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

By We Level Up FL Treatment Center | Editor Yamilla Francese | Clinically Reviewed By Lauren Barry, LMFT, MCAP, QS, Director of Quality Assurance | Editorial Policy | Research Policy | Last Updated: February 15, 2023

Anxiety Statistics

It’s critical to understand the distinction between anxiety and depression. Anxiety, in its most basic form, is an excessive feeling of worry, whereas depression, in its most basic form, is an excessive feeling of worthlessness and hopelessness. It is conceivable for someone to experience depression and anxiety simultaneously.

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Can High Blood Pressure Cause Anxiety? Does High Blood Pressure Cause Anxiety

Some people have emotions of anxiousness when they have high blood pressure. A hypertensive individual could be concerned about their present and future health.

Additionally, anxiety or panic attacks may result from hypertension symptoms. Hypertension signs and symptoms include:

• Vision changes
• Headaches
• Irregular heart rhythm
• Buzzing in the ears

Anxiety and High Blood Pressure: Anxiety can also be brought on by severe hypertension. Extreme anxiety can cause symptoms like headaches and shortness of breath, so anyone experiencing these symptoms should get help right once.

Anxiety and High Blood Pressure: It might be challenging to tell the difference between anxiety and variations in blood pressure. Typically, hypertension does not manifest any symptoms. This indicates that it’s critical for a person to periodically have their blood pressure checked by a doctor.

Can Anxiety Cause Low Blood Pressure? Anxiety Low Blood Pressure Fast Heart Rate

Anxiety And Low Blood Pressure: Low Blood Pressure Anxiety

Does Anxiety Cause Low Blood Pressure? There isn’t any proof right now that anxiety decreases someone’s blood pressure. However, a person may experience anxiety or worry if their blood pressure is low.

Low blood pressure symptoms can resemble anxiety symptoms. Anxiety and low blood pressure both have the following symptoms:

• Dizziness
• Lightheadedness
• Nausea
• Fainting
• Difficulty concentrating

What is High Blood Pressure? Anxiety Blood Pressure

Anxiety and High Blood Pressure: When blood pressure levels are increased, high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, develops. The brain, heart, kidneys, and eyes are particularly vulnerable to the dangers of chronically high blood pressure, which can also harm other parts of the body as well.

Two types of hypertension are categorized:

• First-degree hypertension. This type of hypertension is the most prevalent type and occurs without a known trigger. The development of primary hypertension is frequently attributed to genetic, environmental, or lifestyle factors.
• Secondary Hypertension. This type of hypertension typically has another underlying illness as its cause, which is widely known. Conditions that impact the kidneys, heart, or thyroid are frequently to blame for secondary hypertension.

Anxiety and High Blood Pressure: It’s interesting to note that anxiety can also result in white-coat hypertension, a sort of elevated blood pressure. This typically takes place when your blood pressure is generally normal but increases because of medical anxiety in a medical environment, like a doctor’s office.

What Can You Do If You Have High Blood Pressure Related to Your Anxiety?

Anxiety And High Blood Pressure Medication: Blood Pressure Medication For Anxiety

Anxiety and High Blood Pressure: The most popular drugs for anxiety disorders are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). SSRIs function by boosting serotonin uptake in the brain, which can lessen the signs and symptoms of anxiety.

The evidence indicates that psychotherapy and SSRIs work best together.

Benzodiazepines may occasionally be given to treat anxiety symptoms transiently. However, because of their high level of addiction, they are typically only prescribed for short-term use.

Blood Pressure Medications That Cause Anxiety

Blood pressure meds may have negative side effects, just like any other medication. Many mood changes are moderate and transient, but some, including depression and anxiety, are more concerning. Blood pressure medications, however, may not increase the risk of depression, despite what doctors have long believed. A recent study found that certainly appears to be connected to a lower risk.

Best Blood Pressure Medicine For Anxiety: Blood Pressure Meds For Anxiety – Blood Pressure Medicine For Anxiety

Propranolol lowers your heart rate and facilitates simpler blood circulation throughout your body. It can help with the physical symptoms of anxiety, such as shaking and perspiration, and is typically taken for high blood pressure and other cardiac conditions.

We Level Up Dual Diagnosis Treatment

The definition of dual diagnosis (also referred to as co-occurring disorders) can differ between institutions. However, it is generally described as the specific treatment of someone who has been diagnosed with a substance use disorder and a mental health disorder at the same time. Treating dual-diagnosis clients is a critical aspect of our inpatient treatment experience because co-occurring disorders are strongly correlated with instances of substance abuse.

Creating a treatment plan that addresses the physical aspects of withdrawal, the psychological connection with drug use, and managing underlying mental health disorders is part of setting clients up for success.  A thorough mental health analysis identifies possibilities for treatment.  Meeting with mental health counselors and medical care providers means access to behavioral therapy and medication treatment. At our dual diagnosis treatment center, We Level Up can implement the highest quality of care. 

We recognize the fragile complexities of how mental and substance abuse disorders can influence others and sometimes result in a vicious cycle of addiction.  That’s why we offer specialized treatment in dual-diagnosis cases to provide the most excellent chance of true healing and long-lasting recovery.

It can be challenging to accept that you may be living with a mental illness, but once it is properly diagnosed and treated, treating the presenting case of substance abuse can be magnitudes easier. Only a properly trained medical professional can diagnose these underlying conditions.  If you believe you are suffering from a disorder alongside addiction, we urge you to seek a qualified treatment center to begin your journey to recovery. Call We Level Up today.

Anxiety and High Blood Pressure FAQs