High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a condition that affects millions globally. Often linked to lifestyle factors and genetic predisposition, it's a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. But what about the impact of our mental health on blood pressure? Specifically, can anxiety cause high blood pressure?
This article aims to briefly explore the link between anxiety and blood pressure, examining how stress, emotional states, and anxiety can negatively impact our cardiovascular health.
Understanding Blood Pressure and Anxiety
Blood pressure is measure of the force exerted by circulating blood on the walls of blood vessels. Normal blood pressure is crucial for our overall health. But when it's consistently too high, it can lead to serious health issues.
Can Anxiety Cause High Blood Pressure?
Yes, short-term anxiety can lead to temporary increases in blood pressure. When you're anxious, your body goes into a fight-or-flight response, releasing stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones cause your heart to beat faster and your blood vessels to narrow, temporarily elevating your blood pressure.
Can High Blood Pressure Cause Anxiety?
Interestingly, the relationship between anxiety and blood pressure can also work in reverse. People diagnosed with high blood pressure may experience increased anxiety about their health. This anxiety, especially fear about health outcomes, can exacerbate the condition, creating a cycle of anxiety and high blood pressure.
Read More: What is Anxiety and How Can Worries Overpower Us?
Can Stress Cause High Blood Pressure?
Similar to anxiety, stress triggers the release of stress hormones. And chronic stress without adequate relaxation and recovery can contribute to high blood pressure over time.
The Connection Between Anxiety and Chronic Stress
While temporary anxiety-induced spikes in blood pressure are not typically harmful, long-term anxiety and chronic stress could lead to sustained high blood pressure. Persistent mental stress keeps your body in a prolonged state of emergency, which may contribute to long-term cardiovascular risks.
Anxiety and Blood Pressure Readings
Anxiety can indeed affect blood pressure readings. For instance, some people experience 'white coat hypertension,' where their blood pressure spikes in a medical setting due to anxiety. That’s why it is important for healthcare providers to consider emotional states when taking blood pressure readings.
Read More: The Biology of Stress in Your Body
What Do the Two Blood Pressure Numbers Mean?
If you are concerned about your blood pressure, it's important to monitor it and understand what your blood pressure numbers actually mean. The two numbers that make up your blood pressure reading represent your systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
What Is Systolic Blood Pressure?
Systolic blood pressure is the first (higher) number, measures the pressure in your blood vessels when your heart beats.
What Is Diastolic Blood Pressure?
Diastolic blood pressure is the second (lower) number, measures the pressure in your blood vessels when your heart rests between beats.
A healthy balance between systolic and diastolic pressure is crucial for proper blood flow and overall cardiovascular health. The American Heart Association (AMA) defines normal blood pressure as below 120/80 mm Hg.
Read More: A Possible Blood Test for Anxiety
Understanding Your Blood Pressure Reading
How do you know if your blood pressure is normal? Once you have your blood pressure reading, you can see where it falls within the five different categories for adults:
Normal
Blood pressure readings that are below 120 mm Hg systolic and less than 80 mm Hg diastolic are considered normal. This range is ideal for cardiovascular health.
Elevated
Readings consistently ranging from 120-129 systolic and less than 80 mm Hg diastolic fall into the elevated category. This stage indicates a person has the potential of developing hypertension if the condition is not properly managed.
Hypertension Stage 1
In this category, blood pressure readings consistently range from 130-139 systolic or 80-89 mm Hg diastolic. At this stage, doctors may recommend lifestyle changes and possibly medication, depending on the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Hypertension Stage 2
This is characterized by a systolic blood pressure reading of 140 mm Hg systolic or higher or a diastolic reading of 90 mm Hg diastolic or higher. It usually requires a combination of lifestyle changes and medication.
Hypertensive Crisis
A systolic blood pressure reading exceeding 180mm hg and/or a diastolic pressure more than 120 mm Hg is considered a hypertensive crisis and requires immediate medical attention. This is a critical and potentially life-threatening situation.
Read More: What Blood Types Can Reveal About Our Health
There are several steps you can take to help you manage both your anxiety and blood pressure. These include:
Regular Check-ups: Regular monitoring can help manage both anxiety and high blood pressure. This involves routine visits to a healthcare provider.
Lifestyle Changes: A healthy diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep can help manage both anxiety and blood pressure.
Stress Management Techniques: Practices like meditation, yoga, laughing, and deep breathing exercises can reduce stress and anxiety levels.
Professional Help: Counseling or therapy can also help you manage anxiety. And medications may also be prescribed for either anxiety or high blood pressure, as needed.
The connection between anxiety and high blood pressure is complex and cuts both ways. While short-term anxiety-related spikes in blood pressure are normal, long-term stress and anxiety can also contribute to sustained high blood pressure.
Understanding the connection between anxiety and high blood pressure is crucial to effectively managing both conditions. So remember, regular healthcare check-ups, lifestyle changes, stress management techniques, and professional support can go a long way in helping you maintain both your mental and cardiovascular health.
Read More: The Connection Between Napping and High Blood Pressure
