Introduction
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, increases the risk of developing heart disease and stroke which are some of the leading causes of death in the United States. Nearly 120 million adults in the United States[1] have hypertension and only a quarter have their blood pressure under control. A major reason behind this is poor diet and lack of exercise but stress is another factor. This article leads to finding the answer to the question “Can anxiety cause high blood pressure?”
Can Anxiety Cause High Blood Pressure?
There are many different causes of hypertension, however, high blood pressure from anxiety[2] is one factor that can cause it to spike quickly. Anxiety is one of the most common psychiatric disorders in adults and is characterized by excessive worry and stress. When an individual experiences anxiety, the body's "fight or flight" response is triggered, leading to the release of stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline which temporarily elevate blood pressure as the body prepares to respond to a perceived threat. While this acute response is generally harmless, chronic anxiety can contribute to sustained high blood pressure, increasing the risk of heart disease.
What Are Hypertension and Anxiety?
Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is a medical condition characterized by elevated blood pressure levels. It is typically defined as a sustained reading of 130/80 mm Hg or higher. Hypertension can result from a variety of factors, including genetics, lifestyle choices (such as diet and physical activity), and underlying medical conditions. When left untreated, hypertension can increase the risk of serious health issues, including heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems.
Anxiety is more of a psychological state characterized by excessive worry, fear, or stress. It is a normal response to stressors and can be beneficial in some situations especially if there is a perceived threat. However, chronic or severe anxiety can be detrimental to one's mental and physical health. Stress hormones are released, which can temporarily raise blood pressure. Prolonged periods of anxiety may contribute to the development or exacerbation of hypertension, as the body's stress response system becomes overactive.
What's The Link Between Anxiety and Blood Pressure?
Anxiety and high blood pressure are linked[3] through the body's stress response system. When an individual experiences anxiety, whether from acute stress or chronic worry, the body initiates the "fight or flight" response triggering the release of stress hormones and temporarily raising blood pressure, increasing heart rate, and narrowing blood vessels to prioritize blood flow to essential organs and muscles. Because of this mechanism and how this condition works physiologically, there is an association between anxiety and an increased risk of developing high blood pressure.
Therefore, understanding the connection between anxiety and blood pressure is crucial for overall health. Emphasizing the importance of stress reduction techniques, developing healthy lifestyle habits, and seeking professional guidance when necessary will all be critical for maintaining low blood pressure levels.
How Do You Stop Anxiety from Causing High Blood Pressure?
On top of consulting with a healthcare professional to develop a personalized plan for managing anxiety and blood pressure, and using medical interventions if severe, there are other ways to manage these conditions. Combining these various strategies[4] can help prevent anxiety from causing high blood pressure and improve overall health:
Exercise: Regular physical activity helps lower blood pressure and improves overall heart health. In addition, exercising releases “feel-good” hormones called endorphins which can better help cope with anxiety in the long run. Engaging in activities like brisk walking, jogging, or swimming for at least 150 minutes per week can be beneficial.
Yoga, Deep Breathing, and Meditation: Mind-body techniques like yoga, deep breathing exercises, and meditation can help manage anxiety by promoting relaxation. These practices can reduce the body's stress response, leading to lower blood pressure over time. You can also use these techniques to ground yourself, especially in the moments of feeling overwhelmed.
Getting Plenty of Rest: Sleep is the most essential for better health, and inadequate sleep can worsen anxiety and raise blood pressure. However, it is not just about spending time in bed, rather the quality of sleep is also a huge factor. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to support emotional and physical health.
Eating a Healthy Diet: Although this tip is less talked about, nutrition is important in managing anxiety[5] and high blood pressure. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, omega-3 fatty acids, and lean proteins, and low in processed foods, saturated fats, and excessive sodium is associated with less anxiety and can also help manage blood pressure. Maintaining a healthy weight through proper nutrition mixed with adequate exercise is key.
Limiting Alcohol: Many people use alcohol to “calm their nerves” but this can have a paradoxical effect as alcohol can cause vessels to constrict leading to high blood pressure, especially if drinking excessive alcohol. There is also a link between those with social anxiety disorders and alcohol dependence[6]. Limit alcohol intake to moderate levels, typically defined as up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men.
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What Are the Other Causes of Hypertension?
Although anxiety can cause high blood pressure, it mainly only does so acutely and not usually long term. However, there are some more factors[7] other than anxiety that can lead to high blood pressure.
Older Age: Hypertension risk increases with age due to changes in blood vessels and a lifetime of exposure to various risk factors. Blood vessels can become less flexible, leading to higher blood pressure. It is found that about 75% of people ages 65 and older[8] are diagnosed with hypertension.
Being Overweight or Obese: Excess body weight requires the heart to work harder to pump blood, leading to higher blood pressure. Having excessive weight may also damage other parts of the body such as kidneys and can affect sleep and cause damage to the blood vessels. Additionally, obesity often co-occurs with unhealthy diet and lifestyle choices.
Eating Too Much Sodium: A high-sodium diet can lead to water retention and increased blood volume, elevating blood pressure. Processed and restaurant foods often contain hidden and gross amounts of salt, contributing to high sodium intake.
Inactive Lifestyle: Lack of physical activity can lead to weight gain and poor cardiovascular health, increasing hypertension risk. Regular exercise helps maintain healthy blood pressure levels.
Excessive Alcohol Consumption: Heavy drinking can cause high blood pressure and damage the heart over time. It can also lead to unhealthy lifestyle choices, such as poor diet and lack of exercise due to excessive fatigue.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea: This condition, characterized by interrupted breathing during sleep, is associated with hypertension. The repeated drops in oxygen levels during sleep can strain the cardiovascular system.
Hormonal Changes: Many hormones help to regulate blood pressure. Therefore, hormonal imbalances, such as those related to thyroid disorders or hormonal contraceptives, may lead to hypertension.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Could your high blood pressure cause your anxiety?
High blood pressure can potentially contribute to feelings of anxiety, although it may not directly cause anxiety. Elevated blood pressure can strain the cardiovascular system, leading to physical symptoms like palpitations, chest discomfort, and dizziness, which may be mistaken for anxiety. Additionally, the awareness of having high blood pressure can induce anxiety. The relationship between the two is complex, and while hypertension can exacerbate symptoms associated with anxiety, anxiety disorders typically have various psychological and emotional causes. Managing blood pressure through lifestyle changes and medication can alleviate some of these physical symptoms and reduce potential anxiety triggers.
Q: How long does high blood pressure from anxiety last?
High blood pressure resulting from acute anxiety[9], is typically temporary and short-lived. It occurs when a person experiences elevated blood pressure during a stressful event. This increase is usually transient and should return to normal once the anxiety-inducing situation is resolved. However, if anxiety persists or becomes chronic, it can contribute to sustained high blood pressure, a condition known as hypertension. In such cases, the duration of elevated blood pressure is longer-term. It requires ongoing management, including lifestyle changes and potentially medication, as chronic anxiety can exacerbate hypertension and its associated health risks.
Q: What can untreated anxiety lead to?
Untreated anxiety can lead to a range of physical, emotional, and social consequences. Physically, it can contribute to chronic health problems, including cardiovascular issues, digestive disorders, and a weakened immune system. Furthermore, untreated anxiety often worsens over time and can result in depression, decreased quality of life, and reduced productivity. Socially, it can strain relationships and lead to isolation. In extreme cases, untreated anxiety can even lead to self-destructive behaviors or substance abuse as individuals attempt to cope. Timely intervention and appropriate treatment are essential to prevent these potential complications.
Q: What are signs I have anxiety?
Signs of anxiety[9] can manifest both mentally and physically. Common mental symptoms include excessive worry, racing thoughts, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and restlessness. Physically, anxiety may lead to muscle tension, trembling, increased heart rate, shallow breathing, sweating, and gastrointestinal issues like nausea or diarrhea. Behavioral signs can include avoidance of certain situations or activities due to fear or unease. Sleep disturbances and fatigue are also common. If you find these symptoms interfering with your daily life, relationships, or overall health, it's important to seek a healthcare professional to help manage and improve your quality of life.
Conclusion
Anxiety and high blood pressure are very prevalent and often debilitating conditions that can have a profound impact on one's mental, emotional, and physical health. Recognizing the signs of anxiety is the first step toward seeking help and managing the condition effectively. Whether it's excessive worry, physical symptoms, or changes in behavior, early identification is crucial. The good news is that anxiety is a treatable condition, and a wide range of therapeutic interventions, from therapy to medication, are available to alleviate its effects. By addressing anxiety, individuals can regain control of their lives, improve their overall quality of life, and prevent potential blood pressure complications associated with untreated anxiety.
References
1] ↑https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/understanding-blood-pressure-readings
2] ↑https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/generalized-anxiety-disorder/anxiety-and-high-blood-pressure-what-is-the-connection
3] ↑https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4411016/
4] ↑https://www.singlecare.com/blog/anxiety-and-blood-pressure/
5] ↑https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8706568/
6] ↑https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/social-anxiety-disorder/social-anxiety-and-alcohol-abuse
7] ↑https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/hypertension/common-causes-of-hypertension
8] ↑https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-020-09165-8
9] ↑https://www.calmclinic.com/anxiety/causes/hypertension
Celeste Small
Medicine has always been a passion ever since she was young so it was no surprise when Celeste decided to pursue pharmacy. Celeste Small was born in South Florida and raised in Melbourne, FL. She graduated from Rockledge High School in 2010 and received both her Bachelor of Science (in 2014) and Doctor of Pharmacy (in 2018) degrees from the University of South Florida in Tampa, FL. Celeste has worked at in an independent pharmacy in Titusville, FL for three years after graduating from pharmacy school and currently is working at the Patrick Space Force Base in Cocoa Beach, FL as a contract pharmacist. Celeste is also currently a freelance medical writer on the side and has written content for blogs, presentations, and for educational material. She also manages a website called Pharmacistconsult.com where she and other pharmacy colleagues post informative medical information for both healthcare professionals and consumers alike. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, going to theme parks, listening to music and enjoying the Florida sun.
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