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Can Anxiety Disorder Cause High Blood Pressure? Insights About The Connection

Can Anxiety Disorder Cause High Blood Pressure? Insights About The Connection

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Anxiety and high blood pressure are strongly associated with each other and also are a sign of each other. This means that one can cause the other and vice versa. The onset of anxiety happens due to high blood pressure and high blood pressure can be a leading reason for the manifestation of anxiety signs in a person.

If you want to learn more about the association between anxiety and high blood pressure and how these conditions can be effectively managed. Then, continue reading this blog.

Defining Anxiety Disorder

Anxiety disorder is a mental health condition that affects the mental functioning of a person. It is marked by extreme fear and dread in certain situations. A person may also experience a pounding heart and sweating.

Read More: Is Panic Disorder a Disability?

Common Signs Of Anxiety

Anxiety is characterized by the following signs:

  • Feelings of fear, panic, and discomfort
  • Irritability
  • Obsessive thoughts
  • Lack of concentration
  • Restlessness
  • Shortness of breath
  • Dry mouth
  • Nausea
  • Muscle tension
  • Sweaty hands
  • Sleeping Issues
  • Numbness

What Is High Blood Pressure?

The heart is responsible for ensuring that the right amount of blood is supplied to the arteries. To successfully perform this function a certain amount of pressure is needed for the blood to equally travel throughout the entire body via arteries. That specific force is known as blood pressure.

Moreover, blood pressure is entirely based on your activities and heart rate. For example, if a person is working out their heart rate and blood pressure and heart rate will rise. The heart rate is slower while sleeping and the blood pressure is also usually lower.

When the pressure is too high it is called high blood pressure or hypertension. According to the American Heart Association (AHA),  hypertension is a blood pressure reading that is always at or above 130/80 mmHg.

Can Anxiety Disorder Cause High Blood Pressure?

Every person once in their life experiences anxiety. It is a natural body response to a stressful situation such as a student experiencing anxiety before a test or a common person waiting for important news.

Recent studies indicate that when the body releases stress hormones. These hormones specifically trigger an elevation in heart rate and narrow the blood vessels. Both of these sudden changes in the body boost the blood pressure leading to high blood pressure.

Medical evidence indicates that individuals with extreme anxiety are more susceptible than those with lower levels of anxiety. Furthermore, early detection and ongoing treatment of anxiety are usually helpful in people with hypertension.

Anxiety-induced increases in blood pressure are normally temporary and managed once the anxiety is in control. However, if a person is experiencing regular high levels of anxiety, then it is a cause of concern as it can lead to damage to the heart, kidneys, and blood vessels.

Over time, anxiety-related hormone changes can be a cause of increased fat deposits, more precisely near the abdomen. Anxiety can also trigger behavioral changes in affected people such as stress eating, which directly leads to hypertension.

Moreover, particular medications for anxiety can instantly lead to high blood pressure. Recent researches suggest that serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) that are primarily used to control anxiety disorders cause high blood pressure.

Read More: Understanding The Connection Between Male Depression And Emotional Affairs

Can Stress Cause High Blood Pressure?

Anxiety is a stress response. Stress entails the production of certain hormones such as epinephrine and cortisol. These hormones originate from the fight-or-flight response which serves to mobilize the body and prepare to either run away or fight the current danger.

Fight-or-flight hormones can be a leading factor causing an increase in the following:

  • Blood pressure
  • Muscular strength
  • Heart rate

Once the stressful phase is over, the body systems return to normal. However, the scenario is different for people suffering from long-term stress. They experience the following signs:

  • Diarrhea
  • Weight Gain
  • Insomnia
  • Tiredness
  • Unable to make choices
  • Memory Issues
  • More fats in the blood
  • Weak immune system
  • Stomach Pain
  • Depression

Can High Blood Pressure Cause Anxiety?

When a person experiences high blood pressure, they also feel anxiety at the same time. A person with hypertension may have worried thoughts about their health and future.

Furthermore, the signs of hypertension can lead to panic or anxiety. Signs of hypertension include:

  • Changes in eyesight
  • Headaches
  • Irregular heart rate
  • Buzzing in the ears

Severe hypertension is a leading reason that makes a person experience anxiety. If one happens to feel severe anxiety related to signs such as headache or shortness of breath, one should rush to a doctor as soon as possible.

Anxiety symptoms are very similar to fluctuations in blood pressure and as such it is difficult to distinguish between them. Hypertension is generally taken to mark the beginning of the signs. This means that it is always a good time for a person to go to a mental health person and get his or her blood pressure taken frequently.

Treatment For Anxiety

Anxiety can be overwhelming. However, the good news is that it is curable. But, the sad fact is that only 43% of people suffering from generalized anxiety disorder undergo mental health treatment. This reduced ratio may be due to several factors such as lack of knowledge about the significance of mental health services, social discrimination based on mental state, and the associated expenses in attaining high-quality mental healthcare.

The two major common mental health treatments available for anxiety are:

Psychiatric Medications:

Managing the signs of anxiety can be challenging sometimes. Therefore, antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications are considered the first-line treatment approaches by mental health professionals. However, they tend to be effective only if taken as per the instructions and in the right proportions. Some common ones include Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), Beta-blockers, and Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors popularly known as SNRIs.

Psychotherapy:

Psychotherapy is often known as talk therapy. Some of the common and effective therapies include cognitive-behavioral therapy which primarily focuses on modifying negative thoughts into pleasant ones and this will eventually change the negative behaviors associated with such thoughts.

Psychotherapy and psychiatric medications are often combined for an increased effect in some cases. This is because sometimes medication is not enough to get the anxiety under control, but talk therapy can be used separately and still be effective.

Read More: Bipolar Disorder Vs ADHD: Learn The Symptoms

Treatments For Hypertension

The use of medication for hypertension is very often recommended to those individuals with this condition. However, habits including nutrition and exercise are also considered to promote people’s well-being. If the person is facing this problem either him or her or any of the family members then the first and foremost step is to consult the doctor and then you can share all your concerns with the doctor.  They will help you develop a blood pressure monitoring routine along with the prescription of certain blood pressure-controlling medicines.

Last Thoughts!

In conclusion, anxiety disorder and high blood pressure are closely linked, with one condition often exacerbating the other. Anxiety can trigger temporary spikes in blood pressure due to stress hormones, while chronic high blood pressure may lead to anxiety symptoms. Left unmanaged, this cycle can pose long-term health risks. Early detection and treatment of both conditions are crucial, as managing anxiety and hypertension together can help reduce the strain on the heart and overall health. If you’re experiencing symptoms, it’s essential to seek professional guidance for proper management. Therefore, consult with our mental health experts at Orange Coast Psychiatry to attain the desired mental and physical relief.

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Richard Samedra.

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Richard Samedra, PMHNP-BC, is a Board Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. He brings over 12 years of experience in the mental health field, working with clients facing a wide range of acute and chronic mental health conditions. His journey began as a Licensed Vocational Nurse and Charge Nurse at Westminster Therapeutic Residential Treatment, where he supported clients dealing with anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and substance use disorders. Richard’s dedication was centered on helping these individuals improve their mental health and transition to a lower level of care, whether that meant returning to their families, a board and care facility, or a sober-living environment.
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Inspired by the impactful work of PMHNPs at Bellflower, Richard enrolled in the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program at Azusa Pacific University. To broaden his expertise, he worked full-time at College Hospital Costa Mesa while completing his studies. There, he gained comprehensive experience across various units, including adolescent, acute men’s and women’s, stabilization, and detox/med-surg. Now, as a PMHNP, Richard is committed to leveraging his diverse background and knowledge to provide compassionate, comprehensive care to those in need.
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Shaheena began her career working on an adult psychiatric inpatient unit before transitioning to the geriatric psychiatric inpatient unit at USC Verdugo Hills Hospital. In addition to her clinical work, Shaheena also serves as a Nursing Clinical Instructor, guiding the next generation of nurses through their mental health rotations at a large community college.
Shaheena is a passionate advocate for mental health, believing that it is a fundamental pillar of overall well-being. She is committed to reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness and strives to provide comprehensive, compassionate care that honors each individual’s unique experiences and challenges. Her goal is to create a supportive, nonjudgmental environment where patients feel empowered to work alongside her in achieving their mental health goals.
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Shaheena currently practices as a Nurse Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Orange Coast Psychiatry, where she is supervised by Dr. Barrios.

Clint Nacar

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Cristian Cuevas

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Cristian Cuevas, PMHNP-BC, is a highly skilled board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with over seven years of experience in inpatient psychiatry and mental health.
A California State University Long Beach graduate, Cristian also earned recognition as a board-certified psychiatric mental health registered nurse. With a wealth of expertise in adult psychiatric care across the lifespan, Cristian has successfully diagnosed and treated a diverse range of mental health disorders.
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“My approach is grounded in years of diverse experience, including work in psychiatric units and medical detox units for both adults and adolescents. This extensive background has equipped me with the skills and knowledge to manage complex psychiatric and substance abuse conditions effectively. I am committed to staying updated with the latest advancements in psychiatric care, integrating cutting-edge therapies and best practices into my treatment plans. Collaboration is key to my practice; I work closely with multidisciplinary teams, families, and community resources to provide coordinated and comprehensive care tailored to each individual’s unique needs.”

Griselda holds a Master of Science in Nursing with a specialization in Psychiatric-Mental Health from West Coast University, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa. Additionally, she is fluent in the English and Spanish language, enhancing her ability to connect with a diverse patient population.

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Dr Barrios

Board-Certified Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist

Dr. Carlos Barrios is a Board-Certified Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist with over two decades of experience in mental health care. His expertise in telepsychiatry has allowed him to serve patients across California and beyond. In his practice, Dr Barrios integrates metabolic and functional methodologies, focusing on guiding patients toward medication independence and emphasizing the connection between physical and mental health.
Outside of his professional life, Dr Barrios is passionate about kettlebell training, which helps him maintain my physical and mental wellness. He cherishes visiting his family in Guatemala, to reconnecting with his cultural roots and rejuvenating his spirit. Dr Barrios is also deeply involved in transcendental meditation and rucking, practices that not only provide him with tranquility but also keep him grounded and connected to nature. These hobbies reflect his commitment to a holistic approach to health, both personally and professionally.