Blood Pressure and Anxiety

There is a relationship between blood pressure and anxiety. The term blood pressure refers to the force exerted by the blood against the arteries walls as the heart contracts and expands. This pressure has a maximum normal reading of 120/80mmHg. Any pressure that is constantly over that number is considered a high blood pressure. 

The condition can have serious effects on the human body if not treated correctly. Heart diseases, strokes and renal problems are some of the consequences of having an elevated pressure for a long time. Hypertension is the common name for high blood pressure.


Causes

Many elements can be responsible for causing hypertension. Some of them are the metabolic syndrome, sleep apnea, diabetes, obesity, alcohol abuse and smoking. These are some of the typical physical causes for an increase in blood pressure, however, there is another important aspect that must be taken into consideration when treating hypertension. As humans we are also emotional beings and emotions play such an important role that can even affect our physical health. Happiness, sadness, rage and worry can affect your blood pressure without you even noticing. Blood pressure and anxiety are closer than what most people think. Anxiety is very similar to panic but to a lesser degree.
 
The fight or flight response that is triggered by a perceived danger will rise the blood pressure as a way to supply the body all the energy needed in order to survive. In most cases there is no real life threatening danger but only the stress from work, families and other situations that are part of the daily life. This response is not dangerous if is only kept for a short period of time. The problem is that in most cases this anxiety is constant so the pressure will be quite elevated at all times causing serious damage to most organs in the body.


What to do
 
The first step to lower anxiety is to focus on one thing at a time. Do not try to do or think about too many things at the same time. When too many thoughts about the things we must do come in our minds, we feel very overwhelmed and helpless. Another thing you can do is exercise regularly.

It has been proven that exercise not only improves your overall health but also makes your body release certain chemicals that will make you feel better. Your blood pressure and anxiety can also be controlled with relaxation. Deep breaths are very helpful to ease your mind and help you focus better. The best way to do this is by taking a good amount of air through your nose slowly then you hold your breath for approximately 3 seconds and finally you exhale slowly through your mouth for about 3 seconds.

Consult with your physician if your anxiety gets out of control.




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