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When you are stressed, your body responds in a couple of ways.
Your heart rate and pulse quicken, your muscles tighten, and your blood pressure also rises.
High blood pressure is a condition that increases your risk of developing heart conditions.
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If left undiagnosed, it can be fatal.
When stressed, your body releases adrenaline and cortisol into your bloodstream.
The sudden surge of these hormones triggers a phenomenon known as afight or flight response.
However, stress doesnt necessarily mean youll continue living with elevated blood pressure.
These symptoms dissipate once the stressor is eliminated and your blood pressure levels return to normal.
There are two forms of stress: acute and chronic stress.
While your blood pressure might spike when you are feeling acute stress, its unlikely to remain elevated.
Its also normal for your blood pressure levels to fluctuate throughout the day based on various factors.
However, if left unchecked, its possible foracute stressto develop into chronic stress.
Chronic Stress
Chronic stress, on the other hand, is more long-term than acute stress.
With chronic stress, you are in a state of stress for a prolonged period.
When you are stressed, you are more likely to experience sleeping difficulties.
These have been shown to heighten your risk of high blood pressure significantly.
Research shows that stress can lead to further medical complications for people with high blood pressure.
Diagnosis of Stress and High Blood Pressure
In many cases, chronic stress begins as acute stress.
Normal blood pressure levels should be less than 120/80mm Hg for adults.
In specific scenarios, people with high blood pressure and experiencing severe stress might be prescribed beta-blockers.
Beta-blockers are used to alleviate symptoms of stress.
Harvard Health.Understanding the stress response.
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8 negative effects of uncontrolled high blood pressure.
Cleveland Clinic.Stress: signs, symptoms, management & prevention.
