The Link Between Anxiety and High Blood Pressure: Understanding the Connection and Managing Your Health

 

The Link Between Anxiety and High Blood Pressure

When someone with anxiety experiences an unexpected spike in blood pressure, it can be frightening. Fortunately, once the anxiety has been managed, the blood pressure often returns to normal.

Although it is unknown whether anxiety directly causes hypertension, having this condition may increase your vulnerability to experiencing anxiety.

Anxiety is a natural response to stress

Anxiety is your brain's way of alerting you to potential hazards, like getting hurt or losing someone you care about. It also helps you cope with the negative outcomes from something out of your control. Anxiety can help prepare you for such events.

But anxiety can become a real problem if it persists or negatively impacts your daily activities. It could lead to depression, substance abuse issues, social isolation and work-related difficulties as well.

Anxiety symptoms can be managed with medication or psychotherapy. The initial step in treating anxiety is speaking with your doctor about what's causing your discomfort.

Next, start taking steps to manage your stress. These include eating nutritiously, exercising regularly and abstaining from drugs and alcohol. Additionally, reduce caffeine consumption as this may exacerbate anxiety symptoms.

Anxiety can lead to hypertension

Although the exact cause of anxiety and high blood pressure remains uncertain, it appears that anxiety can cause temporary increases in blood pressure. This is likely because anxiety triggers your body's fight-or-flight response--the same response which kicks in when facing danger or worrying about something.

This response can be beneficial in certain circumstances, but it also has potential danger for those suffering from chronic stress or anxiety. Prolonged stress and anxiety have been known to damage various parts of the body, including the heart and arteries.

If you are experiencing symptoms of anxiety, it is recommended that you speak to a healthcare provider. They can examine you and run tests to rule out other underlying medical issues which could be contributing to your stress.

If your doctor cannot identify any physical health issues, they may refer you to a mental health specialist who will diagnose the anxiety you're experiencing and suggest treatment options such as medications or lifestyle modifications to reduce it.

Anxiety can be treated

If anxiety is contributing to your high blood pressure, speak with your doctor about treating the anxiety. Common treatments include psychotherapy (also referred to as "talk therapy") and medications.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most successful types of psychotherapy for treating anxiety disorders. Through CBT, individuals learn how to alter their thinking patterns so they can reduce anxious thoughts and fears.

Antidepressants, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), can be used to treat anxiety. These medications work by increasing levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain; these substances are known as selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).

Other methods for managing anxiety include exercise, sleep and a nutritious diet. Many people find it beneficial to join a self-help or support group where they can share their stories and receive advice from others who share similar struggles.

Anxiety can be prevented

There are several steps that can be taken to help reduce anxiety levels. These include leading a healthy lifestyle, abstaining from alcohol, eating nutritious meals, exercising regularly and managing stress appropriately.

Physical activity is an effective tool for combatting anxiety and can reduce your risk for developing hypertension. Aim to get at least two hours of moderate-intensity exercise each week, along with one hour of vigorous intensity activity.

Eating a balanced diet and being moderate with portion sizes are important to reduce the likelihood of experiencing anxiety. Foods rich in complex carbohydrates, like whole grains, may help elevate serotonin levels in the brain and lessen sensitivity to it.

Some people find that meditation and visualization exercises can be helpful in relieving their anxiety symptoms. These techniques can be practiced either individually or within a group setting.