Anxiety and High Blood Pressure

[brandonwx05]

I've had terrible anxiety most of my adult life. I've managed to do well for the last 6 years and keep it somewhat under control or at least hide it it to where it doesn't effect my job. Unfortunately, this year my anxiety is through the roof. Having had Covid last month I can't tell if my high blood pressure is anxiety related or the lingering effects of Covid. My doctor put me on BP meds last week but I stay so full of anxiety my top number stays high. Does anyone else experience this? I worry about my heart and having a stroke now and I know it makes it worse. How can I stop this from happening and bring my BP down?

[Lizziedee]

Hi, sorry to hear this I also have high bp but am no on medication for this. I used to worry that my high anxious state would cause this to get worse and cause horrid physical problems, however my gp reassured me that no matter how anxious I feel my bp won’t always stay high it does come down and I know through my sister being on bp meds she lives in a constant anxious state her bp is absolutely fine and has been for many years even when she got worse with anxiety! I listen to audiobooks at night which helps if even a little, and while I feel these negative thoughts are with me constantly I don’t worry about my bp any longer. I hope this helps x

[Hidden]

Hello

I think this year has been so bad it has been enough to make anyone's blood pressure go up

The medication and you need to give it time will help to bring it back down , they will keep checking it and if in a few months it is not coming down they will change your dose but they will control it so please try not to worry

You will not have a heart attack by having high blood pressure alone for a short time so try again to get those thoughts to go I know easier said than done , keeping fit , cutting down salt , exercise all these things can help to but the medications do and will work so you will be ok x

[MFM008]

I just heard from a friend that had Covid in August, she still has her taste and smell messed up. Perhaps you can ask to see a cardiologist to see if there were any changes to your heart.