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Can Anxiety Be The Reason For High BP?
Hi! i am 30 years old and have anxiety. Recently I made the poor decision to go off meds to beat it myself. I work out six hours a week in a gym. I run a 3k three times a week and I eat based on the dash diet. starting a week ago I noticed my blood pressure was high. I ve kept checking it and it typically runs systolic between 133-142. I ve had spikes as high as 149. My diastolic is fine. It rarely if ever goes above 80 and usually is under. I have been nervous for weeks now and I m more nervous then ever now that I have high bp. Could the high BP be a result of my anxiety? I have heart problems in my family and my father has high bp. This is why I workout and try to eat healthy. How worried should I be? Can i still workout if my bp is that high? I go to the doctor on Thursday to get back on meds. Should i ask to check for hypertension?
Wed, 13 Mar 2019
Hello,
I passed carefully through your question and would explain that anxiety can lead to high blood pressure values.
From the other hand, heavy physical activity can exacerbate high blood pressure values.
For this reason, I would recommend only light physical activity (walking, aerobics, etc.) and reduce salt and caffeine intake.
Yoga can help against anxiety.
But, if these high blood pressure values persist, I would recommend consulting with your attending physician for a careful physical exam and some tests, in order to investigate for secondary causes underlying high blood pressure values:
- complete blood count, PCR, for inflammation
- thyroid hormone levels for thyroid gland dysfunction
- kidney and liver function tests
- blood electrolytes.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Ilir Sharka, Cardiologist
I passed carefully through your question and would explain that anxiety can lead to high blood pressure values.
From the other hand, heavy physical activity can exacerbate high blood pressure values.
For this reason, I would recommend only light physical activity (walking, aerobics, etc.) and reduce salt and caffeine intake.
Yoga can help against anxiety.
But, if these high blood pressure values persist, I would recommend consulting with your attending physician for a careful physical exam and some tests, in order to investigate for secondary causes underlying high blood pressure values:
- complete blood count, PCR, for inflammation
- thyroid hormone levels for thyroid gland dysfunction
- kidney and liver function tests
- blood electrolytes.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Ilir Sharka, Cardiologist
I find this answer helpful
Hello,
Blood pressure is ever changing phenomenon depending upon your physical activity, stress or anxiety level, and physiological changes. It’s recommended for you to consult a psychologist for counseling regarding your anxiety.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Bhanu Partap, Cardiologist
Blood pressure is ever changing phenomenon depending upon your physical activity, stress or anxiety level, and physiological changes. It’s recommended for you to consult a psychologist for counseling regarding your anxiety.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Bhanu Partap, Cardiologist
I find this answer helpful
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