High Blood Pressure caused by anxiety?
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High Blood Pressure caused by anxiety?
| Thu, 07-27-2006 - 10:18pm |
Hi I've posted a couple times here. I have been having lots of day to day anxiety foe a few months for no reason. This has led to a few panic attacks since I am so anxious. This all came after I had pneumonia in April and it scared me and no matter what, I was sure I was going to die or have a complication even though it was minor pneumonia and I was fine but the anxiety and exhaustion kept coming. Anyways I have had some palpitations and tachycardias from all of this anxiety lately and all heart tests look ok. I have been taking Effexor for 10 days now since my Dr. says I have an anxiety disorder and depression. Anways, each time I have had my blood pressure checked it is in the 150's/90. And 190/100 once during a panic attack. I have had 2 readings at my OB's and one at my my dr.s office-where I had the panic attack. They don't seem concerned and think it is anxiety but I don't. I didn't feel really anxious at all the last time it was measured but my ob seems to think I am anxious when I don't even know it. I think the opposite. I think that I have developed high blood pressure and it has caused me to have anxiety??? Does that sound weird. I get really tired too and the Dr says that the exhaustion is part of the anxiety. Is that true? I thought maybe my bp is high and making me tired and have palpitations that scare me and give me more anxiety. As you can see I think way too much and worry. I hope I am not going to develop a stroke or something and then what? I wonder how I can tell if I have real high bp. If I take a xanax before testing my bp will it still be high if I have real high bp? Anyone have similiar experiences? THANKS

Hi Casto,
I'm not a doctor or nurse so take what you want from my suggestions with that in mind... But I will share my experiences with these things...
I had blood pressure problems after giving birth to my 4th child (I had pre-ecclampsia). I would suggest getting yourself an at-home blood pressure monitor. I used a "cheap" manual, but there are a wide range of products available that measure blood pressure. I would go to your nearest drug store and talk to the pharmacist if you have questions. They are very knowledgeable in this area. They would probably even show you how to use a manual if you asked nicely (o: .
I would monitor your own blood pressure at home. Keep records and such. I would take it 3xs a day or something to get a good feeling of your average blood pressure. If you notice it racing, or you feel like you are getting anxious lay on your left side, do not talk, close your eyes, and try to relax as much as you can. This acts to reduce your blood pressure. Even though I was on meds after my daughter's birth I still had to do this in the beginning as I was very stressed when I came home.
On the other hand, if you truly feel your doctor is not listening and you truly believe it's blood pressure causing the anxiety I would get a second, or even third opinion if it would help you figure it all out.
I remember what it was like when my blood pressure spiked the first time the day after I gave birth (It went up to 220/110). I had no clue what was going on, and I was scared to death. All of a sudden I felt anxious, almost exactly like a panic attack, but more of a "weird" feeling than terror or fear based. I remember hitting the button and the nurse asked me what was wrong, and I could only reply - I don't know, but something's WRONG, I don't feel right at all... Since they were watching for a rise in my blood pressure it was diagnosed pretty quickly. Had I not been in the hospital or had a health history I could for sure see where they could've mistaken my reactions to a panic attack or anxiety type disorder. The feelings and symptoms are almost identical at least to the patient, or at least to me.
Also, I experienced some medical problems in the last 2 years during one period of 2 weeks without a diagnosis I did think I was going to die... It is a traumatic experience, especially if accompanied by excruciating pain (as I unfortunately was in -- long story). I think my medical problems are a major reason I am back in counseling, personally...
It's scary to have problems with your heart. So some anxiety would normally be expected I would think...
Oh, and also be sure to stay well-hydrated. My doctor told me that when you dehydrate you can have tachycardia as well.
That's all I can think of to help you right now. I hope you get the answers you need, and get well soon. (o:
Hugs,
~*~ Tangeloper ~*~
Hi! Anxiety can make the blood pressure rise (whether we feel anxious or not.) However, it's a temporary rise & since everyone's blood pressure rises & falls throughout the day, it isn't a concern. When you exercise it rises. Probably just as high as what you posted. During a panic attack it naturally rises. That is normal. It isn't going to cause a stroke. It's an old wives tale that people can tell or feel their high blood pressure. You cannot feel blood pressure. You can feel anxiety symptoms, though.
I would not focus on your blood pressure. Since you have no medical training, the readings you would get would need interpreted by a professional. If your blood pressure was consistently high, the doctor would be able to see signs that would indicate a need for meds or other means to control it. When we are anxious especially after your bout with pneumonia, it's easy to fall into the trap of thinking we are medically ill. Try to think positively & refocus your negative thoughts on illness. Noone ever died from anxiety or a panic attack.
Anxiety is exhausting. You are fighting it all the time. The key is to find ways to relax through meditation, yoga, positive imagery, etc. Allow the fear to pass through you or over you. Tell yourself that you are fine. It will not harm you. Like many of us, these thoughts of physical illness are common. I have them all the time. For many years I thought the doctor was wrong. That he hadn't performed the right tests to find what was REALLY my problem. But, with practice you will learn to accept the thoughts of illness
Yes, anxiety can increase your blood pressure, as can worrying, exercising or just the fear that goes along with being in the MD office (I think they call that white coat syndrome, don't they?)
If you're heart is checking out okay, and your docs feel confident it is the anxiety, I would accept that diagnosis.
Sheri Ann