Anxiety and high blood pressure can be symptoms of each other. Anxiety may lead to high blood pressure, and high blood pressure may 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 can 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
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.
Anxiety occurs when the body releases stress hormones. These hormones trigger an
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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
Additionally, some medications for anxiety can increase blood pressure.
Having high blood pressure may trigger feelings of anxiety in some people. A person who has been diagnosed with hypertension may worry about their health and their future.
Additionally, the symptoms of hypertension can cause panic or anxiety. Symptoms of hypertension
Severe hypertension
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
Learn more about fluctuating blood pressure here.
It can be difficult to distinguish between anxiety and changes in blood pressure. Hypertension
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.
Several medicines can relieve the symptoms of anxiety. Different types of medication will work for different people. Options include:
Working with a psychotherapist can help people manage their anxiety symptoms.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the
During CBT, individuals learn 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.
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:
Read about natural remedies for anxiety here.
A person who has hypertension may be given a treatment plan by their doctor. This treatment plan can involve lifestyle changes, medications, or both.
A person can make various lifestyle changes to lower their blood pressure,
Learn about 15 natural ways to lower blood pressure here.
There are several types of medication for treating high blood pressure. These include:
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.
Individuals 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 could indicate a medical emergency.
Symptoms to look out for
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.
Anxiety is a response to stress. Stress causes a release of hormones, such as epinephrine and cortisol. These hormones induce the “fight-or-flight” response, which prepares the body to either flee or confront the perceived threat.
Fight-or-flight hormones can cause a person to experience:
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:
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 having high blood pressure.
Treatment for one condition can often improve the other.
Individuals who suspect they have one or both conditions should see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
Last medically reviewed on December 22, 2021
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