What is the link between anxiety and blood pressure?

 

When a person is anxious, they may experience emotions such as fear, worry, unease, and dread. Their body may also exhibit a variety of physical symptoms, including an increase in blood pressure.

Anxiety can be classified into several types, including generalised anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and phobias. Anxiety is sometimes the body's default response to stress.

 

Other physical manifestations of anxiety include:

• sweating

• restlessness

• a rapid heartbeat

 

This article discusses whether anxiety can cause high blood pressure and what factors, such as anxiety medications, may contribute to this. It also provides advice on how to lower blood pressure and reduce stress.

 
Can anxiety cause high blood pressure?

Anxiety can cause a temporary increase in blood pressure. This is because stress causes anxiety in the body, which raises your heart rate and narrows your blood vessels, contributing to blood pressure spikes.

 

When your stress level decreases, your blood pressure should return to normal. In a 2015 systematic review, researchers discovered that people who experienced more severe anxiety were more likely to develop high blood pressure, or hypertension.

 

The researchers mentioned the short-term blood pressure spikes that anxiety can cause, such as white-coat syndrome. This happens when people become stressed while having their blood pressure taken at a doctor's office, resulting in higher readings.

 

They went on to say that people who were anxious were more likely to have high blood pressure at night and early in the morning.

 

Long-term blood pressure increases

The same systematic review discovered evidence that suggests that the temporary effects of anxiety on high blood pressure, including its effects on blood vessels, could lead to blood vessel weakening and increase the risk of long-term high blood pressure.

 

Furthermore, there is evidence that long-term anxiety can cause the sympathetic nervous system to activate more easily. This can also cause an increase in blood pressure and increase a person's risk of atherosclerosis and high cholesterol.

 

The researchers also noted that people who are anxious may be more likely to engage in activities that can raise their blood pressure, such as:

• overeating

• smoking

• consuming alcohol

• not getting enough exercise

 

People who are stressed may be more prone to developing fat deposits around the abdomen, which has also been linked to high blood pressure.

 

Anxiety medications that can increase blood pressure

Some anti-anxiety medications may cause an increase in blood pressure. Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors are among these medications (SNRIs).

 

Serotonin is a hormone that helps to regulate your mood. Norepinephrine can increase your alertness and energy.

 

Among the SNRIs approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are:

• desvenlafaxine (Pristiq, Khedezla)

• levomilnacipran (Fetzima)

• duloxetine (Cymbalta)

• venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR)

 

 

Managing anxiety and avoiding blood pressure spikes

Identifying anxiety early and seeking treatment with the help of a healthcare professional can help people with both conditions manage their anxiety and high blood pressure.

 

Anxiety management may include the following.

 

Medication

A doctor can assist you in determining the best medication for your specific situation.

 

Some suitable options for people suffering from anxiety and high blood pressure are as follows:

beta-blockers

buspirone

certain antidepressants

antihistamines, such as hydroxyzine

 

Lifestyle changes

• Relaxing: Spend 15–20 minutes sitting quietly and imagining a peaceful scene. Set aside time each day to detach from work and unwind the mind.

• Getting plenty of physical activity: Find forms of exercise that you enjoy and do them on a regular basis, if possible. This could include participating in team sports, walking, or cycling.

• Avoiding alcoholic beverages and smoking: Limiting your alcohol and tobacco consumption can help you manage your anxiety.

• Identifying a Support System: Develop relationships with people who make you happy.

• Recognizing your triggers: Determine what causes you stress on a regular basis. If possible, try to eliminate the source of the stress or find healthy ways to cope with it, such as breathing exercises.

 

Therapy

Attending regular therapy sessions can help alleviate anxiety symptoms. There are numerous types of therapy available, and a healthcare professional can assist you in determining which type is best for you.

 

Anxiety therapy comes in a variety of forms, including:

• Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT): This type of therapy focuses on identifying and changing thought patterns that drive behaviour.

• Exposure therapy: This therapy involves gradually exposing you to the source of your anxiety.

• Acceptance and commitment therapy: If you have unwanted thoughts, this type of therapy can help. It employs acceptance and mindfulness techniques to aid in the reframe of these thoughts.

 

How to keep blood pressure low?

If you have high blood pressure, your doctor will usually advise you to make lifestyle changes to help lower it. This could be in addition to or instead of medications.

 

Lifestyle changes

Doctors may recommend the following lifestyle changes to help lower blood pressure:

• Maintaining a heart-healthy diet: This may include limiting or eliminating red meat and salt.

• Avoiding alcohol: Consult your doctor to learn how to limit your alcohol consumption.

• Exercising: Even modest amounts of physical activity can help lower blood pressure.

• Maintaining a healthy weight: For people who are overweight or obese, losing 3–5% of their body weight can help improve their blood pressure.

• Avoiding smoking: If necessary, consult with a healthcare professional about ways to help you quit smoking.

• Improving sleep hygiene: Establishing habits, such as a bedtime routine, can help improve sleep, which can lower blood pressure.

• Improving stress levels: Reduce stress by engaging in mindful activities such as yoga and breathing exercises.

 

Medication

To reduce your blood pressure, you can take a variety of medications. Consult your doctor to determine which is best for you.

 

 

Among the blood pressure medications are:

• angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors

• angiotensin II receptor blockers

• calcium channel blockers

• diuretics

• beta-blockers

 

When to contact a doctor for high blood pressure?

If you take blood pressure readings at home and notice that they are consistently high, seek medical attention.

 

If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor right away:

 

• notice a specific spike in your blood pressure that lasts a few minutes

• have blurred vision or a headache as a result of high blood pressure

• feel dizzy

 

If you have fainted and believe it is due to high blood pressure, someone should call 911.

Seek medical attention if you experience side effects from your blood pressure medication or if you believe it is not working properly.

 

When to contact a doctor for anxiety?

Anxiety is a normal part of the human experience. However, if you experience anxiety on a regular basis or if you experience other symptoms as a result of anxiety, you may benefit from medical attention. Anxiety can cause problems in everyday life, and treatment can often improve your quality of life.

 

Anyone who is concerned about their anxiety should seek medical attention. 

 

Summary

In some cases, anxiety can lead to high blood pressure in the long run. This could be due to the body's reaction to anxiety or anxiety medications. Anxiety, on the other hand, causes blood pressure readings to temporarily rise.

There are several medications that will not affect your blood pressure that you can take to alleviate your anxiety. There are also a variety of lifestyle changes you can make to help reduce your anxiety and blood pressure readings.