Anxiety and High Blood Pressure

STOP Anxiety! Cause of High Blood Pressure?

It is important that you understand the connection between anxiety and high blood pressure?  That's what we will cover here...

There are many variables that come into play when assessing blood pressure in people from moment to moment and these can include

• Emotion
• Exercise
• Respiration
• Heavy meal
• Smoking
• Alcohol intake
• Temperature
• Pain
• Bladder problems
• Circadian rhythms
• Age
• Gender
• Race

When having a blood pressure reading you should be relaxed and if possible sitting in a quiet room with the temperature at a comfortable degree.

In the best of all worlds you should have had a period of relaxation just before your blood pressure is measured. If these optimum conditions cannot be realised, it should be understood that it may be the cause of a high than normal reading.

Anxiety can play an important role in any person's blood pressure level.  Exactly what is meant by the word "anxiety"?  Here a definition: A state of apprehension, uncertainty, and fear resulting from the anticipation of a realistic or fantasized threatening event or situation, often impairing physical and psychological functioning.

Anxiety can raise the blood pressure by as much as 30mm Hg. The automatic response to danger or unfamiliar situations can be reflected in an increased blood pressure reading. 

Plenty of gentle reassurance for the individual having their blood pressure checked is often needed, and the person checking their blood pressure should ensure they give that individual the assurance they need that they are very capable.

Once the patient becomes accustomed to his or her surroundings and the medical personnel, then their blood pressure should return to a more normal limit.

 It has been noted that a person’s blood pressure is always higher when measured by a doctor and to a lesser degree by nurses. This is known as “white coat syndrome”

When checking someone’s blood pressure, it is always wise to monitor their respiration, and pulse rate. If their respiration or pulse rate are above a “normal” rate for that person, then they should be allowed to adjust to the enviorment for a few minutes and the blood pressure be measured again.  

Chances are this will result is a reading that is closest to a true measurement.   

Many people are anxious to learn more about high blood pressure, and if full explanations are given then this often helps to alleviate their anxiety over their medical problem.

We hope you've found this information helpful, but don't stop now.  You will find more informative blood pressure information on this web site. 

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                     Cause of high blood pressure