Relationship between High Blood Pressure and Stress

Blood pressure is defined as the force of the blood pushing against the walls of the arteries. Each time the heart beats, it pumps blood into the arteries. Blood pressure is measured by the systolic and diastolic pressures.

The systolic pressure represents the pressure in the arteries as the heart contracts and pumps blood, while the diastolic pressure, represents the pressure in the arteries as the heart relaxes. Normal blood pressure is considered below 120/80. 120 being the systolic pressure while 80 being the diastolic pressure. Most doctors use a cutoff of 140/90 for diagnosing high blood pressure. Blood pressure varies during the day. It is lowest when you are sleeping and rises when you get up. It also rises when one is excited, nervous or active.

High blood pressure or hypertension means high pressure in the arteries. Blood pressure of 140/90 or above is considered as high blood pressure. In high blood pressure, the heart works harder, and your chances of a stroke or heart attack are greater. Hypertension affects approximately 1 in 3 adults in the U.S alone.

What Causes High Blood Pressure or Hypertension?

For many there is no one specific cause for hypertension, while for some high blood pressure is the result of another medical problem. The immediate cause of hypertension however is the narrowing of the arteries, which makes the heart pump blood harder and in doing so raises the blood pressure.

There are several other genetic and lifestyle factors associated with hypertension. For example; African and African American people are more prone to high blood pressure. People with Type II diabetes are also more inclined to have hypertension. Diet, weight, smoking, inactivity and stress are also responsible for raising blood pressure.

Hypertension & Stress

The exact relationship between stress and hypertension is yet to be fully understood. However, it can clearly be seen that stress has an obvious effect on the cardiovascular system and can result in arteriosclerosis, strokes, heart attacks and other cardiovascular disorders. High blood pressure is a silent killer with stress as its leading cause.

Stress is very much part and parcel of our lives and most people face considerable amounts of stress both at home and work each day. Blood pressure increases when you are under physical or emotional stress and if you feel constantly "stressed out," your body will create an induced state of high blood pressure, which can ultimately result in a heart attack or a stroke.

Recent studies show that stress and high blood pressure play a major role in causing strokes. Experts believe that people who report high levels of stress in their lives are twice as likely to suffer from a fatal stroke, than compared to people who report low stress levels. Having a stressful job may also raise blood pressure in men.

With all the research available, there is no doubt that acute stress can cause an increase in blood pressure. However, stress can be managed and blood pressure can be brought down to normal levels.

Learn To Relax

Relaxation techniques can minimize the harmful effects of stress on the body in general and especially on the heart. Research shows that breathing exercises, techniques and meditation can help control hypertension. By learning to relax and stay calm, cool and collected; you can actually save your life.