Anxiety can raise both systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP). Systolic BP is the top number, which represents the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats, and diastolic BP is the bottom number, which represents the pressure in the arteries when the heart is resting between beats.
When you experience anxiety or stress, your body releases hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, which cause your heart rate to increase and blood vessels to narrow. This narrowing can lead to an increase in blood pressure. Additionally, anxiety can cause you to breathe more rapidly and shallowly, which can also increase blood pressure.
Studies have shown that anxiety can cause increases in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. In some cases, the increase in systolic blood pressure may be more significant than the increase in diastolic blood pressure. This is because the body’s response to stress and anxiety typically involves an increase in heart rate, which leads to a greater increase in systolic blood pressure.
One study published in the journal Hypertension found that participants who reported higher levels of anxiety had significantly higher systolic and diastolic blood pressure than those with lower levels of anxiety. Another study published in the Journal of Hypertension found that anxiety was associated with a greater increase in systolic blood pressure in response to stress than diastolic blood pressure.
It is important to note that anxiety-induced increases in blood pressure are typically temporary and return to normal once the stressor is removed. However, repeated or chronic increases in blood pressure due to anxiety can have long-term effects on cardiovascular health, including an increased risk of heart attack and stroke.
If you have anxiety and are concerned about the impact on your blood pressure, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider. They can help you develop strategies for managing anxiety and may recommend medications or other treatments if necessary. Additionally, it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, as these can all contribute to high blood pressure.
In some cases, anxiety-induced increases in blood pressure may also be a sign of an underlying medical condition, such as an adrenal gland tumor or thyroid disorder. If you are experiencing persistent increases in blood pressure despite efforts to manage anxiety, your healthcare provider may recommend further testing to rule out underlying medical causes.
Overall, anxiety can have a significant impact on blood pressure, leading to increases in both systolic and diastolic readings. It is important to manage anxiety through healthy lifestyle habits and, in some cases, medical interventions, to prevent long-term effects on cardiovascular health.