high blood pressure and anxiety

swagato0220..you're right...anxiety & panic drives the bp numbers UP. The electric feeling you had at the back of your head was likely due to stress/anxiety, or simply nerves. When you were at the Dr. office, likely you were tense, & worried about what was on your mind. Again, the numbers would have been UP, but once you were at home, & much more relaxed, the numbers were down. When the numbers are up at the Dr. office, usually that's called "white coat symdrome"., & doctors are very well aware of it. This is extremely common. 

Just so you know...people who have constant anxiety attacks are more at risk for hypertension. It's very stressful on the body, so it isn't truly an innocent thing. Settling down is easier said than done, but I've learned that reducing stress or getting out of stressful situations (if you can) will make a huge difference.

Day-before-yesterday, I was experiencing stress, & had a tension headache. Yesterday, I went to visit a friend, who was really upset about something, & the stress she was experiencing certainly had an affect on me as well because I became a little involved in what was upsetting her. Also, I hadn't eaten in several hours which also was contributing to yet another headache. By the time 8.40PM arrived last night, I was very unwell...headache, & generally not feeling good at all, so I went to bed. This morning, I'm just fine, but will most definitely try to avoid anything stressful today. 

danny68892...The situation there in Texas is on our news all the time. Our thoughts & prayers are with you all, & hopefully it won't be much longer 'til you are back in your homes (if you had to evacuate), & things will turn around. 

167/110 isn't great, but it's not that horrible either. Yes, the diastolic (lower number) is a little high, but it isn't any wonder. Anxiety & worry can & usually does boost bp. While the situation there in Texas certainly must be causing a lot of panic, stress & anxiety, which is very understandable, I'm sure once things start to settle down, the bp numbers will come come. Do whatever you can to reduce your stress levels. 

Let us know how you get on. Yes, this forum has a lot of valuable information, & the people here are extremely helpful. 

Thanks Mike!. First, I was spared Hurricane Harvey as I live in Huntsville, Texas 2 hours north of Houston, everything 30 minutes south of me is still under water... I now realize I have a horrible case of white coat anxiety due to blood pressure. Every person in my family has high blood pressure. It killed my father at age 50. That's where my anxiety comes from. Besides the hurricane, I recently lost my job which added to further stress, I also suffer from Irritable bowl syndrome. I'm a real mess but keeping it together. I'm exercising and eating a strict diet...thank you for your message and my thoughts and prayers are with everyone on the site!

danny68892...You're just 30 min. south of where there's a lot of water. 30min. isn't that far in the grand scheme of things, but happy to know you're not really affected by the disaster. 

White Coat Syndrome is a very common thing, & as I may have written earlier, doctors are very well aware of it, & never do they criticize anyone for it.I had the same thing a few years back. I had a young cocky know-it-all doctor. When I first started going to him (I had moved 1hr from where I was), he had just got his Family Practise license just a few months prior. Don't get me wrong..he was qualified, but in my mind, not all that experienced.Anyway, as a little time went on, I knew something wasn't right..I didn't like him. I was nervous on the way, nervous awaiting my turn, & nervous in his presence. I ended up going back to my other doctor whom I had for 30 years. Yes, it's worth the 1hr drive. I'm comfortable with him, trust him implicitly, & certainly not at all nervous. It made the world of difference. So you see, the White Coat Syndrome can & does affect us. 

No doubt the hurricane, & losing your job has created a lot of stress, & stress can do a lot of damage to our bodies. Are you actively looking for employment, or has it become very difficult in light of the hurricane? You said you are a real mess, but keeping it together. That's the best attitude. There isn't anything you can do about the hurricane situation, you likely will look for & find employment..you're exercising & watching your diet. I think from what you say, you're giving it your all. Keep up the good work.

Please do let us know how you're getting on.

julius1982...what I think may be happening is when you go to take your bp readings...you started getting all wound up about it, anticipating the results. This is the worst thing that you can do. I do respect the fact that it's easier said than done. Do not take reading after reading after reading either. THAT causes anxiety & only serves to drive the numbers UP. A bp reading at home of 135/88 is not bad at all...not at all. "White Coat Syndrome" (being very nervous or anxious at the Dr. office) is a very common thing. Doctors are very well aware of it.

A while back, I used to get rather anxious just looking at the bp machine as well. Finally, I decided that it was just a machine...it couldn't harm me. I stayed away from it for a while, because there wasn't any point in me becoming anxious, resulting in a higher number. I simply made up my mind that a machine was not going to rule my life. On days that I was completely relaxed, I took the readings. On days when I didn't feel so relaxed, I didn't bother. By the way, contrary to what a lot of people say, it is not necessary to take bp readings every day. When the time comes to take a bp reading...take 3 consecutive readings, each about 2-3min apart. Then total the number, divided by 3. That gives you the realistic number. Just one more point...take the 1st reading...if you have to cover the monitor so as not to see the reading, then so be it...because that very 1st reading quite likely is not accurate. Then continue to take the 3 readings. There are bp machines that will take 3 consecutive readings, then give out the average, but again, it's best to take a single reading..then toss it...then set the machine to take the 3 readings. Good luck.

Thanks for the quick reply, the problem is there is no day that I'm relaxed taking the test, I can be as relaxed as a coma patient and the second I lay eyes on that durn machine my pulse goes through the roof

Sorry to have to say this to you julius1982 but you're going to have to train yourself not to let the appearance of a machine intimidate you. It will take a bit of practice but you can do it. Afterall, the machine is not a 10 headed monster that will attack you the moment you walk into the room. It cannot harm you. If anything, you're harming yourself by letting this get to you.

I was also reading about one of you taking some type of supplements for stress or anxiety? I would love to know more about that as I do not like to take meds...ive never really been on anything in my life before so its something that freaks me out as well 🤣

It's an interesting one - you might want to invest in a home BP monitor.  I was diagnosed with HBP about 8 months ago, and went out and got one which put my mind at rest.  I take a tablet a day, and have quite a stressful job, but I know that through diet, exercise and sleep I can bring it down.  By the end of last summer is was back to normal, only to rise up again once my diet had slipped.  Generally if I take my BP after exercise it comes down, and they say to sit and rest for 3-5 minutes before taking a reading, and to take 2 or 3 to work out an average.  

Hi Sissa965...First of all if I may suggest....Break your sentences down a bit...use a little more punctuation..

I found when reading it felt as though you were rambling.

Anyway...anxiety is known to be a culprit for raising blood pressure. White Coat Syndrome (fear of doctor's office) is very common too, & doctors are very well aware of this. Did you know what White Coat Syndrome can raise bp levels as high as 20point?? It sure can!!!

There was a time just 2 1/2 yrs ago that just looking at the bp machine made me anxious. If I was at the doctor, the moment he reached for his monitor to take my reading made me a little anxious. Finally, I thought to myself..."this is ridiculous..it's only a machine..why would I let a machine run my life". For a while I simply put the machine away...out of sight, out of mind. Then I began to slowly have it sit on my desk. Then one day out of the blue, I sat down, prepared to do readings..sitting properly, had the cuff on the right tightness...relaxed a few moments, then pushed the button. This was all I needed to do all along. 

Even with the slightest illness, bp readings can boost...but again, doctors know this & take that into consideration. Now one thing I'd like you to be aware of. The bp machines in pharmacies, etc. would give you more of an idea than accuracy. Not everyone has the same sized arm...& we don't know when those machines were last calibrated for accuracy. Do not take readings immediately after exercise. Wait about 30min or more. Also, don't take the readings within 30min of eating, drinking coffee/tea/wine, etc. Don't take readings if feeling anxious. Take 3 readings consecutively. Throw the first reading away, as it likely is not accurate. Then, average the next two. Don't keep taking reading after reading after reading. If you're not satisfied with the readings you get or you feel it's too high, repeated readings can make you feel more anxious..& results in higher readings.So what if it's high one day...the next day or even hours later it could be down. BP fluctuates minute by minute. 

If you're going to buy your own machine, don't buy a wrist monitor. They're known to be inaccurate. Buy one with a good name. A helpful feature is one that will take 3 consecutive readings for you, then spits out the average. Then, you don't have any math to do, but like I've explained, it's best to set the machine to 1 reading (erase it, don't read it)...then have the machine re-set to do the 3 readings. Again, the average is what your reading should be.

Good luck...try to stop panicking about this...it only serves to work against you.

thank you mike92384! i feel a bit better with what you have said, would you be able to suggest any good machines that are also not to spendy? I am pretty sure that the one i'm using over here at saars market place is much too small for my arm, and ill try a different one next time, at least until i can afford to get my own, and also take more than 1 reading, this was very useful information thanks again

Hi mike92384 just wanted to update you, I'm getting myself a machine today just a little one and my dr. Started me on propranolol, I've never taken anything in my life as far as medications go...so I'm a little uncomfortable with it but glad I'm being able to do something for my bp, wish me luck!

Sounds like what I'm needing to do, I was just prescribed propranolol, Dr. Said take my bp before I take it and if it's below 50 don't take it but if it's above then I take it. Are you doing the DASH diet? I've looked into this and do believe it's what I need as well. Thank you😁

I did try the DASH diet and found it work wonders, if it was at times really bland! There's only so much chicken and vegetables a man can eat!  Bread is my sworn enemy though!

You are so right! I'm terrible with the bread too...its my fave ...and chips, I've been trying to stay closer to the dash diet than not, usually the beginning of the month I do good and towards the end I start failing miserably lol my bp hasn't gotten to 140(at the dr. It was 150/whatever) for about a month it's like 125-130ish, still a little.high for my age(25) but I'm happier with it and am getting used to the machine, I have not taken the meds that were prescribed to me..i was too afraid, so I have another appt. Coming up in a few days, wish me luck, I'm hoping for a decent reading!

Sissa965...you're not taking your meds!!!????? WHAT were you prescribed??? If you tell your doctor you were too afraid to take the meds, I'd wonder what was going through his/her mind. When it was suggested to you that you take meds, did you not ask questions at that time??? The Dr. has the right to say to anyone not taking their meds ..."if you're not going to follow what I prescribe or suggest, then why do you come to me?" You are playing Russian roulette by not taking the meds. IF the meds were causing terrible side effects, then I could understand a patient not wanting to take the meds, but in those cases a call to the Dr. should be put in.

Well the two pharmacists i talked to both told me that this was a very high dose to start on for one, and I have another appt. Coming up here soon I told them I wanted to monitor my bp at home(bc i l finally got a monitor) and see what my average was before all this, she prescribed me meds for my bp at the hospital which was 150/something and I've never gotten a reading like that at home, so I say what's the harm in prescribing me something lower, she wanted me to take 80mg of propranolol, I don't have anyone to sit at home and call the ambulance if i needed bc I watch kids all day...my bp average is about 130/80 135/90 which is no where near close to the 150 i got at the hospital (I get really nervous all the time I think is why it's like that) anyways yeah I've never taken any meds in my life and when the pharmasict told me I need to be monitored taking this med, and need someone to be ready to call ambulance when I take them...idk about all that.

Sissa965...Ok, please refresh my memory as to the dosage you were started on. A 150 something reading at the hospital isn't much of a surprise. White Coat Syndrome is so common, & that  likely is what caused that reading. One high reading doesn't usually cause a Dr. to boost up the medications. They suggest keeping a watchful eye on things for a short time, then if the level is still rather high, then an increase in dosage likely takes place. A friend of mine saw his Dr. last week. He had a bp reading of 102/78 which is great. His Dr. asked him if it's always this low, & my friend said., "I don't know, I don't keep track of it". My friend can be very cavalier about things. Believe it or not, the Dr. told him to take just 1/2 of the tablet he normally takes. I couldn't believe my ears!!!!!! Just from one reading only in the office, the Dr. told him to half the tablet. In my mind that's careless. I was at my Dr. yesterday, & had a reading of 160/80...yes it's a "little high" according to my Dr., but he also said he takes into consideration the long drive I have to take to see him, plus other things. 

Your readings of 130/80 and/or 135/90 are fine. 

Let me know how you get on.

Yeah, so I was never prescribed anything for my bp before and she wanted me to start on 80mg of propranolol..... she got this from only 2 readings in the office which were high....and I know it's because of "anxiety/nervousness" idk if she understands of if in just haven't stressed enough that I feel the anxiety hit when I walk in that office, she also said that the propranolol helps with anxiety....but then again like I said before both pharmacists I talked to said that was very high to start someone on.. and that brought up my anxiety and worry about taking it...so I called to talk to my dr. And I told her I wanted to monitor it for a month now that I have my own machine...i was supposed to do that previously before that initial appointment..but the only monitor I had was at saars market place and I was not comfortable using that one at all...in fact I would get nervous just thinking about taking it...now that I've been tracking mine daily the highest I've ever got was 140..abd that was like once in a month and a half ...so my average looks like about 135/80 give or take...i belive my Dr. Rushed me into these meds ...i actually tossed then in the trash and to be honest I think I need something more for anxiety and less for bp... but idk where to start with that either lol I know it's anxiety bc, even with driving and other things I get super nervous, I'm a stay at home mom and babysit all the time... I just started going bk to school, I'm hoping this will help me get over this or some "anxiety"

My reading are more so 125-135/80-90 and I'll he showing her next monday when I see her again.

Hi Sissa965...You're so right about anxiety causing an elevation in bp,especially when one attends a hospital or Dr. office. Doctors are very well aware of this. Even though I'm very comfortable with my GP, there's a certain element of anxiety there just the same, & he takes everything into consideration, i.e. the long drive I have to see him, the heavy traffic, waiting, etc..He would never increase medication because of 1 reading. What you might do, is to keep a record of your bp readings. Don't go getting all upset if you do get a reading of 140 or whatever. This will happen!!!! I'm hoping you take 3 consecutive readings, then average them, or that your machine does it for you. As I've said, keep a log, then take that log along with you to the Dr. office. If your average is truly 135/80..I think that's very good, depending on your age, etc.etc. When there are monitors at market places, pharmacies, etc...I too would be very skeptical about using them. They'd only give you a wild ballpark reading. We don't know when they were last calibrated, or if they are calibrated for accuracy. Also, that cuff is not adjustable, & we don't all have the same size arms. Sitting there, with people walking back/forth, etc...that's not a quiet place to have readings done. Also, those machines only give one reading. Sure, you could take 3, then average them, but again, you're not in an ideal place to be taking bp readings. 

I'd be inclined to chat with the Dr., & tell him/her you're monitoring the readings at home...& show him/her those readings. I hope you bought a good quality monitor. 

Found this article by an Astronaut/MD that will make you relax more about BP, and even laugh a little! Also read the 3 part series "Drug Studies Don't Lie" on the same blog if you're thinking of taking meds.

https://spacedoc.com/articles/blood-pressure-and-heart-disease[/b]