Can anxiety cause high blood pressure reading

Can anxiety cause high blood pressure?

Anxiety and high blood pressure can be symptoms of each other. Anxiety may lead to high blood pressure, and high blood pressure can 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 may 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 can also cause a person to experience anxiety.

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.

It occurs when the body releases stress hormones. These hormones trigger an increase in heart rate and a narrowing of the blood vessels. Both of these changes can cause a person’s blood pressure to rise.

A 2015 review indicates that people with intense anxiety have a higher risk of hypertension than those with lower levels of anxiety. Researchers conclude that early detection and treatment of anxiety are particularly important in people with hypertension.

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 may cause increased fat deposits, particularly around the abdomen. Anxiety can also prompt behavior changes in people, such as stress eating, which may indirectly contribute to hypertension.

Additionally, some medications for anxiety can increase blood pressure. Research from 2017 found that serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), which people use to treat anxiety disorders, can increase blood pressure.

Anxiety is a response to stress. Stress causes the release of hormones, such as epinephrine and cortisol. These hormones induce the “fight-or-flight” response, which prepares the body to flee or confront the perceived threat.

Fight-or-flight hormones can cause a person to experience an increase in:

heart rate
blood pressure
muscular strength

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:

diarrhea
stomach pain
weight gain
weakened immune system
depression
lack of sleep
fatigue
inability to make decisions
memory issues
increase in fats in the blood

Having high blood pressure may trigger feelings of anxiety in some people. A person with hypertension may worry about their health and their future.

Additionally, the symptoms of hypertension can cause panic or anxiety. Symptoms of hypertension include:

vision changes
headaches
irregular heart rhythm
buzzing in the ears

Severe hypertension can also cause a person to experience anxiety. If a person experiences extreme anxiety alongside symptoms such as headache or shortness of breath, they should seek medical attention immediately.

It can be difficult to distinguish between anxiety and changes in blood pressure. Hypertension does not usually cause symptoms. This means it is important for a person to have a doctor check their blood pressure regularly.

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 similar to those of anxiety. Symptoms of both low blood pressure and anxiety include:

dizziness
lightheadedness
nausea
fainting
difficulty concentrating

Learn more about fluctuating blood pressure here.

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.

Medication

Several medicines can relieve the symptoms of anxiety. Different types of medication will work for different people. Options include:

buspirone, an anti-anxiety drug
certain antidepressants
benzodiazepines, which are a type of sedative medication for short-term anxiety relief
beta-blockers, which help a person’s heart beat more slowly and gently

Psychotherapy

Working with a psychotherapist can help people manage their anxiety symptoms.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective forms of psychotherapy for anxiety. CBT teaches people to change their thinking patterns to help them reduce anxious thoughts and worries.

During CBT, a person learns 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.

Lifestyle changes

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:

exercising regularly
practicing mindfulness
eating a balanced diet
avoiding alcohol and drugs
getting consistent, high-quality sleep
learning a new skill
trying to reduce negative thoughts, countering them with positive ones
setting goals and rewards
creating or maintaining a support system

Read about natural remedies for anxiety here.

A person who has hypertension may be given a treatment plan by their doctor. This can involve lifestyle changes, medications, or both.

Lifestyle changes

A person can make various lifestyle changes to lower their blood pressure, including:

avoiding or limiting alcohol
reducing salt intake
eating a heart-healthy diet that is rich in fruit, vegetables, and whole grains
exercising regularly
quitting smoking, if appropriate
maintaining a moderate weight
managing stress
getting good-quality sleep

Learn about 15 natural ways to lower blood pressure here.

Medication

There are several types of medication for treating high blood pressure. These include:

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

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.

People 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 can indicate a medical emergency.

Symptoms to look out for include:

fatigue
nausea
vomiting
confusion
chest pain
muscle tremors
shortness of breath
back pain
numbness or weakness
difficulty speaking

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.

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 high blood pressure. Treatment for one condition can often improve the other.

A person who suspects they have one or both conditions should see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

Can anxiety cause high blood pressure?

Anxiety and high blood pressure can be symptoms of each other. Anxiety may lead to high blood pressure, and high blood pressure can trigger feelings of anxiety.

Additionally, having long-term high blood pressure, or hypertension, can cause people to feel anxious about their health and future. Severe hypertension can also cause a person to experience anxiety.

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.

Fight-or-flight hormones can cause a person to experience an increase in:

heart rate
blood pressure
muscular strength

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:

diarrhea
stomach pain
weight gain
weakened immune system
depression
lack of sleep
fatigue
inability to make decisions
memory issues
increase in fats in the blood

Having high blood pressure may trigger feelings of anxiety in some people. A person with hypertension may worry about their health and their future.

Additionally, the symptoms of hypertension can cause panic or anxiety. Symptoms of hypertension include:

vision changes
headaches
irregular heart rhythm
buzzing in the ears

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 similar to those of anxiety. Symptoms of both low blood pressure and anxiety include:

dizziness
lightheadedness
nausea
fainting
difficulty concentrating

Learn more about fluctuating blood pressure here.

There are several treatment options for anxiety. A person may require a combination of these treatments.

Medication

Several medicines can relieve the symptoms of anxiety. Different types of medication will work for different people. Options include:

buspirone, an anti-anxiety drug
certain antidepressants
benzodiazepines, which are a type of sedative medication for short-term anxiety relief
beta-blockers, which help a person’s heart beat more slowly and gently

Psychotherapy

Working with a psychotherapist can help people manage their anxiety symptoms.

Lifestyle changes

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:

exercising regularly
practicing mindfulness
eating a balanced diet
avoiding alcohol and drugs
getting consistent, high-quality sleep
learning a new skill
trying to reduce negative thoughts, countering them with positive ones
setting goals and rewards
creating or maintaining a support system

Read about natural remedies for anxiety here.

A person who has hypertension may be given a treatment plan by their doctor. This can involve lifestyle changes, medications, or both.

Lifestyle changes

A person can make various lifestyle changes to lower their blood pressure, including:

avoiding or limiting alcohol
reducing salt intake
eating a heart-healthy diet that is rich in fruit, vegetables, and whole grains
exercising regularly
quitting smoking, if appropriate
maintaining a moderate weight
managing stress
getting good-quality sleep

Learn about 15 natural ways to lower blood pressure here.

Medication

There are several types of medication for treating high blood pressure. These include:

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

People 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 can indicate a medical emergency.

Symptoms to look out for include:

fatigue
nausea
vomiting
confusion
chest pain
muscle tremors
shortness of breath
back pain
numbness or weakness
difficulty speaking

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.

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 high blood pressure. Treatment for one condition can often improve the other.

A person who suspects they have one or both conditions should see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

The role of anxiety disorders in hypertension and the possibility of their correction | #03/07

In recent years, more and more evidence has been accumulating that anxiety and some other psychopathological conditions are independent risk factors for the development of arterial hypertension (AH) and should be considered in conjunction with recognized risk factors [7]. These pathologies increase morbidity and mortality from hypertension and coronary heart disease (CHD) [2]. Anxiety disorder should be detected and treated in a timely manner, as it worsens the prognosis of somatic pathology [1]. The importance of anxiety disorder in cardiology is confirmed by the results of a prospective 32-year study conducted in the United States by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [7], which showed that with increased anxiety, the probability of fatal myocardial infarction increases by 1. 9times, sudden death - 4.5 times. At the same time, social epidemiological studies using objective methods conducted at the State Research Center for Preventive Medicine showed that the population experienced an increase in the level of psychological stress. It was found that about 70% of the country's population lives in conditions of chronic high- and medium-level psychosocial stress [3].

In this regard, special attention is paid to the study of the role of anxiety in the development of hypertension, one of the main risk factors for coronary artery disease. It is known that hypertension is one of the most common cardiovascular diseases affecting, in particular, 25–35% of the Russian population. Assumptions that affective disorders, most often anxiety and depression, occupy an important place in the development and course of hypertension, were expressed at the beginning of the last century. Currently, work on the study of the relationship between hypertension and affective disorders is carried out in two directions.

On the one hand, the results of large studies have been published demonstrating the relationship between symptoms of anxiety or depression and the development of hypertension, on the other hand, hypertension is considered as a psychosomatic disease, in the treatment of which psychotropic drugs play a very important role [4].

According to the literature, the prevalence of neurotic and somatoform disorders with anxiety symptoms in patients with hypertension can reach 51.3% [2, 5]. However, the number of studies is limited, and there are no clear recommendations for the management of these patients. It is known that comorbid anxiety-depressive disorders, like hypertension, in themselves lead to a significant decrease in working capacity, while they aggravate the course of a somatic disease, contribute to the formation of a hypochondriacal type of internal disease [7]. In this regard, it seems very interesting and important to determine the possibility of the effect of complex therapy with antihypertensive drugs and a “daytime” anxiolytic on the course of hypertension in patients with anxiety.

Anxiolytic therapy significantly improves the quality of life of patients with cardiovascular diseases, contributes to their better compensation in the process of somatotropic therapy, and further adaptation to the disease. Tranquilizers are the most adequate, effective and safe drugs for the relief of adaptation disorders in cardiac patients [2, 3]. However, patients often avoid taking benzodiazepines, fearing the development of addiction symptoms, unpleasant side effects in the form of lethargy, muscle weakness, and impaired attention. Elderly patients often fear the development of coordination disorders in them due to the fear of falling, the appearance of instability.

Taking into account the noted problems, in recent years there has been an increasing need for drugs with a tranquilizing effect of the non-benzodiazepine series. These drugs include Tenoten.

The drug Tenoten is an ultra-low dose (ULD) to the brain-specific protein S100. The mechanisms of action of anti-S100 SMD in anxiety states are probably associated with a modification of the functional activity of the endogenous S100 protein and its ligands. As a result, its GABA-mimetic effect is realized, restoration of GABAergic neurotransmission. The clinical effect in this case is manifested by facilitating falling asleep, reducing behavioral manifestations of anxiety, improving memory, and reducing asthenia.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of combined treatment with antihypertensive drugs and the anti-anxiety drug Tenoten in patients with hypertension. The duration of the study is 4 weeks.

The study involved 60 patients with hypertension aged 61.41 ± 6.91 years (from 38 to 77 years). Patients were divided randomly into two groups (main and control) of 30 people. There were 18 men and 12 women in the main group, 19 in the comparison group.men and 11 women.

AH in the main group with a moderate course (II degree) was observed in 60% of patients, with a severe course (III degree) - in 40%; in the comparison group, there were 66.6% of patients with a moderate course, and 33. 4% with a severe course. The average duration of AH disease was 10.61 ± 4.1 years (from 3 to 20 years).

Of great importance in the course of hypertension is a family history, lifestyle, risk factors and comorbidities.

Persons with symptomatic hypertension and complicated forms of hypertension were excluded from the study.

In the comparison group, patients received only antihypertensive therapy - ACE inhibitors, β-blockers, diuretics (Enap, Hypothiazid, Acridilol, Arifon). Patients of the main group received combined treatment with antihypertensive drugs in combination with Tenoten, which was prescribed according to the scheme: 6 tablets per day for the first 2 weeks, and then 1 tablet 3 times a day.

Treatment was prescribed for a month. Monitoring in dynamics was carried out at the beginning of the study, after 2 and 4 weeks of therapy.

The personal anxiety scale (J. Teylor) was used to assess the mental status, which is designed to measure the level of anxiety (adapted by T. A. Nemchininov).

The questionnaire consists of 50 statements. Evaluation of the results of the study is carried out by counting the number of responses of the subject, indicating anxiety; the total score is:

40-50 points - an indicator of a very high level of anxiety;

20-40 points - high level of anxiety;

15-20 points - average level of anxiety with a tendency to high;

5-15 points - average level of anxiety with a tendency to low;

0-5 points - low level of anxiety.

A study of the mental status of patients in both groups revealed anxiety symptoms of varying severity in a significant proportion of patients. The number of patients with an initial high level of anxiety was 40% in the main group and 43% in the comparison group. The number of patients with an initial average level of anxiety with a tendency to high was 60% in the main group and 56.6% in the comparison group.

Research results

By the end of the study, the high level of anxiety decreased in the main group by 39. 39% and reached the average level of anxiety with a tendency to low, and in the comparison group, the level of anxiety decreased only by 3.6%.

In patients of the main group who took Tenoten, a clear decrease in the level of anxiety was noted already after 2 weeks and by the end of the month it reached significance in comparison with the group of patients who received standard antihypertensive therapy. The relief of affective disorders was accompanied by a decrease in complaints of anxiety, feelings of helplessness, self-doubt, a sense of threatening danger, poor sleep ( tab. 1 ).

The demonstrated differences in the dynamics of anxiety indicators in the studied groups of patients confirmed the possibility of effective correction of these disorders in patients with AH with Tenoten. However, it was extremely interesting to assess whether this therapy and the severity of associated anxiety disorders affect the effectiveness of antihypertensive therapy in general.

A decrease in the values of maximum systolic and diastolic pressure occurred in both studied groups. By the end of the month of treatment, the decrease in blood pressure (BP) reached a statistically significant significance. In the main group of patients who additionally took Tenoten, systolic blood pressure (BP) decreased by 24.28% - almost to the age norm, in the comparison group there was a decrease by 16.48%, i.e. there was some excess of normal values. The decrease in diastolic pressure by the end of the 4th week in the main group (by 17.7%) and in the comparison group (by 5.9%) was also significant ( tab. 2 , 3 ).

The addition of Tenoten to the complex therapy in patients with high and moderate levels of anxiety made it possible to achieve a much more pronounced improvement in blood pressure. Against the background of therapy with Tenoten, a more rapid effect of antihypertensive drugs is observed - after 2 weeks of combined administration of the drug in patients of the main group, blood pressure decreased to the target level, in contrast to the comparison group, where it remained above the target.

Conclusion

The results of our study show that all patients with hypertension have anxiety symptoms of varying severity, which aggravate the course of the disease, contributing to higher levels of both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The inclusion of the modern "daytime" anxiolytic Tenoten in the complex therapy of patients with hypertension increases the effectiveness of the treatment, reduces the level of anxiety, which contributes to a more rapid onset of the hypotensive effect. Tenoten is well tolerated by patients, does not cause orthostatic hypotension and any other undesirable side effects.

Literature

Avedisova AS Anxiety disorders // Yu. A. Alexandrovsky. Mental disorders in general medical practice and their treatment. M.: GEOTAR-MED, 2004. S. 66–73.
Kopina OS, Suslova SF, Zaikin ER Population studies of psychosocial stress as a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases// Cardiology. 1996. No. 36 (3). pp. 53–56.
Sudakov KV Emotional stress and arterial hypertension. M.: VNIIMI, 1976.
Chazov EI Ischemic heart disease and the possibility of improving the effectiveness of its treatment// Clinical trials of drugs in Russia. 2001. No. 1. S. 2–4.
Kawachi I., Sparrow D., Vokonas P. S., Wess S. T. Symptoms of anxiety and risk of coronary heart disease. The Normative Aging Study. circulation. 1994; 90, 5: 2225–2229.
Lavie C., Milani R. Prevalence of anxiety in coronary patients with improvement following cardiac rehabilitation and exercise training. Am J Cardiol. 2004; 93:336–339.
Sonas B. S., Franks P., Ingram D. D. Are symptoms of anxiety and depression risk factor for hyprtension? Longitudinal evidence from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey I Epidemiologic Follow-up Study. Arch. fam. Vtd. 1997; 6:43–9.

I. N. Nikolskaya , doctor of medical sciences, professor
I. A. Guseva , candidate of medical sciences, associate professor
E. V. Bliznevskaya , Ph.D. NSMU, Medical Unit No. 25, Novosibirsk

Anxiety and high blood pressure - what is the connection? | Medical Insider

Anxiety and high blood pressure can sometimes go hand in hand. Anxiety can lead to high blood pressure, and high blood pressure can make you feel anxious.

Doctors characterize anxiety as a feeling of intense anxiety or fear. Anxiety is accompanied by many physical symptoms, including rapid heart rate and shallow breathing. Periods of anxiety can also temporarily raise blood pressure. Meanwhile, long-term high blood pressure, which doctors call hypertension , can cause people to worry about their health and future.

Anxiety causes the release of stress hormones in the body. Hormones increase heart rate and constrict blood vessels. Both of these factors cause an increase in blood pressure, sometimes sharp. Doctors believe that anxiety is the cause of white coat hypertension, a phenomenon in which some people have higher blood pressure readings in the doctor's office than at home. The rise in blood pressure caused by anxiety is temporary and will subside as soon as the anxiety subsides. However, persistently high levels of anxiety can cause damage to the heart, kidneys, and blood vessels, just as long-term hypertension can.

Research from 2015 shows that people with high anxiety are more at risk of hypertension than people with low anxiety. Early detection and treatment of anxiety is especially important in people with hypertension.

Living with an anxiety disorder, in which anxiety occurs daily and interferes with daily life, can also increase the likelihood of behaviors that contribute to hypertension. Examples include:

drinking alcohol
not exercising
unhealthy diet
smoking

Researchers report an association between anxiety and unhealthy lifestyles—including physical activity, smoking, and poor diet—in people at risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Hypertension is one of the most significant risk factors for CVD. In addition, some medications used for anxiety can increase blood pressure.

High blood pressure can cause anxiety in some people. Those diagnosed with hypertension by doctors may worry about their health and their future. Sometimes the symptoms of hypertension, which include headaches, blurred vision, and shortness of breath, can be enough to cause panic or anxiety.

Sometimes anxiety works in the opposite way, causing a drop in blood pressure. The reason for this may be that when anxious, people breathe shallowly. Blood vessels become wider, lowering blood pressure. Scientists in 2011 found an association between symptoms of anxiety and depression and lower blood pressure, especially in people who had high levels of anxiety symptoms for decades. This link seems to work both ways, as low blood pressure or hypotension can sometimes cause anxiety and panic. Symptoms may be similar to those of anxiety and include:

blurred vision
dizziness
fainting
nausea
dizziness

Sometimes it can be difficult to distinguish between anxiety and changes in blood pressure. It is important to know that hypertension usually does not show symptoms unless it is very high. If so, then urgent treatment is needed. Low blood pressure is more likely to cause symptoms, and they are very similar to anxiety symptoms. People with severe or recurring symptoms should see a doctor. A doctor will be able to diagnose the underlying cause of the symptoms and, if necessary, prescribe treatment for both anxiety and hypertension.

There are several treatments for anxiety. Most people require a combination treatment.

sedatives
antidepressants
benzodiazepines, which are a type of sedative for short-term anxiety relief
beta-blockers, which are used to treat hypertension

Working with a psychotherapist can often help manage anxiety symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the methods that a psychotherapist may prescribe. CBT teaches people to change their thought patterns to reduce anxious thoughts and anxieties. Once people have learned to manage their anxiety, they are gradually exposed to situations that cause anxiety. Thus, a person becomes less fearful in such situations.

Simple changes can reduce anxiety symptoms. Examples include:

deep breathing or progressive muscle relaxation techniques
meditation
regular exercise
adequate sleep
healthy diet and caffeine restriction
avoiding alcohol, tobacco, and recreational drugs whenever possible 9072 at work and at school
replacing negative thoughts with positive or realistic ones

Most people with hypertension will benefit from lifestyle changes. Some people need medicines.

a healthy diet and salt restriction
avoiding tobacco and recreational drugs
limiting alcohol consumption
regular exercise
maintaining a healthy body mass index (BMI)

There are several types of drugs to treat high blood pressure. These include:

People who think they have anxiety, hypertension, or both should see a doctor. People with severe symptoms should seek immediate medical attention, as symptoms may indicate a medical emergency. Symptoms to look out for include:

blurred vision
shortness of breath
dizziness
headaches
nausea and vomiting
palpitations

Both hypertension and anxiety are manageable conditions. A person with anxiety does not necessarily develop hypertension. However, early care seeking can improve outcome for patients with any disease and reduce the risk of complications.

There is a link between anxiety and high blood pressure. Sometimes a person with anxiety develops hypertension, especially if they regularly experience severe anxiety. Other people may develop anxiety as a result of high blood pressure. Treating one condition can often improve another. If one or both conditions are suspected, a doctor should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment.

Learn more