Does chronic anxiety increase blood pressure?

Anxiety is a natural reaction of the body when faced with stress or a certain risk. However, when anxiety occurs frequently and becomes anxiety, even anxiety disorder. This prolonged condition can cause many negative impacts on psychology and physical health, according to the health website Healthline (USA).

Meanwhile, blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries. This is an important factor in maintaining life. High blood pressure occurs when this force is above normal. Anxiety can increase blood pressure and lead to high blood pressure. This happens because anxiety stimulates the sympathetic system.

When the body is faced with anxiety, the sympathetic nervous system is activated, leading to the secretion of adrenaline and cortisol. These are two hormones that increase the heart rate, leading to a rapid increase in blood pressure.

In addition to increasing heart rate, adrenaline and cortisol also constrict blood vessels, causing them to narrow, thereby increasing pressure in the blood vessel walls. This condition, if prolonged, will damage the arteries.

In the long term, chronic anxiety can cause physiological changes in the body, such as disrupting the blood pressure control system and reducing the sensitivity of blood vessel receptors. As a result, blood pressure is not well regulated, leading to high blood pressure.

Uncontrolled high blood pressure increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and damages blood vessels in the kidneys, eyes, and brain. In extreme cases, long-term high blood pressure can rupture an artery in the brain and lead to a stroke.

To reduce anxiety, people can seek help from a psychiatrist for medication or a psychotherapist. Techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises can also help reduce anxiety.

Regular exercise helps regulate the nervous system and lower blood pressure. In addition, people with anxiety should also avoid stimulants such as caffeine and tobacco and maintain a nutritious diet, according to Healthline .