Anxiety and high blood pressure (hypertension) can occur together and even cause each other.
However, some other medical conditions and medications can cause both high blood pressure and anxiety.
Read on to learn more about the link between hypertension and anxiety and the factors contributing to both conditions.
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That said, having anxiety about the condition is understandable.
There are many ways to lower your blood pressure.
Healthcare providers can prescribe many differentmedicationsthat are safe and effective at getting your blood pressure under control.
Additionally, there are several healthy lifestyle changes you might make to help lower your blood pressure.
It’s well known that acute anxiety can dramatically increase blood pressure levels.
When we encounter a stressor, our bodies releasehormoneslike cortisol and catecholamines.
As a result, our heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing rate all go up.
The effects of chronic anxiety on blood pressure are still debated.
Studies have shown conflicting evidence of a relationship between anxiety and high blood pressure.
However, more recent studies do suggest a possible link between the two conditions.
The stress of being in a hospital or at a clinic is thought to contribute to the increase.
A diagnosis of “white coat hypertension” can be confirmed with blood pressure monitoring at home.
Your healthcare provider will work with you to make an individualized treatment plan to address your needs.
Lifestyle Changes
There are many proven lifestyle changes that can lower blood pressure.
Making these modifications may also help manage mood and anxiety disorders.
Many different classes of medications are available to treat these conditions.
Talk therapy is often effective for treating anxiety, and many people also benefit from taking medication.
Diet, exercise, sleep, and other lifestyle changes can help manage both high blood pressure and anxiety.
Some people need to take medications to help control their blood pressure and treat their anxiety.
Discuss them with your healthcare provider to find the one (or combination) that is right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Anxiety increases stress hormone levels and catecholamines, both of which affect blood pressure.
The result can be a dramatic blood pressure increase.
A classic example is avasovagal responsethat is triggered by things like severe pain or the sight of blood.
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