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Question: I suffer with panic attacks does this incrase your blood pressure?

(Posted by: Gavin on 2010-07-29 23:09:25)

I take my blood pressure every morning three times i get 135- 85 127- 84 122- 79, than in the afternoon i get 144- 98 144- 97 153- 98, but in the evening i get 120- 79 121- 79118- 79 very confussed about my reading, when i went to the doctors they got a reading off 140- 98, but i suffer with massive panic attacks, my doctor as put me on citalopram 10mg. any ideas please?

Posted by: Queryman on 2010-07-29, 23:33:44

Even though many researchers have studied the link between high blood pressure and stress, there's no proof stress by itself causes long-term high blood pressure. It may be that other behaviors linked to stress — such as overeating, drinking alcohol and poor sleep habits — cause high blood pressure. While the modern-day events are stressful, you don't usually need to run away or fight. And yet your body still produces a surge of stress hormones. These hormones temporarily increase your blood pressure by causing your heart to beat faster and your blood vessels to narrow. But the fluctuations indicate that you might be having Labile Hypertensiom. Read on.... Labile hypertension is a subcategory of hypertension (high blood pressure). It is characterised by abrupt and repeated fluctuations in blood pressure levels. At times this fluctuation can range from 119/ 76 mm Hg in the morning to 170/ 104 mm Hg in the afternoon. There are different causes of labile hypertension. These include factors such as anxiety attacks, too much consumption of caffeine, salt sensitivity, or stress overload. It is safe to get a complete cardio check from this angle to see if there is any problem. Good luck.

Posted by: Iris on 2010-07-29, 23:11:44

Yes it does raise it. I have anxiety too and can attest to this.

Posted by: Impact on 2010-07-30, 01:32:42

Take half a tablet of asperin if your bp is really high, but generally it seems alright! is it making you feel heavy or weird? if it isnt then it should be alright! Id have a small blood test to check your electrolyte balance, see if anything is a little out of whack! but you should be alright.

Posted by: Rosat on 2010-07-30, 02:28:41

Of course it will. Try to meditate, relax , walk and don;t get too worry about it. Things will come back into order.

Posted by: DallasKolev on 2010-07-30, 16:03:01

If your bp continues to be those numbers, you'll need to be on bp medication, if your doctor doesnt agree with that, then you should find another one.