Can being nervous cause high blood pressure
What is the link between anxiety and high blood pressure?
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December 5, 2019
This post was originally published on this site
Anxiety and high blood pressure can sometimes go hand in hand. Anxiety may lead to high blood pressure, and high blood pressure may trigger feelings of anxiety.
Doctors characterize anxiety as feelings of intense worry or fear. It causes many physical symptoms, including increased heart rate and shallow breathing. Periods of anxiety may also temporarily increase blood pressure.
Meanwhile, having long-term high blood pressure — which doctors refer to as hypertension — can cause people to feel anxious about their health and future.
Keep reading to learn more about the link between anxiety and high blood pressure, as well as how to treat both conditions.
Anxiety causes the release of stress hormones in the body. These hormones trigger an increase in the heart rate and a narrowing of the blood vessels. Both of these changes cause blood pressure to rise, sometimes dramatically.
Doctors believe that anxiety is the reason behind white coat hypertension — a phenomenon in which some individuals consistently have higher blood pressure readings at the doctor’s office than at home.
Anxiety-induced increases in blood pressure are temporary and will 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.
A 2015 review of existing research indicates that people who have intense anxiety are more at risk of hypertension than those with lower levels of anxiety.
As a result, the researchers conclude that the early detection and treatment of anxiety are particularly important in people with hypertension.
Living with an anxiety disorder, whereby anxiety occurs every day and interferes with daily life, can also increase the likelihood of behaviors that contribute to hypertension. Examples include:
- alcohol use
- lack of exercise
- poor diet
- tobacco use
One study reports a link between anxiety and unhealthful lifestyle behaviors — including physical inactivity, smoking, and poor diet — in people at risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Hypertension is one of the most significant risk factors for CVD.
Additionally, some medications for anxiety can increase blood pressure.
Having high blood pressure can trigger feelings of anxiety in some people. Those whom doctors diagnose with hypertension 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.
Occasionally, anxiety works in the opposite way, causing a reduction in blood pressure.
This drop may occur because, during periods of intense anxiety, some people take very shallow breaths. The blood vessels then become wider, reducing blood pressure.
A 2011 study identified an association between the symptoms of anxiety and depression and a decrease in blood pressure, especially in people who have experienced a high level of anxiety symptoms over a prolonged period of decades.
This relationship also seems to work in both directions as low blood pressure, or hypotension, may sometimes cause anxiety and panic. Its symptoms can be similar to those of anxiety and include:
- blurred vision
- dizziness
- fainting
- nausea
- lightheadedness
Learn more about fluctuating blood pressure here.
When symptoms occur, it can be difficult to distinguish between anxiety and changes in blood pressure.
Individuals should keep in mind that hypertension does not typically cause symptoms unless it is exceptionally high.
If this is the case, emergency treatment is necessary.
Low blood pressure is more likely to cause symptoms, and these are often quite similar to the symptoms of anxiety.
People who are experiencing severe or recurrent symptoms should see their doctor. A doctor will be able to diagnose the underlying cause of the symptoms and can prescribe treatments for both anxiety and hypertension, if necessary.
There are several treatment options for anxiety. Most people require a combination of 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 doctors use to treat hypertension
Psychotherapy
Working with a psychotherapist can often help people manage their anxiety symptoms.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one method that a psychotherapist is likely to try. CBT teaches people to change their thinking patterns to help them reduce anxious thoughts and worries.
Once individuals have learned techniques to manage their anxiety, they gradually expose themselves to situations that trigger the anxiety. In this manner, they become less fearful about these situations.
Lifestyle changes
Making simple changes can go a long way toward reducing the symptoms of anxiety. Examples include:
- practicing deep breathing techniques or progressive muscle relaxation
- meditating
- exercising regularly
- getting enough sleep
- eating a healthful diet and limiting caffeine intake
- avoiding alcohol, tobacco, and recreational drugs
- reducing stressors at home, work, and school, where possible
- facing up to problems rather than avoiding them
- replacing negative thoughts with more positive or realistic ones
Read about natural remedies for anxiety here.
Most people with hypertension will benefit from making lifestyle changes. Some people will also need medication.
Lifestyle changes
Doctors often recommend one or more of the following:
- eating a healthful diet and limiting salt intake
- avoiding tobacco and recreational drugs
- limiting alcohol intake
- exercising regularly
- achieving or maintaining a healthy body mass index (BMI)
Learn about 15 natural ways to lower blood pressure here.
Medication
There are several types of medication for treating high blood pressure. These include:
- diuretics (water pills)
- calcium channel blockers
- angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
- angiotensin II receptor blockers
- aldosterone antagonists
- renin inhibitors
- vasodilators
- alpha-blockers
- alpha-beta-blockers
- 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.
Individuals who think that they may have anxiety, hypertension, or both should speak to a doctor. Those who have severe symptoms should seek immediate care as the symptoms could indicate a medical emergency.
Symptoms to look out for include:
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. Sometimes, a person with anxiety will 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 that they have one or both conditions should see their doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
Anxiety and high blood pressure: Link, differences, and treatment
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 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.
Anxiety occurs when the body releases stress hormones.
These hormones trigger an increase in the heart rate and a narrowing of the blood vessels. Both of these changes can cause a persons’ 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 can cause increased fat deposits, particularly around the abdomen. Anxiety can also prompt behavior changes in individuals, 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), medications used to treat anxiety disorders, 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 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.
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.
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 their blood pressure checked regularly.
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 helps 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, 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.
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 at least 20 minutes per day
- practicing mindfulness
- eating a nutritious balanced diet
- avoiding alcohol and drugs
- getting a good night’s sleep
- learning a new skill
- trying to reduce negative thoughts, countering them with positive ones
- setting goals and rewards
- having 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 treatment plan 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, 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
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.
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 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.
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:
- increased heart rate
- increased blood pressure
- anxiety
- nervousness
- worry
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
- anxiety
- depression
- lack of sleep
- fatigue
- inability to made decisions
- memory issues
- increase in blood pressure
- increased heart rate
- increase in fats in the blood
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.
90,000 psychogenic hypertension- Psychotherapy
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- Violations of the autonomic nervous system
- Fears, phobia, anxiety, obsession
- 9000 9000
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- Psychological counseling
- Psychological counseling for adolescents
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Surely many of us have heard from relatives, work colleagues or friends the phrase: “My blood pressure jumped on a nervous basis.” Is it possible? Modern medicine says: yes, the increase in pressure may well be associated with stress, this condition is called psychogenic hypertension.
Prices for the treatment of psychogenic hypertension
Appointment (examination, consultation) with a psychotherapist, primary 4000 i Appointment (examination, consultation) with a psychotherapist, repeated (Mon-Fri 09:00-16:00) (except holidays) 3500i Appointment (examination, consultation) with a psychotherapist, repeated (Sat, Sun, Mon-Fri 16:00-21:00) 4000 i Appointment (examination, consultation) with a psychotherapist, leading specialist, primary 4500 i Appointment (examination, consultation) with a psychotherapist, leading specialist, repeated 4000 i Appointment (examination, consultation) of a psychotherapist, professor Babin S. 
M. 12 300 i Medical psychotherapeutic consultation (with the participation of leading experts) 12 300 i Addictions Specialist Extended Admission 9000i Departure of a psychotherapist at home 8000 i Do patients with neurosis suffer only from hypertension?
Patients who received today's most popular the day the diagnosis is neurosis, they can experience not only problems with pressure, but also a number of other ailments
- Asthenic manifestations. With neurosis, a person often has apathy and chronic fatigue; in order to regain his former vigor, he does not have enough sleep, walks, or exercise.
- Obsessive manifestations. Neurosis is often accompanied by panic attacks, increased levels of anxiety.
- Hysterical manifestations. The psyche of a person who has been diagnosed with neurosis may be unstable, it is characterized by sudden mood swings, emotional breakdowns, and tearfulness.
- Vegetative manifestations. Sometimes neuroses go side by side with vegetative-vascular dystonia, which manifests itself in the form of headaches of varying degrees of intensity, an increase or, conversely, a decrease in blood pressure, arrhythmia.
Why is it important to check the cardiovascular system of a patient with neurosis?
As we have already found out, neurosis affects almost all systems of the body. But its possible effect on the heart and blood vessels remains the most dangerous. There are frequent cases when the heart health of a patient with neurosis is not given due attention. Such a negligent attitude can subsequently lead to a stroke and other equally dangerous diseases of the cardiovascular system.
Can hypertension occur in a patient with neurosis from scratch?
If you decide to eat stress, eat only those foods that will not harm your health: fruits, sweet peppers, sunflower seeds, black and red berries, unsalted crackers
- this is stress for the body, especially for a person with neurosis.
It does not matter what character the experienced experience will have for the patient, it can become so powerful that his body simply will not be able to rehabilitate itself. Layering on each other, emotions become an impetus for the development of various pathological conditions: persistent hypertension, tachycardia, etc. You can cope with psychogenic hypertension caused by neurotic disorders with the help of specialists from the Caduceus clinic. We will select the optimal psychopharmacological treatment for you and conduct effective psychotherapy sessions.
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Hypertensive crisis. First Aid Methods.
Hypertensive crisis is a dangerous complication of hypertension requiring emergency care. Every person suffering from hypertension should remember that a hypertensive crisis can occur at almost any time. Therefore, not only all hypertensive patients, but also their relatives should know how to provide first aid with a sharp increase in blood pressure.
A hypertensive crisis is a significant, sudden increase in blood pressure with neurovascular and humoral disorders. The occurrence of hypertensive crises is facilitated by acute neuropsychic overstrain, excessive alcohol consumption, sudden changes in the weather, the abolition of antihypertensive drugs, etc. Allocate hypertensive crisis I and II types and complicated.
Type I hypertensive crisis develops quickly, there is a sharp headache, dizziness, nausea, flashing before the eyes, vomiting may occur. Patients are agitated, feel a feeling of heat, trembling throughout the body. Red spots appear on the skin of the neck, face, and sometimes the chest. The skin is moist to the touch. There may be an increased heartbeat and a feeling of heaviness behind the sternum. Tachycardia is noted. Arterial pressure is increased, mainly systolic (up to 200 mm Hg and above). Quite often crisis comes to an end with a plentiful urination.
Type II hypertensive crisis often develops in patients with stage II-III hypertension with insufficiently effective treatment or violation of the lifestyle.
Crisis symptoms develop more slowly, but very intensively. Within a few hours, the headache increases. Nausea, vomiting, lethargy appear, vision and hearing deteriorate. The pulse is tense, but not rapid; Arterial pressure is sharply increased, mainly diastolic (up to 140-160 mm Hg). Complicated hypertensive crisis can proceed according to the cerebral, coronary or asthmatic variant. In contrast to an uncomplicated hypertensive crisis, in complicated variants of a crisis against the background of high blood pressure, acute coronary insufficiency, acute left ventricular failure (cardiac asthma, pulmonary edema), acute cerebrovascular accident (hypertensive encephalopathy, transient cerebrovascular accident or stroke) can develop.
With the development of a hypertensive crisis, especially complicated, it is necessary to call an ambulance.
First aid for hypertensive crisis consists in the immediate adoption of the following set of measures.
Provide the patient with complete rest. It is contraindicated for him to walk and show any physical activity, you need to put him in a comfortable half-sitting position with the help of pillows. If the attack occurred on the street, you need to put folded clothes and other improvised means under his back. The head should always be above the level of the body to prevent increased blood flow and reduce the load on the vessels of the brain.
Reduce the brightness of lighting near the patient and, if possible, ensure maximum silence and the absence of external stimuli. People around should behave calmly and not panic, as nervousness is instantly transmitted to the patient.
Since the crisis makes breathing difficult, it is necessary to unfasten tight clothing, loosen the collar, scarf, tie, etc. If the patient is indoors, then it is necessary to provide him with an influx of fresh air, but it is important to ensure that he does not catch a cold.
The victim's legs should be well warmed: apply a heating pad, a plastic bottle with hot water to them, you can put mustard plasters on the calf muscles.
Ask the patient if he suffers from high blood pressure, what medicines the doctor has prescribed for him to lower it, and give him this medicine. If the pressure does not decrease within an hour, the drug should be repeated, but care must be taken not to reduce the pressure too much - this can provoke loss of consciousness and further complicate the patient's condition, especially in the elderly.
If it is impossible to give the patient his usual medicine, or if he has not previously taken antihypertensive drugs, he can be given a Nifedipine 10 mg tablet (but only if he does not have severe tachycardia and angina pectoris). The drug effectively reduces pressure. In the presence of heart disease or information about the patient's intolerance to nifedipine, the drug can be replaced with captopril 12.5-25 mg, it normalizes blood pressure, protects the heart and prevents the development of nephropathy. In addition, unlike nifedipine, captopril does not cause drowsiness, dizziness and tachycardia.
With a hypertensive crisis of the first type, it is advisable to use 40 mg of anaprilin orally or under the tongue in crushed form. In hypertensive crisis of the second type, diuretics are used, for example, furosemide 20-40 mg. It is advisable to give the patient 40 drops of Corvalol to relieve anxiety, panic and fear of death, which usually cover a person in a state of hypertensive crisis. Instead of corvalol, valocordin, tincture of valerian or motherwort is suitable.
For heart pain, give the patient validol or nitroglycerin, but the latter must be used very carefully: it dilates blood vessels and can provoke collapse.
If possible, organize monitoring of blood pressure, record readings of the tonometer, pulse rate and respiration every 15-20 minutes until the doctor arrives.
Some patients mistakenly believe that a rapid decrease in blood pressure to the usual numbers will help to quickly get rid of the symptoms that accompany a hypertensive crisis.
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