Can anxiety cause high blood pressure?

Anxiety can definitely affect your blood pressure, but usually in a temporary way. When you feel anxious, your body’s stress response increases heart rate and tightens blood vessels, which raises blood pressure for a short time.

Short-term effects

During an anxiety episode, blood pressure can spike quickly. This is part of the “fight or flight” response, where the body prepares to handle a perceived threat. Once the anxiety passes, blood pressure often returns to normal.

Long-term impact

Anxiety itself does not typically cause chronic high blood pressure (hypertension). However, frequent anxiety episodes may contribute to long-term stress on the cardiovascular system, especially if combined with other risk factors like poor diet, lack of sleep, or smoking.

Why it matters

Because anxiety can mimic symptoms of hypertension, it is important to monitor blood pressure regularly. Some people with both anxiety and high blood pressure may need treatment for both conditions.

Managing both anxiety and blood pressure

• Practice calming techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or guided hypnosis

• Get regular exercise and eat a balanced diet

• Limit caffeine and alcohol, which can raise both anxiety and blood pressure

• Work with a healthcare provider to manage ongoing symptoms

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