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Does Everyday Stress Cause High Blood Pressure?

Your mind races as you try to meet an impossible deadline. At the same time, your nervous system shoots out chemicals that cause your blood pressure to climb and your heart to beat faster.

This reaction to everyday stress is temporary, lasting an hour or so. But can these spikes eventually cause persistent high blood pressure, or hypertension?

Different Types of Stress
“Not all stress is bad for your health. When managed correctly, some stress, in small doses, actually can be good for you,” says Sean Curran, MD, cardiologist at Bryn Mawr Hospital. One example is stress that helps motivate you to finish a big project. But there’s also “bad” stress, which is often caused by serious issues such as problems with health, money, work, or relationships. This type of stress can have a negative impact on your health.

“Over time, a lot of daily stress can affect your health, too. Studies show that women and men with high job stress are more likely to get hypertension,” explains Dr. Curran. Experts theorize that repeated spikes in blood pressure cause structural changes in your blood vessels, leading to hypertension.

In addition, some people experience a greater rise in blood pressure when they’re stressed than their peers do. Experts believe that having a high physical response to stress further raises the risk of developing hypertension.

Take Time Out
Stress management can help keep blood pressure in the healthy range. Here are some tips:

Write down what makes you feel stressed, and try to change what you can
Learn to identify signs of stress, such as a headache or tense shoulders
Go for a walk or do some stretches
Consider meditation. Studies show it can relieve stress and lower blood pressure
Practice healthy habits, including exercise and getting enough sleep.

For more stress management tips, visit the Health Library in the Women's Health Source section of our website.

Posted by Main Line Health on 2/7/2012 10:11:28 AM

Read more articles about: Sean_Curran_MD, Bryn_Mawr_Hospital

Does Everyday Stress Cause High Blood Pressure?

Write down what makes you feel stressed, and try to change what you can
Learn to identify signs of stress, such as a headache or tense shoulders
Go for a walk or do some stretches
Consider meditation. Studies show it can relieve stress and lower blood pressure
Practice healthy habits, including exercise and getting enough sleep.