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.

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 constraint. 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.

The article was published in the magazine “Easy Heart”, July – September, 2006.

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

06/09/2023

CardiologyEvolution of evidence-based approaches to the management of patients with gout: what is important to know destruction” (23-24 February 2023)
. ..

06/09/2023

CardiologyCoenzyme Q10 and potassium are important components for maintaining a healthy heart and mind

Living in a modern world, full of problems, is impossible without stress, as it may have a harmful effect on health. For this reason, it is especially important to increase the body’s opirnosti to various unfriendly officials, who can eat healthy eating, regular physical activity, and the introduction of various vitamin and mineral supplements. The rest, as it seems, help to support the overflowing of the components necessary for the normal functioning of the cardiovascular (SS) system. Zocrema, before them lie potassium and coenzyme Q10.
…

06/09/2023

CardiologyTherapy and family medicineInfluence of stress on arterial hypertension as the main cause of mortality risk for hypertensive illness

Psychological symptoms of stress, anxiety disorders, depression or anger, are some of the predictors of hypertension (Mezzacappa et al. , 2001). Vlasne, stress is caused by hyperactivation of the autonomic nervous system, impaired regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-supra-pituitary axis and maladaptive mechanisms of the way of life, like smoking, alcohol addiction, obesity and lack of fat natural activity (Mezzacappa et al., 2001; Brotman et al ., 2007).
…

06/09/2023

CardiologyDifferential diagnosis of pain in the lower back

Pain across the body is the main cause of disability in the population of the entire world regardless of income. For those who have spent the last ten years of exultation in back pain, they have grown significantly, the level of disability caused by the problem has practically not changed. Experience mayzhe 200 thousand. It has been demonstrated in 43 countries that patients with back pain may have an increased risk of developing one of five mental disorders (depression, anxiety, stress, psychosis, sleep deprivation), who does not suffer in the whole camp (O ‘Connell, 2017). Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor of the Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care of the National University of Health Care named after P.L. Shupika Marina Anatoliivna Trischinska.
…

Anxiety in patients with cardiovascular diseases

One of the most characteristic psychological features of patients with hypertension is a high level of anxiety. This affects the course of the disease, the effectiveness of treatment, the quality of life of patients and interaction with the attending physician. Patients with hypertension with anxiety often seek medical attention, as the disease occurs in them with symptoms characteristic of neurotic disorders. It should be noted that psychopathological disorders of the neurotic level are detected in 45-80% of patients with hypertension.

The most common psychopathological syndromes in hypertension are anxiety, obsessive-phobic, hypochondriacal, neurasthenic, depressive, hysterical and psychoorganic. Timely detection and correction of these disorders allows you to quickly achieve a therapeutic effect and the patient’s adherence to treatment.

Thus, in the hypochondriacal syndrome, the patient is dominated by unjustified concern for his health. He makes a lot of complaints about various unpleasant sensations in the body, constantly overestimates the severity of his condition, does not trust medical opinions and recommendations. There is a clear discrepancy between the number and severity of complaints, and the insignificance of objective changes, as well as excessive fixation of the patient on his state of health. The patient seeks, without the need and instructions of a doctor, to repeatedly measure blood pressure, to examine the state of the vessels of the brain, often turns to other doctors and various healers.

Patients with depressive syndrome are characterized by depressed, depressed mood, apathy, a feeling of lethargy, a feeling of hopelessness, indifference, pessimism, disbelief in the possibility of a favorable course of the disease, a tendency to see everything in a gloomy light. These patients often interpret the doctor’s recommendations negatively.

In the hysterical syndrome, the patient seeks to draw attention to his condition, arouse sympathy from those around him, emphasize the unusualness, uniqueness of his illness, and demonstrate heroic efforts to overcome suffering.

Numerous studies show that the normalization of the psychological status of hypertensive patients reduces the severity of reactions of the cardiovascular system to stressful situations.

Most often, the term “anxiety” is used to describe an emotional state or internal condition that is unpleasant in its color, which is characterized by subjective feelings of anxiety, gloomy forebodings, and, on the physiological side, by activation of the autonomic nervous system. The state of anxiety occurs when any stimulus or situation is perceived as carrying elements of danger, threat, or harm. Despite the fact that most often anxiety is considered as a negative state associated with experiencing stress, it plays a positive role as an indicator of trouble both in the external environment and in the inner world of a person. Anxiety is also a force that mobilizes the reserves of the psyche and prepares the body for action.

The state of anxiety can vary in intensity and change over time as an indication of the level of stress to which the individual is subjected. The experience of anxiety is common to any person in adequate situations. The causes of anxiety are diverse and can lie in all spheres of human life. Among the objective causes of anxiety, one can single out extreme conditions that place increased demands on the human psyche and are associated with the uncertainty of the outcome of the situation. The subjective reasons include informational reasons associated, for example, with the high subjective significance of the outcome of the upcoming event.

A high level of anxiety adversely affects the quality of a person’s social functioning. Anxiety leads to a decrease in a person’s confidence in their abilities. People with a high level of anxiety tend to perceive the world around them as threatening and dangerous to a much greater extent than a person with a low level of anxiety. Anxiety does not necessarily manifest itself directly in behavior; it can be experienced as an expression of the subjective distress of the individual.

Throughout life, almost every person has repeatedly experienced anxious, sometimes unpleasant conditions. As a rule, this was due to some difficult life situation, when there was not enough time and information to make the right, thoughtful decision, or there was no knowledge about how to overcome the conflict. Almost everyone who has taken exams or had an important career interview knows the feeling of anxiety. This is a normal emotional reaction. In a healthy person, anxiety is a temporary sensation. In pathology, anxiety becomes a constant, long-lasting condition that is not associated with a stressful situation or inadequately exceeds it in intensity and duration.

Anxiety disorders are very common nowadays. Radical political and economic changes, fighting in various regions of the world, the threat of terrorist attacks are obvious reasons for the increase in anxiety disorders in modern society. No less important are such sources of anxiety as the lack of a person’s agreement with himself, the degradation of generally accepted norms and values, and the lack of psychological support.

The main manifestation of anxiety disorders in neurological practice is autonomic dystonia syndrome. In most cases, vegetative disorders are secondary and occur against the background of mental disorders. Often, a diagnosis of neurocirculatory dystonia is made – a psychogenic disorder in the cardiovascular system (cardialgia, an increase or decrease in blood pressure, palpitations, etc.).

One of the most important features of somatic manifestations in anxiety is their polysystemic nature. For example, cardialgia in anxiety is most often associated with tension in the pectoral muscles and is closely related to increased breathing and hyperventilation. Sinus tachycardia from 90 to 130-140 beats per minute may be a manifestation of anxiety disorders. Subjectively, patients feel not only a rapid heartbeat, but also the fact that the heart “hits the chest”, interruptions, tremors, fading – extrasystoles.