How Stress Can Lead to High Blood Pressure



Stress is an inevitable part of life, but when it becomes too much it can have serious consequences on our health. One of the most common effects of stress is high blood pressure, which can lead to a variety of other health issues. High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a condition where the force of your blood against your artery walls is consistently too high. It’s a dangerous condition that can increase your risk for heart attack and stroke if left untreated.

So how exactly does stress lead to high blood pressure? When we feel stressed or anxious, our body releases hormones like adrenaline and cortisol into our bloodstream. These hormones cause our heart rate and breathing rate to increase, as well as constricting the arteries in order to raise blood pressure. This response is part of the fight-or-flight reaction that helps us respond quickly to danger; however, when this reaction occurs frequently due to prolonged stress it can lead to sustained high blood pressure levels.

Fortunately there are many ways you can reduce stress and lower your risk for developing hypertension. Regular physical activity has been shown to be very effective in reducing stress levels and helping maintain healthy blood pressure levels. Additionally, taking time out for yourself each day by doing activities you enjoy such as reading or listening to music can help relax both mind and body while decreasing cortisol production in the body. If lifestyle changes don’t seem enough then consider talking with a mental health professional who may be able to provide additional tools for managing stress levels more effectively.

High blood pressure caused by chronic stress should not be taken lightly as it increases one’s risk for heart attack and stroke significantly if left untreated over time. Taking steps now towards reducing daily stressors will not only help lower your risk for developing hypertension but also improve overall wellbeing in both mind and body!

Tags:

Stress, High Blood Pressure, Hypertension, Adrenaline, Cortisol, Fight-or-Flight Reaction, Regular Physical Activity, Mental Health Professional,

Topics