diarrhea
• stomach pain
• weight gain
• weakened immune system
• depression
• lack of sleep
• fatigue
• inability to make decisions
• memory issues
• increase in fats in the blood

Having high blood pressure may trigger feelings of anxiety in some people. A person with hypertension may worry about their health and their future.

Additionally, the symptoms of hypertension can cause panic or anxiety. Symptoms of hypertension include:

• vision changes
• headaches
• irregular heart rhythm
• buzzing in the ears

Severe hypertension can also cause a person to experience anxiety. If a person experiences extreme anxiety alongside symptoms such as headache or shortness of breath, they should seek medical attention immediately.

It can be difficult to distinguish between anxiety and changes in blood pressure. Hypertension does not usually cause symptoms. This means it is important for a person to have a doctor check their blood pressure regularly.

There is currently no evidence to suggest that anxiety lowers a person’s blood pressure. However, having low blood pressure may cause a person to become anxious or worried.

Symptoms of low blood pressure can be similar to those of anxiety. Symptoms of both low blood pressure and anxiety include:

• dizziness
• lightheadedness
• nausea
• fainting
• difficulty concentrating

Learn more about fluctuating blood pressure here.

A person with low blood pressure may experience symptoms similar to those of anxiety. If a person is unsure whether their symptoms are due to anxiety or low blood pressure, they should speak with a doctor.

Additionally, people who have severe or recurrent symptoms of either should see their doctor. A doctor will be able to diagnose the underlying cause of the symptoms and can prescribe any necessary treatments.

There are several treatment options for anxiety. A person may require a combination of these 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 help a person’s heart beat more slowly and gently

Psychotherapy

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

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective forms of psychotherapy for anxiety. CBT teaches people to change their thinking patterns to help them reduce anxious thoughts and worries.

During CBT, a person learns techniques to manage their anxiety and gradually expose themselves to situations that trigger it. This helps the person become less fearful and anxious in these situations.

Lifestyle changes

A person can make lifestyle changes to help reduce feelings of anxiety. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) suggests the following to help with anxiety:

• exercising regularly
• practicing mindfulness
• eating a balanced diet
• avoiding alcohol and drugs
• getting consistent, high-quality sleep
• learning a new skill
• trying to reduce negative thoughts, countering them with positive ones
• setting goals and rewards
• creating or maintaining a support system

Read about natural remedies for anxiety here.

A person who has hypertension may be given a treatment plan by their doctor. This can involve lifestyle changes, medications, or both.

Lifestyle changes

A person can make various lifestyle changes to lower their blood pressure, including:

• avoiding or limiting alcohol
• reducing salt intake
• eating a heart-healthy diet that is rich in fruit, vegetables, and whole grains
• exercising regularly
• quitting smoking, if appropriate
• maintaining a moderate weight
• managing stress
• getting good-quality sleep

Learn about 15 natural ways to lower blood pressure here.

Medication

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

• angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, which prevent blood vessels from narrowing as much
• angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) to stop blood vessels from narrowing
• calcium channel blockers, which allow blood vessels to relax
• diuretics, which remove excess water and sodium from the body
• 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.

People who think they may have anxiety, hypertension, or both, should speak with a doctor. Those who have severe symptoms should seek immediate care, as this can indicate a medical emergency.

Symptoms to look out for include:

• fatigue
• nausea
• vomiting
• confusion
• chest pain
• muscle tremors
• shortness of breath
• back pain
• numbness or weakness
• difficulty speaking

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. A person with anxiety may develop hypertension, especially if they regularly experience intense anxiety.

Other people may develop anxiety as a result of high blood pressure. Treatment for one condition can often improve the other.

A person who suspects they have one or both conditions should see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

Blood pressure during stress

How stress and blood pressure are related

In response to stress, the heart rate and cardiac output increase, and blood flow to the muscles increases. These changes are associated with increased production
biologically active substances – catecholamines (adrenaline and norepinephrine) and the hormone corticoliberin in the hypothalamus, which through the central nervous
system causes activation of the sympathetic system and the production of glucocorticoids by the adrenal glands ³ .

Glucocorticoids also increase blood pressure and cardiac output, increase the effect of catecholamines and other substances that affect
vessels (renin, angiotensin II). As a result, under stress, vasoconstriction occurs, and arterial pressure increases ³ .

Is it dangerous to increase blood pressure due to stress

It has been established that an increase in blood pressure due to stress can be a dangerous phenomenon ⁴ .

Thus, elevated blood pressure at work is more closely associated with target organ damage than blood pressure measured at the doctor’s office or even blood pressure at night ⁵ .
Stress contributes to increased manifestations of arterial hypertension or other risk factors for diseases of the heart and blood vessels ⁶ .

Stress hypertension

White coat hypertension (GBH)

The most studied variant of hypertension due to stress is “white coat hypertension” ⁷ . white coat hypertension
(GBH) – a type of hypertension, in which the increase in blood pressure ≥140 and / or ≥90 mm Hg. Art. can be traced only at a medical appointment, when measuring
Blood pressure by home blood pressure monitoring (DMAP) and / or daily blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) blood pressure figures – in
within normal limits ⁷ . The prevalence of HBC in diagnosing hypertension is 9 to 12% ⁸ .

A white coat phenomenon may be suspected when BP values ​​obtained in a healthcare facility are elevated but
according to ABPM (ABPM – 24-hour blood pressure monitoring) or DMAD (home blood pressure monitoring) level
vascular pressure is controlled. The white coat phenomenon occurs among:

• many people with elevated BP numbers, especially those with grade 1 hypertension,
• very elderly patients (>50%) ⁷ .

Compared with healthy individuals, white-coat hypertension correlates with a wider
prevalence of metabolic risk factors and damage to target organs. There is a “white coat effect” as an additional pressure-increasing response in a patient with hypertension to the process of measuring blood pressure (anxiety reaction), which can be observed in a medical institution ⁷ .

Arterial hypertension in the workplace is diagnosed with an increase in the average daily systolic blood pressure > 135 mm Hg. Art. and/or
diastolic blood pressure>85 mm Hg. Art. and the difference between the indicators obtained on weekdays and weekends, from 6 mm Hg or more. Art. for systolic
and / or from 3 or more mm Hg. Art. – for diastolic blood pressure ⁹ .

Beta-adrenergic receptors are activated during work associated with active stereotypical load and mental stress. This is followed by:

• increase in cardiac output.
• frequency and strength of myocardial contractions,
• violation of the function of its relaxation,
• an increase in systemic blood pressure.

This state has much in common with the “preparing to fight or flight” state known in animals. With chronic stimulation, protective reactions of a functional nature are transformed into irreversible structural changes ¹⁰ .

Activity accompanied by feelings of dissatisfaction and disappointment, passive stereotypical activity, lack of control over the situation, does not cause stimulation of beta-adrenergic systems and heart function, but is accompanied by significant vasoconstriction, mainly due to stimulation of alpha-1 adrenergic receptors. This type of reaction is similar to the lesion reaction in animals ¹⁰ .

Patients at risk

Persons who are subject to high demands at work without
the right to make decisions. This category includes:

• workers,
• service conveyor,
• waiters,
• nurses.

The high risk group includes:

• employees who are in the middle of the hierarchical ladder in the service,
• workers who are under pressure from superiors and from subordinates, for example, foremen on
  production, middle managers ¹⁰ .

For workers whose work is associated with psycho-mental
stress, arterial hypertension is registered
3 times more often ¹⁰ .

Adverse external factors affecting
stress in the workplace,
act in conjunction with such undesirable
internal factors like depression, anger. Their
mutual negative role can be exacerbated by
characteristic of a high stress lifestyle
overeating and unhealthy eating, smoking,
alcohol abuse ¹⁰ .

What to do if arterial
hypertension?

Patients with hypertension that developed against the background of the permanent influence of stress factors are recommended to correct their lifestyle, in
in particular to reduce
cardiovascular risk.

Lifestyle modification measures include ⁷ :

1. 1
   Restriction of salt intake to less than 5 g per day, which leads to a decrease in systolic blood pressure by
   4-5 mmHg Art.
2. 2
   Restriction of alcohol consumption (less than 14 units per week for men, less than 8 units for women; one
   unit of alcohol consumption is
   10 ml of alcohol, or 125 ml of wine, or 250 ml of beer).
3. 3
   Increase in the diet of the proportion of fresh vegetables and fruits, fish, nuts, vegetable oils, dairy products low
   fat, meat.
4. 4
   Body weight control. In obese individuals, a decrease in body weight by 5-10% from the original leads to a significant
   reducing the risk of cardiovascular
   complications.
5. 5
   Regular moderate aerobic exercise (at least 30 minutes 5-7 days a week). Walking will do
   Nordic walking, cycling,
   swimming, fitness.
6. 6
   Smoking cessation ⁷ .

Quick methods of blood pressure normalization

half-life. A rapid uncontrolled decrease in blood pressure is not recommended, as it can lead to
complications ⁷ . Drugs can be administered:

• intravenously,
• ingestion possible,
• sublingual reception is possible.

Blood pressure should be reduced by no more than 25% of baseline during the first 2 hours, and reaching the target level
carried out for a period of 2-6 hours ¹¹ .

Even in the absence of prescribed medical treatment, patients with arterial hypertension should regularly
see a cardiologist (at least once a year) ⁷ .

Mood swings and irritability can be caused by circulatory problems. These are the consequences of hypertension

Hypertension can lead to myocardial infarction, stroke, visual impairment or the development of atherosclerosis. However, scientific studies have proven that blood… | , 01.12.2022

2022-12-01T05:46

2022-12-01T05:46

2022-12-01T09:03

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Hypertension can lead to myocardial infarction, stroke, visual impairment or atherosclerosis. However, scientific studies have proven that blood pressure can also affect our behavior. This is directly related to the flow of blood to the brain and the changes that occur throughout the body due to a sudden increase in blood pressure. How can the behavior of people with hypertension change? The answer is: Hypertension is a disease of civilizationHypertension is a disease that affects one in four people in the world and is developing in younger people. Initially, the disease does not give symptoms, so it remains without treatment for a long time. They speak of hypertension when the blood pressure on the arterial vessels exceeds the established norms. Any values ​​​​that deviate from the above norms may indicate the development of hypertension, which in turn leads to other diseases. A complication of high blood pressure can be a stroke, myocardial infarction, the development of atherosclerosis, or kidney failure. Symptoms of hypertension develop gradually sweating, sleep problems, heart palpitations, headaches. As the disease progresses, new symptoms appear that are characteristic of a sharp increase in pressure. The most common are: flushing and flushing of the face, blurred vision, cold upper and lower extremities, trouble concentrating, bleeding from the nose, feeling short of breath, increased nervousness. To confirm the disease, it is necessary to measure the pressure. A doctor makes a diagnosis of hypertension when, in two dimensions, during two visits to the doctor, the pressure value exceeds 140/90 mmHg, or when during one visit the tonometer shows a minimum value of 180/110 mmHg. Art. with the exception of other factors, such as stress, severe pain. Complications of hypertension are not only stroke It was the increased nervousness in patients with high blood pressure that led researchers to take a closer look at how this condition can affect the behavior of patients and the decisions they make. The researchers took into account the data collected from more than 700 thousand people, checking the relationship between systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, pulse pressure and high blood pressure. personality trait. This dependence has been demonstrated in 90% of cases. People with elevated diastolic pressures are more likely to become less resistant to stress, exhibit traits of an emotionally unbalanced person, and are also more likely to experience anxiety. The result of the study was published in General Psychiatry. Neuroticism and Hypertension We are talking about neuroticism when a person shows a greater tendency to worry, is full of unfounded fears, experiences anxiety more often and suffers from sudden mood swings. These people are more reactive to stress, more critical, but also more likely to experience fits of anger or guilt. The development of such personality traits may be due to hypertension, which affects the functioning of the central nervous system. Until now, the inverse relationship has been studied only to a small extent: how personality type can influence the development of cardiovascular diseases. As it turned out, neuroticism in 40% of cases is genetically determined, and by the same genes that determine the tendency to depression. The second important factor influencing the development of neuroticism is childhood experiences – frequent exposure to severe stress, a traumatic event, or loss of a sense of control in the early years of life. Some studies show that neurotics are more likely to develop hypertension, and this is directly related to the production of norepinephrine and cortisol , a stress hormone. Normal blood pressure values ​​reduce the risk of disease. Too high blood pressure for a long time has a number of health consequences, both physical and mental. Young people are advised to have their blood pressure checked at least once or twice a year. The older the patient, the more frequent check-ups should be done, and diagnosed patients should have their blood pressure monitored at least twice a day. obesity is critical. Weight loss in an obese person by six kilograms reduces the risk of developing hypertension by 20%. The risk of the disease is also reduced in people who quit smoking and stop drinking alcohol.

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