According to the ADAA over 40 million persons in the US suffer from anxiety issues annually. When anxiety is persistent it can lead to other health issues. The stress that comes with anxiety is often associated with increased blood pressure. But does one lead to the other?
Can Anxiety Make Blood Pressure Rise?
Generally, consistently high blood pressure is not driven by episodes of anxiety. Nevertheless, it can cause a temporary rise in blood pressure. Spikes in blood pressure caused by anxiety often last only a short time and go away after the anxiety subsides.
Furthermore, drugs like SNRIs (Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors) used to manage anxiety with other behavioral health problems can also raise blood pressure. For those seeking treatment, this fact can obscure the relationship between blood pressure and anxiety long term.
How to Treat Anxiety
There are numerous ways to manage anxiety. You will need a blend of these therapies based on your condition.
Regular Medication
Numerous medications can treat anxiety symptoms. Some of them are:
- Buspirone (for treating anxiety)
- Beta-blockers (for maintaining regular heartbeat rate).
- Benzodiazepines (a class of calming drugs used to treat anxiety temporarily)
- Antidepressants
Lifestyle Adjustment
Lifestyle adjustment can ease anxiety symptoms. Try some of these options:
- Combat negative thoughts with good ones
- Exercise for at least 20 minutes daily
- Eat more healthy meals
- Maintain your relationships and broader network
- Try to keep your sleep schedule regular
CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)
CBT is one of the most successful types of treatment for anxiety. Cognitive behavioral therapy encourages individuals to alter their thought processes to lessen anxious ideas and fears. This aids in reducing the person’s anxiety and panic in such circumstances.
How to Treat High Blood Pressure
If someone is hypertensive, their doctor can recommend treatment with any or all of the following:
Medication
Here are some medications for managing high blood pressure:
- ACE (Angiotensin Converting Enzyme inhibitors) – lessen the degree of blood vessel constriction
- Beta-blockers
- Calcium channel blockers – enable the relaxation of blood vessels
- ARBs (Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers) – prevent blood arteries from constricting
Can You Treat Anxiety Naturally?
Here are some lifestyle adjustments you can practice to reduce anxiety levels:
Sleep adequately
A proper and adequate night’s rest is important for general health and managing stress. Often you can go a night without adequate sleep without negative effects. But after two to three consecutive nights of poor or insufficient sleep, our bodies tend to disregulate, sending our hormones into flux. This can have intense effects on mood and cognition. Do your best to sleep for at least 7 hours every night.
Eat a healthy meal
Consuming wholesome foods can boost your physiological and psychological health. Try to make sure your meals consist of nutritious food items like healthy proteins, fruits, complete grains, and vegetables. This will contribute to high energy levels, and while the effects can be subtle, the long term benefits are profound.
Meditation
Slowing your thoughts through mindfulness can help you to m control tension and anxiety better. You can try meditation styles like yoga and mindfulness.
Exercise
Exercising is an excellent stress reliever. When you exercise, your body releases some feel good hormones that reduce your anxiety level and make you feel alright. In the short term your blood pressure and heart rate will escalate. But as you continue introducing your body to these elevated states, your homeostatic systems will start to account for them and your baseline will continually lower. Long-term healthy exercise strongly correlates with a calmer demeanor, lower anxiety, and a lower resting heart rate.
Aromatherapy
You can also inhale relaxing plant oils to relieve tension and anxiety. Try exploring different aromas because some scents suit different people more effectively than others. Our olfactory system hub, where our sense of smell is processed, sits at the bottom of our brains next to our amygdala and hippocampus – two areas responsible for learning, memory, and emotion. Applying different scents to your environment can be a gentle hack into your mood and help you dip into a more relaxed state.
Note: Before trying any dietary changes or natural supplements, talk to your doctor because they may affect how well your anti-anxiety drugs work.
Bottom Line
Anxiety and hypertension are linked. Although having anxiety does not always lead to hypertension, it is possible, particularly in those who suffer acute anxiety regularly. Mindful Infusions of TN can help you treat anxiety with many patients experiencing relief after just one session. Contact us to learn more!
