After a debate, unpleasant news or stressful days, tension can increase temporarily. However, not every high value means hypertension, not any emotional concern caused by tension.
After an argument, disturbing news, or tiring days, many people quickly take on the blood pressure – measuring device. When they see increased values, fear and concern become even greater.
However, the body’s temporary response to stress and continuous hypertension are not the same. Similarly, the feeling of nervousness does not necessarily indicate what is happening with blood pressure.
How does nervousness affect blood pressure?
During stressful situations, the body activates defense mechanisms that prepare it to respond to danger. Stress hormones, especially adrenaline and noradrenaline, accelerate heart rate and cause blood vessels to narrow down.
As a result, tension may increase temporarily. When concern passes, values usually begin to return to the previous level.
Therefore, measuring immediately after a debate or strong fear does not necessarily reflect normal tension.
A single high – value measurement is not enough to establish hypertension diagnosis. Repeated measurements and medical evaluation are needed.
What did scientists discover about stress hormones?
A study published in 2021 in the scientific magazine Hypertension He analyzed the connection between stress hormones and the risk of developing hypertension.
The research included 412 people, aged 4887, who initially had no hypertension.
Researchers measured the concentrations of adrenaline, nominaline, dopamine, and cortisol in the urine, following the participants ‘ health condition for an average period of about six and a half years.
The results showed that higher concentrations of these hormones were linked to greater risk of developing hypertension.
Each double the concentration of a hormone was linked to a relative increase in risk of approximately 2150 percent.
However, the study was an observer, so the results do not testify that stress was the direct cause of hypertension.
Could high pressure cause nervousness?
Hypertension is often developed without distinct symptoms. A person may feel totally calm while having high tension.
On the other hand, one may experience anxiety, fear, or intense nervousness, even when tension is within normal limits.
Nervosis is not a reliable indication of either high blood pressure or good control.
When emotional concerns and high values appear simultaneously, it cannot automatically determine which of them is the cause.
If nervousness persists, hinders daily sleep, or activities, it is important to seek medical advice.
How should you measure tension when you are concerned?
To avoid inaccurate results, follow some important rules:
- Sit quietly for at least five minutes before the measurement.
- Support your back in the chair and keep your feet on the floor.
- Put your arm on your back, with your shirt on your heart level.
- Don’t talk during the measurement.
- Shun coffee, tobacco, and physical activity at least 30 minutes ahead.
- Use a waved machine for the upper arm.
- Take two measurements by one minute between them, and mark the results.
If the measure has been performed during severe concern, relax before repeating it, unless alarming symptoms arise.
When does high blood pressure require urgent help?
If systolic tension is over 180 mmHg or diastolic over 120 mmHg, repeat the measure after at least a minute.
If the values remain so high, contact the doctor immediately, even in the absence of symptoms.
If such values are accompanied by chest pain, breathing difficulties, weakness, numbness, vision disorders, or speech difficulties, seek urgent help immediately. Do not expect further measurements.
What helps when stress and hypertension come together?
Regular physical activity, sufficient sleep, relaxing techniques and quiet breathing can help manage stress.
It is also important for controlling tension to limit salt, to maintain proper weight, and to avoid or limit alcohol.
If you use hypertension drugs, do not stop and change your dose without consulting your doctor, even if the tension normals.
Nervosis can temporarily increase tension, but not any growth should be attributed to stress. Accurate measurements, constant adherence to medical values, and control are the surest ways to detect a reaction that is passed on by hypertension that requires treatment. /Telegraphy/