-
<h4 class="dechead">On One Hand: Temporary Hypertension
Some people experience temporary hypertension (high blood pressure) during episodes of anxiety. The anxiety is usually a response to a stressful situation and generally causes no harm in an otherwise healthy person. Once the anxiety is relieved, the person's blood pressure returns to a normal rate. People who are frequently anxious, such as those with panic disorders, may experience hypertension often, which may explain why hypertension and anxiety disorders often coexist.
On the Other: Sustained Hypertension Unlikely
It is unlikely that anxiety causes sustained hypertension (constant high blood pressure) because people with anxiety disorders often exhibit low blood pressure, according to a study published in the "Integrative Psychological & Behavioral Science" journal.
Bottom Line
Anxiety does cause temporary hypertension in some, but not all, people. It most likely does not cause sustained hypertension. Generally, the cause of sustained hypertension is unknown, according to the UCLA School of Dentistry.
Source:
Cincinnati Children's Hospital---Hypertension
UCLA School of Dentistry---Management of Hypertension in Clinical Dentistry
Copyright 2023, Wired Ivy, LLC