Anxiety and high blood pressure might also be signs of something else. High blood pressure can be caused by anxiety, and anxiety can be caused by high blood pressure.
Anxiety is defined by the American Psychological Association (APA) as feelings of worry or stress. It might induce physical symptoms, including perspiration and an elevated heart rate. Anxiety, according to the APA, can raise a person’s blood pressure.
Furthermore, long-term high blood pressure, often known as hypertension, can make people worry about their health and future. Anxiety can also be caused by severe hypertension, according to Trusted Source.
Continue reading to learn more about the connection between anxiety and high blood pressure, as well as treatment options for both.
Is it possible for anxiety to trigger high blood pressure?
The body’s natural response to stress is anxiety. Anxiety might arise before an exam or when awaiting important information.
Anxiety is caused by the production of stress hormones by the body. These hormones cause a rise in heart rate as well as a constriction of blood vessels. Blood pressure can rise as a result of either of these changes.
According to a 2015 study, people who have high levels of anxiety have a greater risk of hypertension than those who have lower levels of worry. Early diagnosis and treatment of anxiety are especially important in people with hypertension, according to the researchers.
Worry-induced blood pressure rises are generally just temporary and disappear as the anxiety subsides. High amounts of worry on a regular basis, on the other hand, can harm the heart, kidneys, and blood vessels in the same way as long-term hypertension can.
Anxiety-related hormone changes can lead to increased fat accumulation in the long run, particularly around the belly. Anxiety can also cause behavioral changes in people, such as stress eating, which can lead to hypertension indirectly.
Additionally, certain anxiety drugs might raise blood pressure. Serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), which are used to treat anxiety disorders, have been found to raise blood pressure, according to research published in 2017.
Is it possible for high blood pressure to trigger anxiety?
Some people may experience anxiety as a result of having high blood pressure. When a person is diagnosed with hypertension, they may be concerned about their health and their future.
Furthermore, hypertension symptoms might trigger fear or worry. Hypertension can cause the following symptoms:
- vision changes
- headaches
- irregular heart rhythm
- buzzing in the ears
Anxiety can also be a side effect of severe hypertension. If a person has severe anxiety and other symptoms like a headache or shortness of breath, they should seek medical help right away.
Low blood pressure and anxiety
There is no proof that anxiety reduces a person’s blood pressure at this time. Low blood pressure, on the other hand, might make a person uneasy or concerned.
Low blood pressure symptoms are often confused with anxiety symptoms. The following are symptoms of both low blood pressure and anxiety:
- dizziness
- lightheadedness
- nausea
- fainting
- difficulty concentrating
Anxiety or changes in blood pressure?
It’s not always easy to tell the difference between worry and variations in blood pressure. The majority of the time, hypertension does not create any symptoms. This suggests that a person’s blood pressure should be examined on an important basis.
Low blood pressure can cause symptoms that are comparable to those of anxiety. If a person isn’t sure if their symptoms are caused by worry or low blood pressure, they should consult a physician.
People with severe or repeated symptoms of either should also contact their doctor. A doctor will be able to determine the underlying cause of the symptoms and prescribe any therapies that are required.
Anxiety treatments
Anxiety can be treated in a variety of ways. It’s possible that a person will need a mix of these therapies.
Medication
Anxiety symptoms can be alleviated with a variety of medications. For various people, different medications will work. Among the possibilities are:
- buspirone, an anti-anxiety drug
- certain antidepressants
- benzodiazepines, which are sedatives used to treat anxiety for a brief period of time
- beta-blockers, It helps the heart to beat more slowly and gently.
Psychotherapy
People can control their anxiety symptoms by working with a psychotherapist.
One of the most successful kinds of psychotherapy for anxiety is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT teaches people how to adjust their thinking habits in order to minimize anxiety and worry.
Individuals acquire anxiety-management methods and are gradually exposed to events that provoke it throughout CBT. In these instances, the person will feel less afraid and worried as a result of this.
Changes in your way of life
An individual can adopt lifestyle modifications to assist lessen anxiety. To aid alleviate anxiety, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) recommends the following:
- eating a nutritious balanced diet
- exercising at least 20 minutes per day
- setting goals and rewards
- avoiding alcohol and drugs
- getting a good night’s sleep
- learning a new skill
- having a support system
- practicing mindfulness
- trying to reduce negative thoughts, countering them with positive ones
High blood pressure treatment
A doctor may prescribe a treatment plan for someone with hypertension. This treatment approach may include dietary modifications, medication, or a combination of the two.
Changes in your way of life
To reduce blood pressure, a person can undertake a variety of lifestyle modifications, including:
- avoiding or limiting alcohol
- reducing salt intake
- eating a heart-healthy diet, which is rich in fruit, vegetables, and whole grains
- exercising regularly
- quitting smoking, if they smoke
- maintaining a moderate weight
- managing stress
- getting good-quality sleep
Learn about 15 natural ways to lower blood pressure here.
Medication
High blood pressure can be treated with a variety of medications. These are some of them:
- 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
A person’s pharmaceutical needs are determined by a number of factors, including their overall health and the severity of their hypertension. To keep their blood pressure under control, some people may require more than one type of medicine.
When should you seek assistance?
Individuals who believe they may be suffering from anxiety, hypertension, or both should consult a physician. Severe symptoms should be treated right once since they might suggest a medical emergency.
Observe the following signs and symptoms:
- shortness of breath
- fatigue
- confusion
- nausea
- back pain
- difficulty speaking
- vomiting
- chest pain
- numbness or weakness
- muscle tremors
Outlook
Both hypertension and anxiety are conditions that can be effectively treated. Hypertension does not always occur in people who suffer from anxiety.
However, receiving care as soon as feasible can help people with either condition have a better outcome and lower the chance of consequences.
Is it possible for high blood pressure to be caused by stress?
Anxiety is a stress reaction. Hormones like adrenaline and cortisol are released in response to stress. The “fight-or-flight” response is triggered by these hormones, which prepares the body to either run or confront the perceived threat.
A person’s fight-or-flight hormones might lead them to:
- worry
- nervousness
- increased blood pressure
- anxiety
- increased heart rate
The bodily systems of a person should return to normal once they have coped with their stress. Long-term stress, on the other hand, can lead to health issues such as:
- stomach pain
- fatigue
- inability to made decisions
- memory issues
- increase in blood pressure
- increased heart rate
- increase in fats in the blood
- weight gain
- weakened immune system
- anxiety
- depression
- lack of sleep
- diarrhea
Conclusion
Anxiety and high blood pressure have been linked. Anxiety can lead to hypertension, especially if the anxiety is severe on a frequent basis.
Having high blood pressure might cause anxiety in certain people.
When one condition is treated, the chances of the other improving are high.
Individuals who believe they have one or both of these conditions should seek medical advice for diagnosis and treatment.
Sources:
- https://medlineplus.gov/anxiety.html
- https://www.apa.org/topics/anxiety
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470361/
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/327212
- https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/high-blood-pressure
- https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hypertension
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4411016/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6233698/
- https://www.hormone.org/your-health-and-hormones/stress-and-your-health
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC5958156/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5683798/
