Does stress cause high blood pressure?

Asked by: Prof. Krystel Graham MD  |  Last update: September 25, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (30 votes)

Stress can cause a steep rise in blood pressure. But when stress goes away, blood pressure returns to what it was before the stress. However, short spikes in blood pressure can cause heart attacks or strokes and also may damage blood vessels, the heart, and the kidneys over time.

Can stress and anxiety cause high blood pressure?

Surges of anxiety can cause blood pressure spikes, but these are typically temporary. Over time, however, chronic anxiety can begin to have an adverse effect on someone's baseline blood pressure. We understand your desire to manage each of these conditions without the use of medication.

How much does blood pressure rise when stressed?

How much does stress increase blood pressure? While there's no set range, one 2022 study in Hypertension Research found that participants had an estimated increase in systolic and diastolic blood pressure of 15.2 mmHg and 8.5 mmHg, respectively, when they felt highly stressed.

How do you treat stress induced hypertension?

Meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, guided imagery, deep breathing exercises, and yoga are powerful relaxation techniques and stress-busters. Strengthen your social network. Connect with others by taking a class, joining an organization, or participating in a support group. Hone your time-management skills.

Should I be worried if my blood pressure is 150/100?

Normal pressure is 120/80 or lower. Your blood pressure is considered high (stage 1) if it reads 130 to 139 mmHg/80 to 89 mmHg. Stage 2 high blood pressure is 140/90 or higher. If you get a blood pressure reading of 180/120 or higher more than once, seek medical treatment right away.

Can Stress Cause High Blood Pressure?

27 related questions found

Can BP of 140 100 cause stroke?

A high blood pressure reading above 130/80 mm Hg can increase the risk of stroke. Elevated blood pressure can cause various physiological changes, such as damage to the blood vessels of the brain and bleeding in the brain. These changes can cause ischemic or hemorrhagic strokes or strokes due to small vessel disease.

How to immediately bring down blood pressure?

Tricks to Lower Blood Pressure Instantly
  1. Meditate or focus on deep breathing. Meditation and breathing exercises can help you relax, which slows your heart rate and lowers your blood pressure.
  2. Reduce your stress levels. ...
  3. Take a warm bath or shower.

Does drinking water lower blood pressure?

Can You Treat Hypertension by Drinking More Water? While it is important to maintain ample hydration to prevent transient increases in blood pressure, drinking water is not a treatment for hypertension. In fact, drinking too much water may cause your blood pressure to increase.

Can you reverse high blood pressure from stress?

Stress-reducing activities can help lower blood pressure. Although people with high stress and high blood pressure would generally see blood pressure go down after controlling stress, reducing stress might not lower blood pressure in everyone. But managing stress can help improve health in other ways.

Can obsessing over blood pressure raise it?

High blood pressure is called hypertension. Anxiety doesn't cause long-term high blood pressure. But bouts of anxiety can trigger temporary rises in blood pressure. Temporary rises in blood pressure that happen often, such as every day, can damage the blood vessels, heart and kidneys.

What is normal BP during stress?

Blood pressure normally goes up and down 20 or 30 points during the day. Surges up to 200/120 due to stress are impressive, and out of the ordinary. How harmful they are is a bit unsettled.

Why is my blood pressure suddenly so high?

Sudden high blood pressure can occur for a range of reasons. These can include high levels of stress, using certain medications, or underlying medical conditions. It is natural for a person's blood pressure to fluctuate throughout the day and increase slightly at certain points, such as during exercise.

How long does it take for blood pressure to go down after stress?

Can stress cause hypertension? Stress can cause an increase in hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. This usually doesn't cause harm, as long as levels return to normal within days to a few weeks.

What should I do if my blood pressure is 160 over 100?

If your blood pressure is very high—higher than 160/100, or when either number is higher—you don't have a decision to make. You definitely need medicine to lower your blood pressure.

Can unhappiness cause high blood pressure?

It's normal for your blood pressure to increase for a short time if you're feeling stressed. When you're stressed your body releases hormones like adrenaline, the 'fight or flight' hormone. Adrenaline makes your heart beat faster and your blood pressure rise as a way of helping your body cope with the situation.

How to get relief from stress?

If your stress is getting out of control and you need quick relief, try one of these tips.
  1. Get active. Almost any form of physical activity can act as a stress reliever. ...
  2. Eat a healthy diet. ...
  3. Avoid unhealthy habits. ...
  4. Meditate. ...
  5. Laugh more. ...
  6. Connect with others. ...
  7. Assert yourself. ...
  8. Try yoga.

What should I do if my BP is 140-90?

If you have a BP of 140/90, that is considered high blood pressure and you should discuss this with your doctor. The first thing that is usually recommended for people with high blood pressure to do is lifestyle changes such as: Maintaining a healthy weight. Consuming a healthy balanced diet low in salt.

Can emotional stress cause high BP?

Stress can cause hypertension through repeated blood pressure elevations as well as by stimulation of the nervous system to produce large amounts of vasoconstricting hormones that increase blood pressure.

What is the number one food that causes high blood pressure?

Foods high in salt or added sugars — such as soda and caffeinated drinks, baked goods, and many packaged foods — can contribute to high blood pressure. Limiting or replacing these foods in the diet can help people manage or lower their blood pressure.

How do I get my BP down asap?

If you have a sudden spike in blood pressure, stop all physical activity, drink some water, lie down flat, and take conscious deep breaths to make yourself calm. If your blood pressure does not come down in a few minutes, contact your physician immediately.

Do bananas lower blood pressure?

The Bottom Line. Bananas are a nutritious and tasty option for helping lower blood pressure. Loaded with essential nutrients like potassium, fiber and vitamin C, bananas offer several benefits for cardiovascular health. Their potassium content counterbalances sodium intake, promoting blood vessel relaxation.

Does caffeine raise blood pressure?

Caffeine may cause a brief rise in your blood pressure, even if you don't have high blood pressure. This short-term spike in blood pressure happens mainly in people who don't drink caffeine often, rather than in those who do. Still, the blood pressure response to caffeine differs from person to person.

What brings blood pressure down in minutes?

If your blood pressure is elevated and you want to see an immediate change, lie down and take deep breaths. This is how you lower your blood pressure within minutes, helping to slow your heart rate and decrease your blood pressure. When you feel stress, hormones are released that constrict your blood vessels.

Does dehydration cause high blood pressure?

Dehydration can lead to high blood pressure (hypertension) by constricting blood vessels, while many medications that doctors prescribe to treat hypertension may cause dehydration. Because of this, those with hypertension must stay hydrated and maintain a healthy lifestyle to manage their high blood pressure.

What is the number one fruit to lower blood pressure?

Fruits that can help lower blood pressure in the long term include strawberries, blueberries, bananas, watermelon, and kiwis . Drinking pomegranate juice may also help .