Stress and Blood Pressure

Have you ever felt like the work burden is piling up on you and the walls around you are closing in? You are not alone who experience this phenomenon and its consequences.

About topic

Stress is one of the most common issues we face in our everyday life. Short term stress is actually a good thing. It motivates and helps to perform best under heavy demand hours. However, too much and long term stress might cause psychological, mental, emotional and physical problems. One of these is hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure.
Blood pressure is the force which is applied by the blood on the artery walls as it flows through, normally at 120/80mmHg. If this pressure increases and stays high constantly for a long time, it is known as high blood pressure (HBP). According to the CDC reports, about 1 in every 3 adults in the United States has hypertension. Data from American Heart Association shows that the death rate of hypertension has increased 17.1% from 1999 to 2009.

How stress affects blood pressure?

Link between stress and hypertension is still ambiguous. Some studies suggest that the body releases certain hormone under stress conditions, mainly adrenaline and cortisol, which directly increase the blood pressure by raising the body for emergency action, also known as ‘fight or flight’ response. Short term hypertension is relieved as soon as the stress factor is eliminated. However, these spikes in the blood pressure might damage the susceptible structures, including artery walls and organ’s internal lining, causing long-term cardiovascular problems. Other theories suggest that stress is not associated with hypertension directly. Instead, stress causes agitation, upset diet and exercise routines, segregation from family and friends, overlook medicines, disrupt hormonal balances and damage normal physical processes. This may develop long term health issues or exacerbate an existing illness. Researchers at Medical College of Wisconsin, USA, also explained the indirect relation of stress to hypertension. They also elaborate how stress caused elevations in blood pressure might lead to hypertension. Arguing the subject, some other researchers at Vrije University, Netherlands, published their findings in the American heart Association journal of Hypertension, suggesting that the harmful effects of stress are partially mediated by increased heart activity, increased systolic blood pressure, and lowered vagal tone. Evidence shows that changes in vagal tone may also be important to stress-induced hypertension by contributing to hyperkinetic circulation.

Relaxation Techniques for Stress

Relaxation techniques are a great way to help with stress management. Relaxation is not just about peace of mind. It is a process that improves your focus and reduces the effects of stress on your mind and body. Relaxation techniques can help you handle everyday stress and various health related problems. They can reduce stress by:

• Lowering the blood pressure
• Lowering fatigue
• Reducing the heart rate
• Reducing the breathing rate
• Reducing muscle strain, anxiety and chronic pain
• Reducing anger and agitation
• Reducing the activity of stress hormones
• Increasing blood perfusion to major muscles
• Improving attention and temper

 
Comment below for any specific questions and stay tuned for more information.