What’s the Link Between Anxiety and High Blood Pressure?

What is the Connection Between Anxiety and High Blood Pressure?

Anxiety and high blood pressure are closely connected. Stress or anxiety, marked by increased worry, can temporarily raise blood pressure due to physical reactions like a faster heart rate. On the other hand, persistent high blood pressure can cause anxiety about one’s health and future.

Recognizing this link between high blood pressure and anxiety is crucial. Effective care involves a comprehensive understanding and strategies addressing both anxiety and hypertension.

Can Anxiety Cause High Blood Pressure?

Anxiety releases stress hormones, boosting heart rate and narrowing blood vessels, causing a temporary spike in blood pressure. White coat hypertension, where blood pressure is higher at the doctor’s office, is also often linked to anxiety.

Although anxiety-induced blood pressure rises are temporary, persistent high anxiety levels can harm the heart, kidneys, and blood vessels, similar to long-term hypertension. Research suggests that intense anxiety increases the risk of hypertension, emphasizing the importance of early detection and treatment for those with high blood pressure.

Living with anxiety, as seen in anxiety disorders, can lead to behaviors that raise the risk of hypertension. These behaviors include the following:

• Alcohol use.
• Lack of exercise.
• Poor diet.
• Tobacco use.

A study links anxiety to unhealthy lifestyle habits in people at risk of cardiovascular disease, where hypertension is a significant risk factor.

Certain anxiety medications can also increase blood pressure. High blood pressure, in turn, can trigger anxiety about health and the future. Symptoms like headaches, blurred vision, and shortness of breath in hypertension can induce panic or anxiety.

Interestingly, anxiety can sometimes lower blood pressure, as shallow breathing during intense stress widens blood vessels. This dual relationship emphasizes the complex link between anxiety and blood pressure.

In 2011, a study found that long-term anxiety and depression symptoms are linked to a decrease in blood pressure. This connection goes both ways—low blood pressure, or hypotension, can sometimes lead to anxiety and panic.

Symptoms like blurred vision, dizziness, fainting, nausea, and lightheadedness are shared between low blood pressure and stress.

Stress Reactions Can Affect Blood Pressure

When stressed, the body releases hormones that temporarily raise blood pressure by making the heart beat faster and narrowing blood vessels. While stress alone may not cause long-term high blood pressure, unhealthy reactions to stress can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Factors like excessive alcohol or caffeine intake, poor diet, overeating, and lack of exercise are linked to higher blood pressure.

Certain health conditions related to stress, such as anxiety, depression, and social isolation, may be associated with heart disease, although a direct link to high blood pressure is unproven.

Emotional stress hormones can potentially damage arteries, leading to heart disease. Also, symptoms of anxiety and depression may contribute to medication non-compliance for controlling high blood pressure.

Although stress-induced blood pressure rises usually normalize when stress is alleviated, frequent spikes can cause lasting damage to blood vessels, the heart, and kidneys, similar to the effects of long-term high blood pressure.

Can High Blood Pressure Cause Anxiety?

High blood pressure can make some people anxious about their health and future. The symptoms of hypertension, like vision changes, headaches, and irregular heart rhythm, can also induce panic or anxiety.

Severe hypertension may even trigger anxiety itself. If someone has intense pressure and symptoms such as headaches or shortness of breath, they should seek immediate medical attention.

Distinguishing high blood pressure from anxiety attacks can be tricky, as hypertension typically doesn’t cause noticeable symptoms. Regular blood pressure checks by a doctor are crucial to monitor and manage this condition.

We Level Up FL Mental Health Center Tips To Cope With Anxiety and High Blood Pressure

✅ To manage anxiety and high blood pressure, try deep breathing exercises, meditation, or yoga to promote relaxation.

✅ Regular physical activity and a balanced diet can contribute to overall well-being and help control blood pressure.

✅ Seeking support from friends, family, or a healthcare professional can provide valuable assistance in coping with both anxiety and hypertension.

Skip To:

Learn More:

• Learn the Different Types of Anxiety. 6 Types of Anxiety Disorders. Symptoms and Medications for the Different Types of Anxiety.
• High Functioning Anxiety Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment.
• Anxiety Rash Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and Prevention
• Anxiety Disorder Treatment, Types, Causes, and Symptoms
• What are Anxiety Tics? Symptoms and How to Manage Them
• Social Anxiety Disorder, Symptoms, Risks, Treatments, and Diagnosis
• Guide to Anxiety Meditation 5-10 Minute Mindfulness Techniques
• Common Anxiety Medications, Types of Medication for Anxiety, and Side Effects
• The 7 Best Over-the-Counter Medicine For Anxiety and Depression
• Depression and Anxiety Therapist Near Me

Get anxiety and high blood pressure counseling that works. Discover professional help from We Level Up Florida’s mental health therapists. Start getting support with a free call to our mental health hotline.

Treating Anxiety and High Blood Pressure

Distinguishing between anxiety and blood pressure changes can be challenging since hypertension usually doesn’t show symptoms unless it’s exceptionally high, requiring emergency treatment. Low blood pressure is also more likely to cause symptoms similar to anxiety.

If experiencing severe or recurring symptoms, it’s crucial to consult a doctor for diagnosis and appropriate treatment options for both anxiety or stress and hypertension.

Both anxiety and hypertension are treatable conditions, and having anxiety doesn’t always lead to hypertension. Seeking help early can improve outcomes and reduce complications for both conditions. There’s a connection between stress and high blood pressure, with anxiety sometimes leading to hypertension or vice versa.

Treatment for one condition can often benefit the other, so consulting a doctor for diagnosis and appropriate treatment is advisable for those suspecting either or both conditions.

Anxiety and High Blood Pressure Medication

When dealing with both anxiety and high blood pressure, it’s essential to work closely with healthcare providers. They often prescribe medications that work both issues together. For example, drugs like Sertraline (an SSRI) can help with anxiety and may also benefit blood pressure. Some beta-blockers like Propranolol are effective for both anxiety symptoms and lowering blood pressure.

For anxiety medication:

• Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs): SSRI medications, such as Fluoxetine (Prozac) and Sertraline (Zoloft), increase serotonin levels in the brain to alleviate symptoms of anxiety.
• Benzodiazepines: Alprazolam (Xanax) and Lorazepam (Ativan) are sedative medications that enhance the effects of a neurotransmitter called GABA, promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety.
• Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs): Amitriptyline and Imipramine are older antidepressants that can be effective in treating anxiety by impacting neurotransmitter levels.
• Beta-Blockers: Propranolol is occasionally prescribed for anxiety, especially for performance anxiety. It blocks the effects of adrenaline, reducing heart rate and physical symptoms of anxiety.

For high blood pressure medication:

• Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors: Medications like Lisinopril and Enalapril relax blood vessels by inhibiting the production of angiotensin, which narrows blood vessels.
• Beta-Blockers: Metoprolol and Atenolol reduce heart rate and the force of heart contractions, lowering blood pressure.
• Calcium Channel Blockers: Amlodipine and Diltiazem relax blood vessels by blocking calcium and reducing blood pressure.
• Diuretics (Thiazide Diuretics): Hydrochlorothiazide increases urine production, reducing fluid in blood vessels and blood pressure.

Regular communication with the healthcare team is critical to ensuring they know all the prescribed medications and potential interactions. The combination of prescriptions should be personalized, and regular check-ins help adjust the dosage or type if needed. Integrating lifestyle changes, like stress management and a healthy diet, further enhances the overall effectiveness.

Anxiety and High Blood Pressure Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy or counseling, is a valuable option for managing both anxiety and high blood pressure. Here’s a list of the most commonly used and evidence-based psychotherapeutic approaches:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT talk therapy focuses on identifying and modifying negative thought patterns and behaviors contributing to anxiety.
• Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR): Integrates mindfulness meditation and awareness techniques to reduce stress and anxiety.
• Biofeedback: This therapy teaches individuals to control physiological processes, such as heart rate and muscle tension, to manage stress and blood pressure.
• Relaxation Techniques: Includes progressive muscle relaxation, guided imagery, and deep breathing exercises to promote calmness and reduce stress.
• Psychodynamic Therapy: Explores unconscious thoughts and past experiences that may contribute to anxiety, promoting self-awareness and emotional insight.
• Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): Focuses on improving interpersonal relationships and communication, addressing sources of stress.
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): This powerful therapy combines cognitive-behavioral techniques with acceptance strategies, particularly effective for emotional regulation.
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Emphasizes acceptance of thoughts and feelings, promoting mindfulness and commitment to positive behavior changes.
• Exposure Therapy: Gradual exposure to anxiety-inducing situations to reduce fear and desensitize the individual.
• Group Therapy: Provides a supportive environment for individuals to share experiences, learn coping skills, and receive feedback.
• Schema Therapy: Focuses on identifying and changing long-standing patterns or schemas contributing to anxiety.
• Hypnotherapy: Uses guided relaxation and focused attention to achieve a heightened state of awareness, addressing anxiety triggers.

Always consult with mental health professionals to determine the most suitable psychotherapeutic approach based on individual needs and preferences. Combining psychotherapy with medical treatment and lifestyle changes can provide a comprehensive approach to managing both anxiety and high blood pressure.

End the Emotional Pain. Get Your Life Back.

Feeling Depressed, Anxious or Struggling with Mental Health Illness? Get Safe Comfortable Mental Health Dual Diagnosis High-Quality Therapy From Counselors That Care. Begin Your Recovery Now.

Hotline (855) 940-6125

Lifestyle Changes and Activities that Reduce Anxiety High Blood Pressure

While addressing stress or managing anxiety can usually lower blood pressure for those with high stress and high blood pressure, it may not work for everyone. However, managing stress has other health benefits. Learning stress management techniques can encourage healthy behaviors that can lower blood pressure.

Here are some ways to manage anxiety blood pressure:

• Adjust or arrange your schedule: Check it closely if your plan feels too much. Identify tasks others can help with, prioritize what’s important, and spend less time on less crucial things. Don’t hesitate to ask for help or say no to things you don’t want to do. Adjusting your schedule this way lightens your load, letting you focus on what truly matters for a more manageable and fulfilling routine.
• Breathe to relax: Take slow, deep breaths to relax. Inhale deeply and exhale slowly to activate your body’s natural relaxation response. This kind of breathing calms your nervous system, reduces stress, and brings a sense of calm. Focus on filling your lungs with air, then exhale slowly to release tension. Regular mindful breathing can help manage stress and improve your overall well-being.
• Exercise regularly or try yoga and meditation: Yoga and meditation are well-known for reducing stress and improving overall well-being. These practices involve moving your body and being mindful, offering a holistic way to manage stress. In yoga, you do controlled movements and breathing, improving flexibility and strength while relaxing. Meditation focuses on mindful breathing, creating a mental space for peace. Before starting these activities, especially if you have health issues, it’s wise to talk to your healthcare provider for personalized advice. Regular yoga and meditation can help you cope with stress more balanced and resiliently.
• Get enough sleep: Not getting enough sleep doesn’t just affect our physical health; it also messes with how we see problems. When we’re sleep-deprived, our thinking, emotions, and problem-solving skills take a hit. This can make challenges seem more significant and more overwhelming than they are. The lack of sleep messes with our perspective and makes us more emotionally reactive and less resilient in dealing with everyday issues. Ensuring we get enough good-quality sleep is crucial for having a clear and balanced view of things, helping us face challenges with a more mighty and adaptable mindset.
• Change your perspective on challenges: Acknowledge your feelings about the situation and seek solutions. Embrace a mindset that helps you develop resilience and gain new skills. Changing how you think about challenges lets you approach them positively, fostering personal and professional development.

Do you have questions about high blood pressure anxiety or anxiety treatment in general? Call our helpline 24/7.

When to Seek Help for Anxiety and High Blood Pressure?

If you think you might have anxiety, hypertension, or both, talk to a doctor. If you have severe symptoms like fatigue, nausea, chest pain, or difficulty speaking, seek immediate care, as it could be a medical emergency.

Both anxiety and hypertension can be treated effectively. Having anxiety doesn’t necessarily lead to hypertension. Early help improves outcomes and reduces complications for both conditions.

Suppose you or someone you know is dealing with anxiety hypertension. In that case, We Level Up Florida Mental Health Treatment Center provides personalized care with a team of experienced professionals. Begin your journey towards better health by taking the first step towards healing. Get help. Call We Level Up FL now. Each call is free and confidential.

Powerful Tips from a Therapist to Cope With Anxiety

Experience Transformative Recovery at the We Level Up Treatment Center.

See our authentic success stories. Get inspired. Get the help you deserve.

Hotline (855) 940-6125

Voluntarily testimonials from the We Level Up Treatment Center network vary. Not intended as a guaranteed treatment or outcome as each person's journey is unique.